Expecting His Secret Heir Read Online Free PDF Page A

drink, smoke or get into trouble. Her innocence simply hinted at an incredible sensuality that he’d never been able to forget.
    She shrugged delicate shoulders. “A couple of the guys are staying at the B and B. The hotel ran out of room.”
    They’d been lucky with all the crews that had come in to help fight the fire and pull debris. Unfortunately, Black Hills wasn’t very well equipped for visitors. Every last vacant room was in use at the moment. There were even a couple of fire chiefs bunking out at Blackstone Manor.
    â€œI told them there was a great place for food and drinks out this way. They invited me to join them when I was free. I hope that was okay?”
    The glance from under her lashes didn’t seem to be seeking permission so much as a reaction.
    It was his turn to shrug. “I’ve always been easy to find.”
    Her petite body stilled. She glanced around, as if making sure no one was close enough to listen. “Look,” she said, “I’m very sorry about leaving. I just got...scared.”
    He stepped closer, bypassing the safety of the counter. “Why?”
    She swallowed, hard. His instincts were to follow the movement with his mouth, taste what he could only see.
    Reaching out, he forced her chin up with demanding fingers. “Why?”
    â€œIt was just too much for me,” she whispered.
    Without thought, he found himself murmuring, “Me, too.”
    Startled eyes met his. He could drown in all that fresh green color. Five years ago, her eyes had been just as vibrant. Just as alluring. He’d fallen for her seductive pull and received the rudest awakening in his life for it. But he still couldn’t forget the night spent drowning in her green gaze.
    Suddenly Sadie was bumped from behind, breaking the hold she had on Zach. Quickly he shuttered his expression.
    He stepped back once, twice, until he found his breathing distance. “Now, what’s with the questions?”
    â€œWhy? Do you see me as a threat?”
    In more ways than one. But he wasn’t giving her more ammo, so he bit his tongue. “Should I?”
    Her gaze dropped at his question, causing his hackles to rise once more. Why was getting any information from her like pulling teeth?
    â€œJust don’t stir up trouble.” He turned away, lifting a tray of dirty glasses off the counter and stepping through the opening behind the bar.
    Only then did he hear her say, “And how’s a busy guy like you gonna stop me?”
    * * *
    â€œDon’t you know you don’t have to do this anymore?” a male voice from right behind Sadie asked.
    Zach turned back toward her, focusing over her shoulder with a grin that she wished was directed at her. But it was better than the glower she’d been sure to receive after her challenge.
    â€œMy mama doesn’t care how much money I make,” Zach said. “She simply points at a table and tells me to get busy.”
    When Zach came back out from behind the bar she was forced to step to the side, giving her a good look at the newcomer.
    Or rather, newcomers. The trio looked like the epitome of wealth...and exhaustion. Zach shook hands with the blond man before turning to do the same with a man whose dark hair had a mind of its own. The woman between them received a light, social hug.
    Based on her discussions with people in town, these must be the Blackstones.
    If she remembered her gossip correctly, this would be Aiden Blackstone, his wife, Christina, and one of the younger brothers, Jacob. The utter weariness in their expressions spoke to the trials of the last week. Their brother Luke was currently in the hospital after being near the epicenter of the exploding bomb.
    Suddenly another woman arrived through the break in the bar counter, pushing Sadie even farther back. The blonde beauty threw her arms around the one Sadie assumed was Jacob, holding nothing back. The surrounding people didn’t seem