Daring In a Blue Dress Read Online Free PDF

into the backseat before taking my place. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to see you. I really was
not
looking forward to that mile walk, and I was getting to the point where I was explaining to the weasel or stoat about the zoology classes.”
    Vandal stared at me for a minute. “Er . . . you’re a zoologist?”
    â€œNo, but I’d like to be one.”
    â€œAh. A noble pursuit, I believe.”
    â€œIt’s interesting, that’s for sure. But like I said, you have excellent timing. My feet hurt bad enough without having to do another mile.”
    â€œAnother mile?”
    I pointed to the sign. “It wouldn’t be bad, except my bag weighs a ton.”
    He turned around in his seat to take a good look at my bag. “What’s in it?”
    â€œJust my stuff.” I settled back in the seat with a sigh of comfort. “Things I need for the summer.”
    His eyes narrowed at me, and I had to admit, I was probably more aware of him than an employee should be of her employer. He looked like he was in his early thirties, with a slight case of stubble that made my knees feel a bit wobbly, a square chin, and a couple of dents on his cheeks that warned he might be the possessor of dimples. I sincerely hoped not—I had low enough tolerance to men with square chins and manly stubble, but if Vandal threw in dimples on top of it, then I’d have a hell of time keeping my libido under control.
    Especially since it had been two years since I’d had a boyfriend.
    Two
long
years.
    â€œThings you need for the summer?” Vandal looked confused as he repeated what I’d said, his face suddenly clearing as he nodded. “Ah. You’re here to . . . er . . .
help
me, yes?”
    â€œThat’s right.” I slid him a curious glance when he put the car into gear and began to bump his way down the somewhat rutted dirt road. Had he forgotten our conversation already? “I hope you don’t mind about the substitution.”
    â€œEh?” He risked a glance at me for a few seconds, then returned his attention to the road.
    â€œYou know, Janna. Since she was supposed to be here, but I’m here to do the job, instead. I appreciate you letting me come in her place.”
    â€œAh. I didn’t realize there were two of you. She’s very resourceful.”
    â€œWho is, Janna?”
    â€œNo, my . . .” He waved a hand, the car bouncing hard when we hit a pothole, and then clutched the steering wheel with both hands. “My sister-in-law.”
    â€œAh. That must be nice,” I said agreeably, wondering what that had to do with the price of tea in China.
    Vandal was silent for a few seconds, then gestured awkwardly, his voice growing more hesitant and stilted as he said, “I suppose if you’re going to stay for a bit that I should warn you that the house is bound to be fairly uncomfortable. It needs a lot of work.”
    â€œThat’s OK. I’m used to roughing it.” I slid a look at him out of the corner of my eyes. Had I said something to offend him? All of a sudden, he sounded . . . off. Like he didn’t want me there. “My folks sent me to camp every summer, and you learn fast how to cope with a camp bed and a tent.”
    â€œJust so. I . . .” He coughed, and inadvertently jerked the car, slamming the brakes on, then muttering an apology before gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles were white. The car lurched forward again as he said, “I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name.”
    â€œMercedes Starling, but everyone but my dad calls me Mercy. Wow.” I leaned forward when the road curved to the left, suddenly revealing the house where it sat surrounded by rather wild green lawns and hedges. “That’s . . . that’s impressive. Much more than I was expecting.”
    â€œIt
is
pretty, isn’t