Encountering Evil: Dark Horse Guardians Book Two Read Online Free PDF Page B

brisk pace. Lara liked Tony because he had a wonderful sense of humor and was a workaholic. There were some days when she had to actually send him home to his wife. Tony was a dedicated and trustworthy employee, exactly the type of guy to head up Lara's biggest project, Eliot's massive renovation.
    "All of the items we ordered have arrived and phase one is almost complete." Tony informed her as she almost ran along behind him. He moved swiftly and Lara had to be nimble as she made notes while he talked. "The kitchen cabinets have all been installed, and they are perfectly done. I personally went through every one of them with a level. The marble countertops are in place and the limestone floors are done."
    Lara examined the work as they stopped in the kitchen. "The appliances are all in and here's the wine fridge." Everything was perfection, even the custom butler's pantry. Tony continued, "The lighting fixtures and hardware need to be installed, but for the most part, phase one is complete and on budget." At this, Tony smiled and Lara felt like hugging him, but shook his hand instead. "Thank you, Tony. You've done amazing work here." Every line on Tony's suntanned face was visible when he smiled, "On to phase two!" he said with great enthusiasm. That would be all six of the bathrooms. Phase three would be Eliot's master suite area comprised of his master bath, reading room, and master bedroom. Lara was most nervous about getting that just right. Thus far, Eliot was more than happy with the renovation of his mansion and was planning a charity event at his estate to showcase Lara's work in the fall. She had told him he really didn't have to do that, but Eliot insisted.
     
    ~ Ben ~
    Ben had messaged Lara saying he was taking her to dinner and would meet her at the pink Victorian for their late afternoon walk with Einstein. He parked the Indian motorcycle behind her vehicle and took the stairs two at a time anticipating the kiss. He waited all day for this moment. As he opened the door her green eyes met his and she smiled, "Hi there, mystery man…" And his heart raced. Ben swept Lara into his arms as if he hadn't seen her for weeks even though he had cooked breakfast for her eight hours earlier. "I've missed you so much today…" he buried his face into her neck inhaling that warm sweet scent that drove him crazy. Then, without hesitation, his lips were on hers filling him with tender desire.
    As he pulled away he whispered, "I hope you won't be angry with me, but I did an errand today without you – and, I took some photos of a farmhouse possibly for us and a bungalow for your business…" Lara seemed surprised but interested to see the photos. He scrolled through the photos on his phone. Lara gushed, "Oh, the farm is beautiful. And that barn is fantastic." Ben was pleased she seemed to like the farmhouse. But when he showed her the photos of the bungalow, she was overjoyed, "Oh Ben, it's exactly what I want for my renovation business!" Ben was elated. She liked the bungalow even better than the farm property. He detected a definite tone of unbridled delight in her voice.
    He enjoyed watching her face light up with excitement. He lived for it, actually. "Good, I'm glad you like the bungalow. I put a down payment on it for you today." With exuberance, Lara squealed, "Really? Are you kidding?" Ben squinted, "I'm telling you the truth. I somehow knew you'd love it." Lara wrapped her arms around his neck, "Oh, I love you!" and kissed him again, this time a warm lingering kiss. He knew he would eat dinner in a hurry tonight to get more of this. It was as if he was addicted to intimacy with Lara lately. Maybe it was the eight long months he waited to share a physical relationship with her; maybe it was the two long years prior to that when he left the Navy, alone, completely alone with Einstein in a lonely dark place.
    "Dinner, my darlin', at your favorite place on Water Street tonight," he beamed. He could tell she was pleased