A Time to Keep Read Online Free PDF Page A

human habitation—at least not until it was aired out.
    He returned to the first floor by a back stairway and found himself outside an expansive state-of-the-art, eat-in kitchen. A pantry and laundry room were set up in an alcove behind the kitchen. His booted feet left distinctive footprints on the tiled floor.
    Turning the faucet on in one of the stainless steel twin sinks, Shiloh waited for the water to run clear. There were twothings Gwen did not have to concern herself with: water and electricity. Both were in working order.
    Returning to the front of the house, he found Gwen where he’d left her, in the living room. She stood next to the massive crystal chandelier resting on a drop cloth in a corner.
    â€œYou can’t stay here tonight,” he announced in a voice layered with an authoritative undertone.
    Gwen turned, an expression of indecision freezing her delicate features. “What?”
    Shiloh closed the distance between them. “The house is safe, but you can’t stay,” he repeated. “The air quality is unhealthy. This place has been closed up for months and should be dusted and aired out before you sleep here.”
    She groaned audibly. “It’s that bad?”
    He nodded. “Yes, it’s that bad.”
    Gwen worried her lower lip between her teeth. “Is there a hotel or motel around here that I can check into?”
    â€œThe nearest motel is right off the interstate. But on the other hand, Jessup’s boardinghouse is just up the road.”
    There was no need for her to agonize over where she would spend the night. After driving more than twelve hours Gwen loathed getting behind the wheel of her car again. Her eyelids fluttered. “I’ll stay at the boardinghouse. How do I get there?”
    â€œI’ll show you.” Shiloh extended his hand. “Give me your key and I’ll lock up.”
    Delving her hand into the pocket of her slacks, Gwen handed him the key, then turned on her heels and walked out of the house, feeling the heat of Shiloh’s gaze on her retreating back.
    She got into her car and waited for Shiloh Harper to turn off the lights and lock up Bon Temps. And for the second time that night she found herself following his vehicle.
    * * *
    Gwen’s eyelids drooped as she waited for the proprietor of Jessup’s boardinghouse to swipe her credit card. She was past being tired; she was exhausted and hungry. She’d left Chattanooga, Tennessee earlier that morning, stopping only to refuel her car.
    Forcing herself to stand upright, she gave Shiloh a half smile. He’d brought in her luggage and offered to wait until she had gotten a room in the family-owned establishment. “How can I thank you for all you’ve done for me?”
    Crossing his arms over his chest, Shiloh angled his head. “You can buy a ticket to an upcoming fund-raising dinner-dance to benefit the bayou’s needy families.”
    â€œHow much are they?”
    â€œFifty.”
    â€œPut me down for two.”
    Shiloh lowered his arms. Gwen admitted to not being married, but she hadn’t said anything about a boyfriend. Women who looked like Gwendolyn Taylor usually did not spend their weekends watching rented videos or reading novels that promised a happily-ever-after ending because it was missing in her life. He knew very little about the current owner of Bon Temps, but what he saw he definitely liked.
    Willie Jessup placed a key and her card on the solid oak counter. “You’re in room two-one-four. It’s at the top of the stairs.” He nodded to Shiloh. “I’ll take her bags up,” he said in French.
    â€œIt’s all right, Willie. I’ll do it,” he replied in the same language. “Keep an eye on her, because she’s not from around here,” Shiloh said quietly.
    â€œNo problem,” Willie replied.
    Gwen’s fatigue vanished quickly. She’d taken an accelerated course in