Bottom Line: Callaghan Brothers, Book 8 Read Online Free Page B

recalled talking to Faith at her and Kieran’s wedding, then ditching before Lexi found him feeling sorry for himself.  Stopping at his condo, changing out of his suit and tugging on some jeans and long-sleeved shirt (presents from Lex in an attempt to get him to relax).  Driving away from Pine Ridge in search of someplace he could anonymously drink himself into oblivion. 
    Apparently it worked.
    Turning his head to the side, he spotted a glass of orange juice and a bottle of OTC painkillers.  With great and deliberate effort he managed to sit up and down both. 
    He took a moment to acclimate himself.  The room was on the small side.  Besides the bed, there was a nightstand table, a small chair, and a chest of drawers, none of which looked even vaguely familiar.  The walls were a soothing dark shade of cream that was very easy on his searing optic nerves, and trimmed with an upper border of simple geometric patterns of dark blue and hazel that reminded him of the Greek tapestries in his mother’s drawing room.  There was one window on the side wall; but thankfully the draperies were drawn tightly enough that only a fraction of light was visible.
    On the far side of the room, the door to the bathroom was open slightly.  Feeling oddly at peace and in no hurry – despite the fact he had no idea where he was – he headed there first to take care of his most urgent needs.
    After relieving himself, he took further advantage of his mysterious host’s generosity and took a long, scalding shower until the pain relievers kicked in.  After brushing his teeth and shaving, he felt almost human again.
    He found his clothes freshly washed and folded on the dresser, with all of his personal effects on top.  Peeking inside his wallet, he was relieved to find his platinum cards and cash untouched.  He dressed carefully, desperately searching back into his foggy mind for answers. 
    Going to Tommy’s had been an impulsive, spur of the moment decision, but his overindulgence had been a gross lack of judgment.  He knew better.  Just thinking of what might have happened made him that much more anxious to find and thank his mysterious guardian angel. 
    The house was on the small side.  Quiet.  Simply but tastefully furnished, more for comfort than show.  The light scent of lemons and laundry detergent hung in the air as he made his way out to the main living area.
    A soft thumping drew his attention.  Aidan looked over to see a huge yellow Labrador easing himself off the sofa and coming to greet him.  Aidan was not, by nature, particularly fond of pets, but this dog seemed exceptionally well mannered.  He approached Aidan at a relaxed pace, stopping before him to sit and look at him expectantly.
    “Hey, big guy,” Aidan said, holding out his hand, palm down, to allow the dog to sniff it.  That’s what his sister, Rebecca, had instructed him to do when he first met her gigantic hairy monster, Angus.  The dog leaned forward and sniffed, then sat back and panted softly in what Aidan took for acceptance.
    “Think you can help me out?” Aidan said quietly, wondering why, exactly, he was talking to a dog.  The dog swished his tail back and forth a few times and regarded him with intelligent brown eyes.  “I’m looking for your owner.”
    The dog blinked and rose, trotting softly away.  He looked over his shoulder and paused, waiting for Aidan to follow.
    “Hey, Max.”
    Aidan paused at the soft female voice, sounding foreign and familiar at the same time.  He glanced at the speaker through the doorway.  Silky, shiny chestnut hair fell halfway down her back; she was dressed casually in an oversized shirt and faded jeans.  She leaned over the Labrador, petting him affectionately. 
    Brief snippets of hazy memories floated in and out of his brain.  Sitting at the bar.  Climbing into her warm truck and her wrapping a blanket around his shoulders.  Looking down upon the top of her head as she was on her knees