The Watson Brothers Read Online Free Page B

worked up the nerve, she turned to him.
    “Well?”
    Through his teeth, he snarled, “Inside.”
    Oh good. At least he wasn’t throwing her off his property already. She considered his grudging command a positive step. Slipping out of her car, she managed to hold her dress up, drop her keys into her purse, and close the door. Sam made no gentlemanly moves toward her, but then, he was badly beaten up.
    She loved his old two-story house. It had a poured front porch complete with an overhang and wooden swing. The shrubbery was original and thick and outdated, but it made a nice contrast against the red brick. Enormous oaks lined the street and during the day, squirrels scurried everywhere.
    At his father’s death, he’d inherited a large sum of money. She didn’t doubt that Sam could have afforded a posh, upscale home in an exclusive neighborhood. She was glad he hadn’t moved.
    When she reached Sam’s side, he took her arm in an implacable grip and started her in a trot toward the front door. Some elderly neighbors in the house to the right hailed him, forcing him to stop.
    “Evening Sam.”
    Sam groaned, slowly turned and waved at the two people visible by their front porch light. “Booth, Hesper. What are you doing up this late?”
    Ariel giggled. It was only eleven thirty.
    “The dog had business to take care of. Her old bladder just gives her fits.”
    Ariel’s giggle got caught in her throat. She looked in the yard and saw the most hideous creature she’d ever clapped eyes on. An obese bulldog squatted by a bush, turned to sniff, and then lumbered back to her owners, who praised her as if she’d created gold.
    “Who’s your lady-friend?” Hesper asked with a nosiness reserved for the old or very young.
    Sam leaned in close to Ariel’s ear. His hot breath teased her when he growled, “Stay here.” Then he moved away to the neighbor’s porch railing. They spoke quietly so Ariel couldn’t hear what was said.
    Seconds later, both elders looked over at her with awe and horror. Ariel frowned. Just what had Sam told them? He returned, took her arm again and said, “Let’s go.”
    “What did you say to them, Sam Watson?”
    “Keep your voice down. This is a quiet neighborhood.”
    His walkway could use a good sweeping, she decided as her toes kicked through scattered leaves. Even the porch was littered with leaves and acorns.
    As if he knew her thoughts, he said, “A recent storm blew crap everywhere. I’ll get to it when I can.” Using a key, he unlocked the front door and held it open for her.
    She stepped into the inky darkness, then felt his hands close gently but firmly on her upper arms. With bated breath, she waited for a kiss, but got bodily moved out of his way instead, so he could turn off an alarm. “Wait here.”
    Left alone, Ariel tried to get her eyes to adjust to the darkness. When the lights blinked on, she squinted. “Why don’t you have a wall switch by the front door?”
    “The light’s out and I haven’t had a chance to change it yet. I’ve been working overtime on the bar muggings. Let’s go to the kitchen. I have a feeling it might be the safest room.”
    “Why?” She trailed behind him.
    He gave her a long look. “No place to get laid.”
    Refusing to let him derail her, Ariel grinned at his sarcastic wit. “There’s always the countertop. Or the table. Maybe even the floor—”
    His rough palm covered her mouth. “That’s enough out of you.” She mumbled against his palm and he lifted his hand. “What?”
    “Tell me what you said to your neighbors.”
    His mouth curved in a sinful smile. “Sure. I told them you were a prostitute who’d ratted out her pimp, and I had to keep you close so he didn’t kill you.”
    “Oh.” He expected her to be insulted, so she asked instead, “Have you ever been with a prostitute?”
    “No.” He didn’t bother to hide his indignation at all. “Now behave for a minute so I can think.”
    While his back was turned, Ariel