Shadows from the Grave Read Online Free Page A

he said. “I’ll take the couch. You don’t honestly expect me to run you out of bed, do you? My mother would have my hide if I did something like that.”
    “Are you planning on telling her?” Annie stopped on the first step and turned to look at him. She cocked an eyebrow and gave him a quick head-to-toe. “Darlin’, you won’t fit on that couch comfortably. Not to sleep, anyhow.”
    Chase shrugged. “Well, I’m not taking the bed, so that leaves the couch. Besides, it’s a very comfortable couch.” His smile was triumphant and self-satisfied as he put Murphy down on the floor. However, Annie’s next words wiped the smile right off his face and caused her to release a grin of her own.
    “I guess I could head home, but it’s three in the morning, and it’s raining. So you’re stuck with me for tonight. If you aren’t taking the bed, and you won’t let me take the couch, that leaves one option. We’ll just have to share the bed.” Not waiting for his response, she turned and headed back upstairs. Murphy followed along in her wake. Once she reached the top of the stairs, Annie turned back to look at Chase, who still stood scowling at the bottom. “Oh, for pity’s sake, Chase. We’re adults. We’re tired. Come to bed. I promise I won’t jump you as soon as you lay your head down.”
    Chase grunted. “Okay, but don’t let this get out.” He grabbed his bag and started up the steps. “I have a reputation to protect, you know.”
    Annie laughed. “Your reputation could only be enhanced by such a rumor. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure everyone in town who knows our names already thinks we’re an item, so it’s probably a few months too late for saving either of our reputations. We might as well enjoy it.” She actually heard Chase’s gulp of surprise, and sighed inwardly, cursing her stupid tongue. Their teasing had developed a tense edge, each of them dancing closer and closer. Ignoring her growing feelings for him was becoming harder.
    “So, do you want to know what I brought you?” Chase asked as they reached the bedroom.
    “You didn’t have to bring me anything, and you know it,” she said. “But if you went to the trouble of getting me a present, then, yes. Please give it to me.”
    Chase set his bag on the bed and opened it. He pulled out a tastefully wrapped package that was a little smaller than a shirt box.
    “Here you go,” he said, holding it out to her.
    Annie flushed and barely prevented herself from squealing like a schoolgirl. It’s ridiculous to feel this way , she told herself.
    Taking the box, she immediately noticed its weight. “Oh, it’s heavier than it looks. I figured it was an ‘I Love Vegas’ shirt.” She gave the present a gentle shake as she sat down on the bed to open it.
    “Why do women do that?” Chase asked with a small yawn, as he moved his bag to the floor and went into the closet to grab a t-shirt and pair of shorts. He came back out and watched as Annie carefully unwrapped the box. “It’s not like the paper’s made of gold, you know. I didn’t take that long to wrap it, and I’m a man.”
    “I know, but the unwrapping is part of it, Chase,” she scolded. When she had the paper undone, she lifted the lid to reveal the contents. For a suspended moment, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Suddenly wide-awake, she raised her gaze to his.
    “How did you get this?” she whispered, her tone reverent as she lifted the hardback book out of the box. “It isn’t due to be released for another week and a half.”
    Chase shrugged, trying to look casual. “The author’s husband happened to be one of the attorneys at the conference. One of the geeks, no less. We all had dinner together Friday night, and I recognized her name from hearing you rave about her books. I mentioned that you were a fan, and she gave me that. You have to hold onto it until it’s released, though, and not tell anyone about it.”
    Annie knew her eyes had grown huge, but