12 Days At Silver Bells House Read Online Free PDF Page A

date models. A rule. She didn’t date at all, really. Well, now and then. More then than now. And of course, she wasn’t even considering a date with Excavator-man. Her thoughts were simply a comparison of what she was used to and what she faced.
    She took a deep Zen breath. She wasn’t in the country to ponder the lack of gentleman escorts in her life. She was in the country to make The Decision.
    â€˜It’s a lovely house,’ she said, a slice of envy carving a space inside her because she wouldn’t be enjoying it in solitude. Wouldn’t be enjoying it at all. She’d have to leave. Go back to Sydney where she’d be plagued with business. Gone were her chances of peace while she contemplated which way to murder you know who and get away with it. There’d be no running from business or him now. It was Christmas. All the cute country holiday lets in New South Wales would be fully booked. She’d wanted twelve days. She had eleven, after tonight. She didn’t stand a chance of finding somewhere to nurture her solitude. ‘I take it you’re an ace builder as well as a stonemason.’ He must be the one building that dry-stone wall.
    He smiled. ‘You sound peeved about that.’
    There was something comforting about the ever-present slight crease of a frown between his eyebrows. As though he’d always be on the lookout, always be alert and prepared to rescue, or have a concise answer to a problem.
    â€˜This was supposed to be my hideaway house, remember?’ she told him.
    â€˜What are you hiding from?’
    â€˜Business,’ she said, not about to go into details. ‘I run a fashion house in Sydney.’
    â€˜That explains the sky-scraper heels and the elegant attire, then.’
    Was he being suggestive or rude? Difficult to tell. He just looked comfy. Big and comfy. And secure.
    ****
    Jamie let her study him. She’d be more than peeved about the accommodation problem, she’d be wary about staying here with him. He might have helped her out of a muddy paddock, but one small rescue didn’t constitute safety. What was it about this city woman that made him feel sorry for her or compassionate or something?
    The last thing he needed was a damsel in distress. He’d spent the previous four years worrying about another damsel and he doubted his nerves would hold out on another.
    Especially one who appeared to be in an emotional flap. Maybe she was just tired and a little frustrated. She certainly hadn’t known the house was his.
    What the hell was going on? Why had Sammy arranged for her friend to stay at Silver Bells House?
    â€˜I’m afraid there’s not much to eat,’ he said, dropping the bag of potatoes he’d taken out of the pantry onto the bench top. ‘Grocery shopping is overdue.’
    â€˜That’s alright, I’m not hungry.’
    He turned to look at her as she ripped at the lid on the box of her wine. Slim build. Slim. Not thin . Not ultra-thin. He noticed these things. He had reason to note collar bones and elbows and wrist circumferences. She had a whippet-slim waist which enhanced her hips, making her look like she had some. Yet Kate had curves too. He’d felt them when she’d been pressed over his shoulder. She didn’t look like a wire coat hanger fashion guru in some magazine. Well, maybe the softly padded variety.
    â€˜I’ll cook us some baked potatoes. Cheese and chives topping okay with you? I’ve got some lettuce and a couple of tomatoes too.’ He closed his eyes briefly and turned from her, a little irked he’d settled into coercion mode so fast. It wasn’t anything to do with him if she didn’t want to eat.
    â€˜I just want a glass of wine,’ she said, struggling to open the cardboard box.
    â€˜It’ll be warm,’ he said, picking up a kitchen knife and walking over to her.
    She shot back when she saw the knife. Jamie slit the