Forbidden Read Online Free PDF Page A

cowboy’s eyes, trying to see what it was about him that made her drop all her defenses so utterly. What she saw there only confused her more. He was a stranger, she knew that, but there was something in his eyes that seemed so familiar, as if she’d somehow known him all her life.
    “Are you going to tell me your name?” he asked, a small smile playing about the corners of his elegantly shaped lips. “Or do you want me to go first and tell you mine?”
    “Kayla,” she said breathlessly. “My name’s Kayla.”
    “Kayla,” he repeated. “That’s pretty. Pleased to meet you, Kayla.”
    Their gazes met and held, and held and held. He slowly leaned forward to kiss her again, giving her plenty of time to back away. But, hypnotized, Kayla couldn’t move. Maybe this time would be different. Maybe this time she wouldn’t feel smothered by the fear. Maybe…
    Downstairs, the front door banged open, and the cowboy lifted his head sharply.
    A voice carried up the stairs. “Bart, that your horse outside? Oh, hey, Thor. Hey, buddy. Where’s your boss, huh, boy? Is he upstairs?”
    In one swift, catlike movement, the cowboy was up on his feet and moving quickly into the bathroom. Bart. His name was Bart.
    He came out of the bathroom a moment later, swiftly buttoning up his wet and muddy shirt, tucking the tails into his pants. He didn’t want her found in a compromising position, Kayla realized. He didn’t want anyone to find him there, with her, in front of the fire, without his shirt on. It was incredibly sweet.
    Unless, of course, he was married and it was
himself
he didn’t want found in a compromising position…
    Ned, the owner of the guest house, appeared in the door, glancing from Kayla to the cowboy. Bart.
    “You found her,” he said with relief in his voice. “Thank goodness.” He looked at Kayla. “You hurt, miss? You need a visit from Doc Samuelson?”
    Kayla shook her head. “No, I’m all right. I’m just going to go to bed.” Alone. She glanced at the cowboy. He was still watching her, and although his expression didn’t change, she knew he could easily read her mind.
    “Just holler if you need anything,” Ned said, turning away.
    “Sorry about getting your floors all dirty,” the cowboy called after him.
    “I’ll take dirty floors over a dead guest any day,” Ned called back cheerfully.
    The cowboy hadn’t moved from his position in the center of the room. He stood there, gazing at her, hunger still gleaming in his eyes. Kayla pulled herself to her feet, wobbling slightly, and he was beside her in a flash.
    “Need help getting into bed?” he asked.
    Kayla had to smile. “Somehow, I mistrust your motivation,” she said. “I get the feeling that you’re no longer solely trying for your Helping Hand cub scout merit badge.”
    He smiled as he pulled back the sheets and covers. “No, Kayla,” he said, her name like music with his warm western drawl, “you’re right. I’ve definitely got an ulterior motive here. But right now I promise I won’t do anything more than tuck you in, kiss you good night, and close the door tightly behind me when I leave. It’s tomorrow night you’re going to have to worry about.”
    Still wrapped tightly in the blanket, Kayla climbed into the bed. Tomorrow night. As he drew the other bed coverings up to her chin, she closed her eyes, physically and emotionally exhausted. Tomorrow night was a million years away. And right now all she wanted to do was sleep.
    She felt his lips brush hers in the gentlest of good-night kisses. She felt him move back, away from the bed, and heard him go into the bathroom—probably to get his long, dirty duster from where she’d left it on the tile floor.
    He paused before he went out the door. “I never told you
my
name,” he said quietly.
    “Ned called you Bart,” Kayla murmured, not even opening her eyes. “Good night, Bart.” She’d deal with this cowboy tomorrow. She’d tell him the truth. She had every right