Shaking Off the Dust Read Online Free PDF Page B

his home. If you have left something of yours here, all you need do is ask and I shall return it to you.”
    “Shimodo, you’re starting to annoy me. Tom was not my boyfriend. He’s not my type any more than you are. So come up with a damn question only the two of you could answer. Keep in mind I don’t have all night either.” I scowled at Tom. I was getting angry about pretty boy’s attitude. He looked at me like I was scheming to take over the estate. A thought occurred to me and it was out of my mouth in the instant. “Oh my God, you two were lovers, you’re gay! You’re jealous because you think he was seeing me when you weren’t around.”
    “What an amazingly stupid thing to assume. Of course we’re not gay. Damn, Hannah, you are the rudest and most foolish female I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Apologize to us both, right this minute.” Tom moved until he was near enough that there was no way to avoid his diatribe on my poor manners and stupidity.
    Shimodo did not respond. He watched me as if he could discover all my secrets by staring hard enough.
     

    I backed away from Tom, cutting behind the couch. When I turned Shimodo moved directly in front of me, blocking my way.
    “What is the matter, Miss Campbell?”
    His voice was so low that I inclined my head to hear him. He didn’t move out of my way. “Cut it out, Shimodo. I’m all over thinking you were gorgeous and kind. Do I seem like I would be someone Tom might date, or even have a relationship with?”
    “I shared something about my life with Tom that I know he’d never repeat.” He was intent, waiting for my response.
    I in turn awaited Tom’s reply.
    “Hannah.” Tom was clearly uncomfortable with what ever Shimodo had asked him to divulge. “Ask if he is sure he wants me to discuss this.” He cleared his throat. “You’ll need to swear that you’ll never repeat to any other person what you hear tonight.”
    “I swear.” I looked over at Shimodo. “Tom wants you to think again about this. He’s sworn me to silence.”
    His eyebrows rose slightly as he folded his arms across his chest. “I must hear to be sure. You are an attractive woman, Miss Campbell. He might have shared his secrets, but not mine.”
    “Thanks.” I grinned. “That was nice of you to say. Tom informed me of what raving bitch I am and that neither of you are gay. Are you now going to tell me that you are and he’s not? Because it’s okay. Go gay and all that.”
    Shimodo smiled as he pulled me against him. His mouth hovered above mine for only a second, but it seemed like forever as I waited. Soft, full lips slid against mine and a tiny shock of pleasure pulsed as we touched. His tongue painted moist warmth at the seam of my mouth until they parted. He invaded with a swiftness and hunger that matched my own. Thrilled by his nearness, I sank into him. I made a small sound as he pulled me even closer. No question he was aroused by my response, impressively so. I swayed with an ache in my breast, eagerly returning his kiss. It lasted a moment, and an eternity.
    “He’s proving a point, Hannah. Takeshi’s always adored women and he has never lacked for a female companion when he desired one.” Tom sat back down on the couch.
    I let his words drift into my consciousness, still lost in his kiss. I thought Shimodo was with me in that moment, but Tom’s words made sense. I pushed away from him with a sigh.
    “Point taken, you like women.” I ignored my hardened nipples and heated body. “Now what? One of you needs to come up with something that will either prove or disprove Tom is still around.”
    “Tell him I don’t want to tell his story.” My ghost didn’t bother to look my way. An expression of unease crossed his face as he tried to pet the dogs.
    “Tom doesn’t want to talk about you, Dr Shimodo. I have to agree with him.” I stepped farther away from tall, dark and tasty, and I could still feel a coil of heat between