Bewitched Read Online Free PDF Page B

a wild animal surveying prey, making her shiver with a strange and exciting feeling. But his voice, in comparison, was soft, inquiring. “Why are your boots too large?”
    She scowled, attempting to ignore the fluttering in her stomach. “Because I hadn’t exactly planned on trudging through the woods in them.”
    Coming down on his haunches in front of her, he said, “Give me your foot.”
    â€œThe bottom is covered in mud.”
    â€œI’ll survive.”
    He lifted her foot and wiggled her boot, judging the size while ignoring her cry of pain—the jerk.
    â€œI have some knit gloves in my pocket. Do you think you could stuff them into the heels as a little padding?”
    Her sore feet loved the idea. “Yeah, thanks.”
    To her surprise, he picked her up.
    To her further surprise, he cursed and hastily set her back down again when streams of rainwater squished out of her clothing to run down his chest. “What in the world are you wearing? You feel like a sodden mop and weigh a ton.”
    She flushed, both from his initiated gallantry and his censure. She wasn’t used to either. No man tried to schmooze her, and they sure as hell didn’t try to boss her around. Through gritted teeth, she explained, “I have a few…layers on.”
    Though she tried to duck away, one large hand reachedbeneath her jacket and clutched at the material over her rib cage. He squeezed, and it was like wringing out a rag. “Ah. I assume this is why your precious breasts are invisible?”
    Overcome with embarrassment, ready to drown him in the nearest available mud puddle, she nodded. “And you can shut your mouth on any more questions because it’s none of your damn business anyway!”
    â€œMy curiosity grows in leaps and bounds.”
    â€œI hope you choke on your blasted curiosity.”
    He laughed. “Come on, and no, I won’t carry you regardless of how your feet hurt.”
    â€œI wasn’t going to ask!”
    He assisted her to a fallen log amidst tons of greenery. Charlie prayed it wasn’t poison ivy vines twining everywhere. Harry crouched in front of her again and tugged off the boots.
    â€œI’m sorry. I know it hurts.” He pulled the gloves from his pockets, folded one in half and put it inside her sock. “Let’s try this and see how it works.” After both feet were repaired and her boots back on, she stood.
    â€œHow does it feel?”
    The gloves were soft and thankfully dry. She took a few careful steps, then smiled. “Much better. Thanks. You’re a handy man to have around, Harry.”
    He opened his mouth and she said, “If ever again I find myself kidnapped and then abandoned in a rainstorm on an empty highway bordering the woods while wearing boots that are too big, why then, you’re just the man I’d want to…”
    A beep sounded, interrupting her teasing, and they both jumped. Harry started to shove her behind him and she laughed. “I appreciate your efforts to save me from my pager, but I think I can handle it.”
    He muttered a low curse.
    Charlie looked at the lit dial and added her own, more heated and descriptive curses to his.
    He tsked her language, then asked, “An important call?”
    â€œMy sister.”
    â€œWill she worry about you and send someone to find you? Did she know where you were today?”
    â€œYes and no and no.”
    â€œI forgot the order of my questions. Care to clarify?”
    Charlie felt like crying. Her poor sister. She hadn’t wanted Charlie to go through with her scheme. She’d said it didn’t matter. And now she’d be sick with worry.
    â€œCharlie?”
    It was the first time he’d called her by name and she liked the way his cultured tones made it sound. Everyone she knew called her Charlotte, despite her protestations. Her mother had set the example, and everyone had followed it. Except for her