Bachelor to the Rescue Read Online Free

at her mother. “He has polka spots.”
    Lainie’s heart still pounded, but at a more normal rate now that it looked as if the animal wasn’t going to eat her children.
    Shaw rose and joined her. “He’s a very gentle animal, but rambunctious.”
    â€œYou should have told me you had a dog.”
    â€œWould it have made a difference?”
    â€œYes.” She crossed her arms and glared at him.
    Shaw raised an eyebrow, challenging her statement.
    Lainie turned away. She wasn’t in a position to turn down his help. Dog. Horse. Dragon. It wouldn’t have made a difference because she had nowhere else to go.
    For the time being, she and her daughters were at the mercy of Shaw McKinney. It was Friday afternoon. It would be Monday before she could sort out her financial situation and meet with the mayor. Time in which she’d have to rely on Shaw. Not a comforting thought.

Chapter Two
    â€œY ou’ll be staying on this side of the house.” Shaw unlocked the bulky door beside her, pushed it open, then handed her the key.
    With a hand on each daughter’s shoulder, she urged them into the large living room, pleasantly surprised at what she found. The apartment was fully furnished. Everything was covered with sheets, but she could make out a sofa and chairs, and various small tables. The rooms looked livable despite the accumulation of dust. A little elbow grease should fix that. It was definitely preferable to sleeping in the car.
    â€œThe woman who owned the house lived here until she was into her nineties. After she passed, her family removed the sentimental items and left the rest. You should have everything you need.”
    The house was the embodiment of Victorian style. The large windows, with intricate moldings, were covered with aged lace curtains, but still allowed in plenty of sunlight. French doors provided access to the front porch. Beside it, the curved walls of the tower added another element of charm to the room. It was a welcome change from the cramped apartment she’d shared with her mother, and the small garage apartment her former employer had provided. The girls ran to the tower, peeking out the long narrow windows.
    Natalie smiled over her shoulder. “Mommy, this can be our Princess Club.”
    Shaw gave Lainie a puzzled look. “Princess Club?”
    â€œIt’s a game the girls like to play. They find a cozy corner and pretend it’s their special castle where they can play dress up and do crafts.”
    Chrissy pushed her glasses up, her expression serious. “It’s only for girls.”
    Natalie ran back to Beaux and hugged his neck. “And cute dogs.” Chrissy smiled and nodded in agreement.
    Shaw ran a thumb along his jaw. “Uh, Beaux is a boy dog.”
    The girls looked at each other. Then Natalie whispered in her sister’s ear, generating an enthusiastic nod that sent the little girl’s ponytail waving. “Boy dogs are allowed. But not real boys.”
    Shaw led them to the rear of the apartment into a large kitchen. The once-white cabinets were yellow with age, the laminate countertops worn and scratched, but there was a cozy quality that appealed to Lainie. She could envision a large family gathered here for a hearty meal, discussing the day’s events, and sharing laughter.
    Shaw rested a hand on his hip, glancing around the kitchen. “Everything works. I keep it up in case I have to rent it out. I’d hoped to restore the place and get it on the market, but that’s on hold now.”
    â€œYou were going to sell it?” How could anyone not want to live in this lovely home? Even divided in half it was amazing.
    â€œA single guy doesn’t need a place like this.”
    â€œBut you’ll have a family someday.”
    He drew his eyebrows together in a frown, one corner of his mouth lifting in a sardonic smile. “Me? And give up my unencumbered bachelor life? Not in this