Protective Instincts Read Online Free PDF

looked sleep-rumpled.
    * * * *
    Douglas couldn't believe the police had shown up so early, but that could work in his favor. Breaking in and attacking the teacher tonight had been tempting. His plan wasn't written in stone. The fear in her voice pleased him. The actual executions he'd performed over the years had given him a rush but never this kind of high.
    Setting the stage was as important as doing the deed. Only a master at his craft could create a diversion so clever. By the time he was done with this job, no one would know who was responsible.
    The plan this time offered the aspect of entertainment. Once she told her blonde friend about the calls there would be a trail to a non-existent stalker. No one had fingered him yet. No one ever would. Nothing would get in his way. He wouldn't allow it.
    The man in the black truck had shown up twice. Was he the teacher's lover? For weeks, Douglas had watched and noted her every move. There had been no men at her house until tonight. He'd need to learn more about this possible problem.
    * * * *
    Before Brit left for school the next morning, she had worked a makeup miracle after almost no sleep. She'd pulled out all stops and used every trick in her repertoire. Around noon, she bolted down a sandwich and teacher's lounge coffee, otherwise called sludge. At least it was warm and packed a caffeine punch. Checking her mirror before her next parent conference assured her that her concealer and foundation had lasted the first half of the day, barely. They were beginning to wear thin, as was her patience.
    Brit sensed the presence of Sam Samuels before she looked up from her notes to enjoy the sight of him. His no-frills Old Spice scent was only part of the aura that was all strength.
    She heard him clear his throat across the room. Could last night be responsible for the new closeness she felt toward him? Surely, she was reacting to the protection he offered. His relaxed stance exuded confidence. His smile set off fireworks in her system.
    "Please, come in and have a seat." She glanced in the direction of desks directly in front of hers . Take control of the meeting. Tell the other person where to sit. She'd need all the help she could muster for this conference.
    "Let's talk about Sean." She called on her an in-charge, classroom manner. Was that the best she could do?
    "Yes, ma'am." His deep voice held amusement.
    She was so distracted by the memories of his charge to protect her she had to look away from his face. Making eye contact wasn't a good idea. Her pulse seemed a little fast, her chest tight.
    He acted as though he had forgotten their late night meeting. He hadn't even asked how she was. Casual, in a long sleeved, white dress shirt and jeans, Sam Samuels should be in an ad selling cigarettes or beer, maybe boots. His thick hair looked slightly mussed.
    She didn't usually become distracted when discussing a student. She had never faced a man who had suddenly become her protector, the man who had shown up on her doorstep after two in the morning, looking like he'd dragged himself out of bed to come to her. How would it feel to wake up beside this man ?
    The undercurrents were strong, new.
    "Sean talks about your class a lot." Sam shifted his body in the student desk. He seemed all energy, like a man who seldom sat still.
    "Sean's grades have improved in the past month." She smiled. "His crush on Angela, you knew, of course?" At his nod she continued. "Well, it seems to be working in his favor. She's an excellent student in language arts and he wants to impress her."
    "Yeah, I know." Sam grinned. "For the first time I've had to limit his telephone lounging."
    "Telephone lounging?"
    "Uh huh, there are long periods of silence, then monosyllabic responses. He lounges on chairs, his bed, or the floor, looking like he'll go catatonic."
    "Oh, yes, I remember relaxing in positions my body won't even do anymore. My parents were sure I'd hurt myself or freeze in those positions. Today I