Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read Online Free Page A

like a crime scene.” She wrinkled her nose at Travis and escorted Jade into her kitchen.
    “I’m so sorry to just drop by, but Ernestine told me that I should.” She felt a little guilty blaming the old lady, but it was the truth after all.
    Travis looked confused. “Why wouldn’t you just drop by?” He put his arm around her and squeezed, “In fact I think that’s the first time I heard the sound the doorbell makes. No need to stand on ceremony, honey, you’re family.” Jade could feel his body tense preparing to pick her up again.
    Gillian was ever aware and wagged a finger at him in warning. “What did I say? Step away from the woman!” She offered Jade a seat at the table. “Honestly, she’s going to leave us if you can’t keep your hands off her.” To Jade she apologized for her fiancé. “He thinks you’re a puppy.”
    Jade giggled. “Yeah, I get that now.”
    Travis rolled his eyes. “Let’s eat and then Jade can tell us what’s on her mind. This isn’t just a friendly visit.”
    They made light and amusing small talk over eggs, bagels, fruit, sausage, bacon and pancakes. The love Travis and Gillian felt for each other spilled out and touched everyone around them. Hank, Rags and Maggie became fast friends. Rags appeared happy to let Hank be alpha dog. He was twice Rags’s size so it wasn’t really a big sacrifice. Jade looked down at them and understood. They were torn. They wanted to go outside and play in the yard, but the prospect of table scraps made them hesitate.
    “Would it be okay to let the dogs out to play?” Jade asked.
    Hank looked at Gillian who smiled. “Of course. Here, I’ll do it.” She stood up and opened the door.
    As they ran out, Jade promised them, “Don’t worry, we’ll save your half of brunch for you later.” If it were possible for dogs to smile then Hank came as close to it as she’d ever seen.
    Stunned, she exchanged a look with Travis. She’d seen that smile yesterday when they’d been dancing. Travis nodded with a proud grin. “Yup, he smiles. I keep expecting him to ask if he can borrow the car. Hey Gilly, should we start a college fund for him?”
    Gillian laughed and squeezed his forearm. “I’m all for it, Sheriff.”
    The mention of Travis’s profession reminded Jade of her purpose. Over coffee, she told them about what she’d discussed with Ernestine earlier.
    They were both quiet for a few seconds after she stopped speaking. Jade looked from one to the other and could have sworn something unusual was happening. Then they blinked at each other and nodded, accepting Jade’s version of events without question.
    Travis said, “Gillian was pretty careful yesterday. She kept Hank or me close to her most of the time. She didn’t reach out to read anyone. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t something there.”
    Gillian nodded. “I can only read humans. I don’t read animals.” When she grinned there was excitement in her lavender eyes. “I’m amazed that you can. That must be so wonderful. If you got vibes from the dogs there yesterday, I’m willing to bet something’s wrong.” She looked at her fiancé in silent communication and then looked back at Jade again. “Why don’t you try to get something out of Hank and Maggie today? They’ve had a chance to sleep on it.”
    “That was the plan. Mind if I do it now? Outside?”
    “Do you need to be alone with them?” Gillian asked, “Because I’d love to see you in action.” Travis frowned, and Gillian’s eyes widened with feigned innocence. She batted her thick dark eyelashes at him. “Travis can do the dishes.”
    “That settles it then. Come on, Gillian.” Jade smirked at the big man still sitting alone at the breakfast table in the middle of a kitchen filled with dirty dishes. She tried to feel sorry for him, but couldn’t quite muster up the requisite amount of pity because, of course, women had been taking care of that duty and so much more since time began.
    “Fine,”