Books of a Feather Read Online Free Page B

quelled.”
    â€œMy hero,” I said, patting Derek’s knee. Turning to Crane, I said, “You seem to have, um, outgrown your scrawny phase.”
    One of his eyebrows shot up in a rakish glint. “Thank you for noticing, my dear.”
    Derek rolled his eyes and I couldn’t help laughing.
    Crane continued. “That, too, is due to Derek’s influence. He insisted that we begin daily workouts in the school gym.”
    â€œSo you could fight back if necessary,” I said.
    â€œExactly.”
    In my mind Derek really was a hero, but I wasn’t going to embarrass him by repeating it.
    â€œBut let’s change the subject,” Crane said. “I’m tired of talking about myself. Tell me more about the Covington collection. I’ve read about it for years, but I’ve never had the opportunity to see it.”
    â€œI think you’ll be impressed,” I said. “It’s much more than just a library, although there are many exquisite books and so much history. But there’s artwork, too, and beautiful gardens. And the building itself is impressive. I think you’ll enjoy it.”
    â€œI’m sure I will.”
    Derek put his arm around my shoulder. “You should be aware that the place also has a sentimental meaning for Brooklyn and me. It’s where we first met.”
    â€œNow I’m truly intrigued,” Crane said.
    I almost laughed at the way Derek made it sound so romantic. True, we’d met at the Covington Library, but it was only because my mentor was killed that night and I found the body. Derek, in his role of security expert for the priceless antiquarian book collection on display, had found me with blood on my hands and had immediately accused me of murder. Not the most starry-eyed way to start a relationship, but we’d managed to overcome those first few bumps in the road.
    â€œAnd just think,” I said, gazing up at Derek, “this time there won’t be any dead bodies to worry about.”
    Crane seemed amused, but Derek was no longer smiling. In fact, he was staring at me as though he might’ve wanted to check me into the nearest loony bin. That was when I realized I had just tempted fate in the worst possible way. Right then and there, I began to pray that my words wouldn’t come back to haunt me.

Chapter Two
    I woke up the next morning tempted by the alluring scents of bacon and syrup along with the seductive aroma of strong coffee brewing. The delicious smells could mean one of two things: either I was dreaming, or Derek Stone, international man of mystery and all-around awesome hunk, was making breakfast. Was it any wonder I was crazy about the man?
    I breathed in more of the fragrance wafting through the house and knew I wasn’t dreaming. Talk about seductive; I was the luckiest girl in the world.
    I jumped out of bed and rushed to wash my face, then threw on jeans, a sweater, and socks. Minutes later, I ran out to the kitchen and wrapped my arms around Derek. “Thank you, thank you. I love you, love you,” I murmured, ridiculously grateful that his mother had taught him the basics of cooking. Unlike mine.
    â€œYou only love me for my ability to cook bacon.” But he hugged me back and planted a warm kiss on the top of my head. “Pour yourself a cup of coffee.”
    I did as he suggested and added a generous dollop of half-and-half to my cup. “Can I help with anything?”
    He took a quick sip of his own coffee. “No, everything’s ready.” He piled bacon slices onto two plates that already held a thick waffle and chunks of apple, banana, and strawberries, and set them down on opposite sides of the kitchen bar.
    I leaned in close and kissed him. “You are the best thing in the world.”
    â€œAnd so are you.” He kissed me back, then circled around to the dining room side of the kitchen bar and sat.
    I sat down on the one kitchen stool, facing him. After