Lone Star Courtship Read Online Free PDF

actually.”
    He dropped into one of the visitor’s chairs, propped his leather case on his knees, ran his thumb across the combination lock several times and popped the lid open.
    â€œI have a list of queries.” He lifted a handful of documents. “Until all are addressed satisfactorily, I will be underfoot, but not a moment longer.”
    She leaned toward him, held out her hand and offered just the smallest smile.
    â€œMay I?” She used her most persuasive voice.
    Seemingly unaffected, he shoved the pages beneath the lid, closed it and spun the lock.
    â€œI’m afraid I cannot release those documents without written authority from my client.”
    â€œAnd Savannah says I have starch in my shorts,” she muttered.
    â€œHmm…” He narrowed gray eyes and pretended to think. “If I’m interpreting correctly, you are saying my stiff demeanor may be induced by my undergarments. An interesting if uncomfortable visualization.”
    She struggled to hold back a grin. He caught on quick.
    â€œI meant no offense,” she apologized. Sort of.
    â€œNone taken. But I must observe company policy.”
    She imitated his accent.
    â€œCome now, Barrett. Surely it won’t break rule number one to share the subject of your queries?” Her pitiful effort probably resembled a chimney sweep more than the Queen Mum.
    His eyes flashed and a wry smile curved very inviting lips. She couldn’t wait to share the news of this unexpected hottie with the four older sisters who constantly worried about Casey’s complete lack of a personal life.
    â€œJolly good cockney you’ve got there.”
    â€œThanks, that’s just what I was going for,” she lied.
    One dark eye blinked so quickly it was impossible to tell if it was intentional.
    Was he flirting? Her heart thumped.
    Casey Hardy, get a grip. You are thirty, not exactly desperate. Yet. And this guy is a lawyer, for crying out loud. A wolf in sheep’s clothing however sharply dressed.
    She gave herself a mental shake, uncrossed smooth bare legs beneath the desk and sat taller in her chair.
    â€œAll joking aside, tell me how I can cooperate. And I’ll make it my personal mission to get you on the next flight back to Merry Old England.”

    Barrett flinched as if a stab of pain accompanied her comment. This woman was obviously anxious to be rid of him. Was this becoming a pattern in his life?
    Casey leaned closer, her dazzling blue eyes filled with concern.
    â€œAre you okay?” She’d noticed his discomfort.
    â€œYes, of course.” He looked down at his wounded palms, seized them as an excuse. “It’s just these scrapes. They’re fairly fresh and a bit painful still.”
    â€œHere, let me get my first-aid kit.” She tugged a knob on her desk and began riffling through what was inside the deep drawer.
    â€œThat’s not necessary, really,” he tried to assure her.
    â€œOh, don’t be a martyr. A couple of those cuts look pretty deep. The least you can do is put some ointment and a Band-Aid on them. I’m sure I’ve got some in here somewhere.”
    As she continued to poke through the jumbled contents, Barrett stole a close look at Miss Casey Hardy. She was a vision in cream and navy. Her springy dark curls fell across clear skin colored by the sun and a sprinkling of freckles. She wore only enough makeup to darken her lashes and add an inviting hue to the lips she puckered in concentration.
    â€œAh-hah!” She held a small tube and several wrapped plasters aloft. “Now, let’s see those hands.”
    Before he could object she rounded the desk and stooped to get a good look at his injuries.
    â€œMy siblings don’t call me the Warden for nothing. Now, do as you’re told and you might get time off for good behavior.”
    He let go a sigh of resignation and offered first one palm then the other. Her fingers were cool and gentle