Passions in the North Country (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Online Free PDF Page B

down.”
    Miriam grasped the table and visibly swayed. Jenny rushed and caught her by the arm.
    “What’s wrong, Miriam?”
    The elderly woman collected herself. “Oh, it’s nothing. I was just a little dizzy, that’s all.” She smirked. “There’s been a lot of stress lately, you know…worry. The Riverview has to succeed, Jenny. It has to.”
    “Are you sure you’re all right?”
    “Yes, it’s nothing,” she insisted, sitting. “When you get a little older, things don’t work as well anymore, that’s all.”
    A vehicle pulled up to the office door and Miriam started to get up in order to wait on the client, but she seemed intent on remaining positive. “I think Mr. North will make all the difference.”
    “He sounds wonderful,” Jenny agreed, still shaken by Miriam’s near fall.
    “It’s nice to have a man around,” Miriam said, “especially one who can take charge and get things done.”
    “I know what you mean. When my tire went flat, I was worried, but when that man came, I felt so relieved. He just inspired you with this incredible sense of confidence.”
    “You were lucky to meet up with such a nice person.”
    “I was lucky he came along,” Jenny agreed, “but he sure wasn’t nice. He was the rudest fellow, quite obnoxious, really. I put up with him because I was in need. I’d never want to meet him again so long as I live.”
    “You probably never will.”
    “Hopefully not.”
    “It just occurred to me,” Miriam said, “that if you don’t have a boyfriend, Mr. North might be the man for you.”
    “I’m not looking for a man,” Jenny explained, flustered.
    “Oh, come now, a pretty girl like you. You don’t have to look, dear. They’re looking for you.” She winked. “I can’t wait to introduce you to Devon.”
    “I’m sure he’s too busy,” Jenny said as the office door opened. “From what I’ve seen, Mr. North still has plenty to do and won’t have any social time to speak of. The hotel is in critical need of paint, and he could really do something special with the general lounging area. I’d like to see him invest in some silk floral arrangements for the bay window, and maybe some by the mantel…or even better, the wall with the fireplace would look beautiful set off by a dark wallpaper, maybe a burgundy, or a green. I also noticed that there are tremendous possibilities for a garden out back.”
    “Anything else, Your Highness?” inquired a deep voice.
    Jenny turned and her mouth fell open. Before her stood that man. Him. The one who had fixed her flat tire. She was stunned and couldn’t speak. What were the chances of these two strangers ending up at the same hotel?
    What were the chances?
    Miriam was taken aback, but tried not to show it. “Jenny, I’d like you to meet Devon North, the owner of the Riverview Hotel. Mr. North, Ms. Lamb is going to be staying here with us.”
    “Excuse me?” he asked with his mouth drooping open.
    “She’ll be in room twelve,” Miriam said. “You told me it was ready.”
    “Ready for a normal person,” Devon quipped, “but I’m sure it doesn’t meet the standards of royalty.”
    Jenny squinted at him. She really didn’t like his attitude, this cocksure stud who was probably used to getting anything he wanted from women.
    “Wallpaper and flowers,” he said in a sarcastic tone. “The stores don’t open until tomorrow morning, so is it all right if I wait until then to rush out and get the things you ordered? That’s after I put in your garden, of course.”
    Miriam glanced at both of them with a startled expression.
    “Miriam,” Devon said, turning away from Jenny, “I dropped the lamb off at Henry’s. Apparently the coyote hasn’t been seen in the area lately.”
    Jenny didn’t have the faintest idea what he was talking about.
    Miriam nodded. “I hope it stays away forever.” She turned to the young woman. “Henry works here and he’s always raised sheep. A couple weeks ago a coyote got into the