The McCullagh Inn in Maine Read Online Free PDF

off.”
    “Why the hell would you think that?”
    “Because it scares me .” I wrapped my arms around myself. “I’ve spent the last few years forging a new path, doing what I want to do, and playing by my rules, not my father’s. But after two days back here, I’m kissing you like nothing’s changed at all.”
    He reached out hesitantly, brushing my hair behind my ear. “And that’s a bad thing?”
    “Yes. I’m no good for you and never have been.”
    Shaking his head, he pressed his mouth into a thin, hard line. “I disagree.”
    “That’s because you always look for the good in people. Sooner or later, you’ll realize there’s none in me.” I slid away from him, avoiding his eyes. If I looked at them, I’d get lost in their green depths, and I’d end up right back in his arms—endangering him. “Don’t bring me flowers again. I don’t like them.”
    “Why not?” he asked softly.
    “My ex used to give them to me, as an apology, after he…” I broke off, refusing to say any more. It was enough. It was more than enough. “They just—they hold a different meaning for me now. Don’t give them to me again.”
    Something crossed his eyes—rage, maybe—and he stepped closer. “I’m sorry.”
    I opened the door, grabbed my purse off the floor, and swallowed hard. “Stay away from me, Jeremy.”
    Far, far away.

Chapter 9
    Later that night, I was on a ladder, shoving a pry bar between the last of the wood paneling in the living room, when headlights hit my window. I sighed and shoved harder, successfully knocking down a portion of the dated wood, sending a puff of dust flying through the air in the process. I let out an exasperated breath, because I had no doubt who had just pulled into my driveway.
    It had to be Jeremy.
    Clearly, my warning to stay away hadn’t taken.
    I hopped off the ladder and removed my dust mask, heading for the door. I grabbed the bottle of whiskey off the upside-down bucket and uncapped it, swallowing a mouthful before setting it back down. My body still hummed from the orgasm he’d given me. Even though I wanted him to stay away from me and the danger surrounding me, my traitorous heart sped up at the thought of seeing him.
    No matter how logically I looked at the situation, one thing wouldn’t change: My body remembered Jeremy Holland, and it wanted more of his touch.
    Much more .
    A girl could only save a guy from herself so many times before she stopped trying.
    Being a good person didn’t come naturally to me, and resisting temptation wasn’t my strong suit. Eventually, I’d stop pushing him away.
    And then he’d be in as much danger as I was.
    Footsteps sounded on the porch as I swung the door open. “You just can’t take no for an—” I broke off, the words choking me, because it wasn’t Jeremy on my doorstep this time.
    It was a cop.
    Oh, shit. They knew . They found me.
    “Chelsea Adams?”
    “Wh—?” I blinked. Chelsea Adams…? Paul . He’d come through. “Y-yes?”
    “I’m Officer North. I’m afraid your brother has been attacked.” He removed his hat. “He told an officer you’re his sister, and his emergency contact.”
    Paul. Oh God.
    Paul was the only family I had left who wasn’t behind bars, and I couldn’t lose him. “What happened? Where is he?”
    “He was jumped outside his office, on his way to come see you.” The officer fiddled with his hat, as if unsure where to look or how to act around me. “He’s in pretty bad shape, but he should recover. I can take you to him, miss, and the doctors can tell you more.”
    “I’ll drive myself,” I said quickly, reaching for my keys.
    “Ma’am?” He leaned in, locking eyes with me. I stiffened, because I didn’t need him all up in my face. “I can smell the whiskey from here. I think it’s best I drive.”
    My cheeks flushed and I nodded, ducking my head down. In my worry, I’d completely forgotten about that. That wasn’t like me. Then again, I’d done a lot of