Cougar's Eve Read Online Free PDF Page B

bit overbearing, but because I cared about him and vice versa, I didn’t give him too much flack for being concerned about my safety.
    “Not tonight, Bud. Thanks though. I think I’ll eat dinner, relax and turn in early.”
    “Okay, just thought I’d ask. But, seriously, call me in the morning…early, all right?”
    I sighed. “You’re the only one who could get away with that, you know, this innocent ‘call me in the morning so I know you’re okay’ business. I like my freedom, and checking in is about as pushy as I’ll let you get with me, mister,” I teased.
    He laughed. “Guess it’s just my charm.”
    “Oh, definitely,” I laughed. “Thanks for letting me know about the men, Sheriff. I appreciate it.” Hopefully, reminding him that he was an officer of the law would help the conversation go from personal to formal once again.
    “You’re welcome. If I don’t hear from you tomorrow morning, I’m stopping by. You have been officially forewarned.”
    Then again, maybe, it wouldn’t make any difference today.
    “Gotcha. Bye, Bud.”
    “Bye.”
    Concerned about Bud’s news, I hung up the phone and turned back toward my guest, who was now petting Murrlin. The way he stood up, flexing his thigh muscles and his glutes, was enough to make my mouth water.
    “Bad news?” he asked, actually seeming troubled.
    I took a lock of my hair between my fingers and twirled it, the habit a nervous response since I was a child. “I’m not sure.”
    “What’s wrong?”
    Oh, what the heck, I might as well tell him; after all, where was the harm? “Earlier today, I ran into two men who were trespassing on my property. They seemed suspicious even though they tried to be friendly.”
    “That is odd, especially if they came all the way out here. It sounds like you’ve done everything you can so far by reporting them.” He thought for a moment. “Are you sure your boyfriend can’t stop by later?”
    I looked at him with confusion. “Boyfriend?” It finally dawned on me that my guest was referring to Bud. “Oh, no.” I laughed. “He’s just a good friend.”
    Vale actually seemed relieved, his smile widening. “I’m sure they’ll leave you alone. No one wants to get caught trespassing twice.” He winked.
    I nodded. “Yeah, but…it just felt—” I stopped talking, suddenly self-conscious about telling him any further details. I had been ridiculed enough in my life due to my sensitive abilities; I didn’t want to drive away a hot, sexy man by making him think I was some kind of mental case.
    “What?” he asked.
    I laughed uneasily and tried to brush it off. “I’m sure it was nothing. I’m just being silly.”
    “I don’t think you’re silly. Gut feelings are there for a reason,” he said as he walked toward me. Standing less than a foot from me, he reached out and touched my arm. “Tell me what you felt,” he softly encouraged.
    I looked up into his crystal blue eyes and knew I could talk to him. He wouldn’t laugh at me or think I was ridiculous.
    “It just felt…” I searched for the right word to describe the men, “wrong.”
    He nodded. “This feeling you’re describing, do you misread those vibes very often or are you right ninety-nine percent of the time?”
    My hand touched his arm as I shook my head. “I’m never wrong about those vibes. Ever.”
    “Then I’d say you should trust your instincts,” he reassured me. A smile crossed his lips. “What do you think of me?” he asked as he leaned in closer.
    “I…” I blushed but didn’t pull away. I like you and think you’re freaking hot!
    Loud pounding on the door made me jump, and I immediately moved to open it. Max greeted me. “Ms. Dubois, have you seen Vale?”
    From behind me, Vale answered, “Yeah, man, I’m in here. I was getting a glass of water.”
    Max glanced at me then to Vale and smirked at his working partner. “Let’s get back to work.” He turned around, not waiting for Vale to follow