Kilted Lover Read Online Free Page A

bright, clean room, she splashed water on her face. Dear God, she’d just been shot at during a high-speed car chase, and now two men were yanking her in opposite directions. Her brain was overloaded and on the fritz. Tears burned her eyes.
    The thieves had her driver’s license and keys. Her blood chilled. If they wanted, they could go to her condo in Columbia and tear the place apart. Dammit, she’d have to get a new license and cancel her credit cards. She felt violated and nauseous.
    Her only security at the moment, her only peace of mind, came from Scott. Apparently his shoulders were strong enough to carry her problems as well as his own. She felt safe with him, far safer than she would’ve felt with Fletcher in this situation. That unnerved her as well. Relying on another man seemed to her like a type of infidelity. Fletcher wouldn’t appreciate her lack of confidence in him.
    Nor would he appreciate her disturbing, irrational attraction to Scott.
    ***
    “Scott, I have an idea.” Paul strode toward the front door.
    “What?”
    “Outside, bro.”
    Scott sighed, and then followed Paul out, across the lighted front porch and into the driveway. Night had fallen, and clouds hid the moon.
    “You and Leslie should hide out on my motor yacht ‘til things cool down,” Paul said in a low tone. “You’re staying there anyway.”
    “It’s too small and cramped.”
    “That’s what makes it perfect. Besides, Uncle Don and Aunt Edna are staying here for the next week. Even I’m tempted to leave. They’re gone out to dinner right now but they’ll be back soon.”
    Scott had to agree they were annoying and nosy, which was why he wasn’t staying with Paul this trip. Besides, he only had one extra bed.
    “Why are you giving me that snide look?” Scott asked.
    “So, she’s got a boyfriend. Big deal. She didn’t tell him she loved him before she hung up.”
    Scott shrugged. “That doesn’t mean anything.”
    “She wanted off the phone with him ASAP. Know what I think? She wants a new boyfriend. And you like her a lot. Don’t you?” That question was more like an accusation.
    “You’re jumping to a hell of a lot of conclusions.” Interesting conclusions. If Paul’s words held any truth, Scott wasn’t ready to face them yet. Sure, Leslie did end the call with Fletcher rather abruptly and without much emotion, but that didn’t mean squat. She’d been through hell the past couple of hours. She was bound to act a little strange.
    On the other hand, some deep, hidden part of him hoped Paul was right. That Leslie didn’t have much of an emotional connection to Fletcher. She’d given Scott more than one hot look filled with sensual interest.
    “I’m glad you’re getting over Isabel,” Paul said. “At least you’re not long-faced.”
    Scott scowled, hating the reminder. Isabel’s desertion had been like a kick in the balls, and his pride had smarted a good long while. Hell, nobody liked being lied to and cheated on, especially by a beautiful woman who’d found herself a more refined man.
    “Got to admit,” Paul continued with a grin, “Leslie has to be hot with all that red hair.”
    “Don’t,” Scott warned. “Just don’t even go there.”
    “Oh, this goes deep. No hope for you, my friend. It’s only a matter of time.”
    “Like hell. I’m not getting involved with her. She’s in danger, and I’m helping her. That’s all.” Why did he protest so forcefully? Because his body buzzed with awareness when she was near.
    “Protect her on the yacht, at least for tonight. No one will find you. Your clothes are already there. The galley is stocked with food and you can take more from here.”
    “I can’t leave. The thieves know my truck. If we drive to Patriot’s Point, there’s a chance they’ll see us.”
    “Oh, yeah.” Paul frowned and scratched his chin for a moment. “I know. We’ll hide your truck in the garage here. I’ll take you and Leslie to the boat in my car. Tomorrow,