Round-the-Clock Temptation Read Online Free PDF Page A

doctors, I feel fine. I’m ready to go home.” He looked past her to Connor, who stood by the door, hands clasped behind his back, military straight. “You keepin’ an eye on my girl?”
    Connor gave a single nod. “Yes, sir.”
    Nita didn’t correct her father by telling him Connor was there to watch the farm, not her. She’d let him believe that if it eased his mind.
    â€œDaddy, Connor would like to ask you a couple of questions.” She motioned for Connor to join her at his bedside. “He’s trying to find out who did this.”
    â€œI know exactly who’s responsible,” Will said bitterly. “It was the Devlins.”
    â€œThe truth is, there’s just no evidence pointing to the Devlins and they’ve firmly denied any involvement,”Connor told him. “Is there anyone else you could think of that has a grudge against you?”
    He shook his head. “No one. It’s the Devlins all right.”
    Connor could see where Nita got her stubborn streak. They looked alike, too. Same dark hair, same high cheekbones and proud chin.
    â€œYou just worry about getting better,” Nita said, patting his hand. “I’ll handle things.”
    Will smiled up at his daughter, pride shinning in his eyes. It amazed Connor how easy it was for some men to show the emotion. He’d strived for years to see that look in his own father’s eyes. And despite all he’d done to please James Thorne, Connor still didn’t feel he measured up. He probably never would.
    â€œI want you to hire extra help,” Nita’s father told her. “Temporarily, until I’m back on my feet.”
    That chin of hers rose. “I can handle things just fine.”
    Connor had a feeling her resistance had little to do with her own abilities and everything to do with their financial situation. He suspected things were worse than she’d let on earlier that morning. And she probably didn’t want to worry her father.
    â€œDon’t worry about things on the farm, Mr. Windcroft,” Connor said. “I’ll be helping Nita while I’m there.”
    He didn’t know much about horse farms, but this gave him a good excuse to be close to Nita so he could keep an eye on her.
    Nita flashed him an uneasy look, then turned to her father and smiled. “See, Daddy, I’ve got all the help I need. You just concentrate on healing.”
    Nita, Jane and her father chatted for a few more minutes, then Nita kissed him goodbye and she and Connor headed out to the parking lot. They’d barely cleared the door when Nita turned to him and said, “I didn’t want to say anything in front of my daddy, but here’s the thing. I really appreciate your offer to help out, but I can’t afford pay you.”
    â€œI never asked you to.”
    Nita matched his long stride. “That’s not the point. It wouldn’t be fair for you to work for free.”
    â€œIf I’m going to be there anyway, I may as well make myself useful.” Connor pulled his keys from his pocket and as they neared the car, he unlocked the doors. “Besides, you are paying me. Room and board.”
    â€œWhat do you know about working a horse farm?” she asked.
    â€œNot much.” He opened her door for her, and though she hesitated and looked at him a little funny, she got in. He walked around and climbed behind the wheel, wincing as his backside hit the leather seat. Hell on earth, that smarted. How could a couple hours on a horse do so much damage?
    â€œDo you know anything about horse training or breeding?” she asked.
    He started the engine. “Nope, but I’m a fast learner.”
    â€œI don’t know,” she said, looking wary. “It just doesn’t seem right.”
    â€œNita, I’m not hurting for money, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m set for life. Working for you isn’t going to