Read Only Hers for Free Online

her body trembling. “W-what do you think you’re doing? I could have killed you.”
    Ignoring her, Matt reached into the car, cut the engine, then removed the keys from the ignition. Opening the trunk, he grabbed her two pieces of Louis Vuitton luggage and slammed the lid.
    She was right behind him. “Put those back.”
    “I’ll be happy to in the morning. Now let’s go inside.”
    Shannon moved away from his outstretched hand. “Why?”
    “You’re in no shape to drive into town, and it’s too dangerous for you to sleep in the car.”
    “Not good enough. You’ve made it painfully obvious that you don’t trust me or want me as a partner.”
    “That’s right, I don’t.” Surprise widened her eyes.“But regardless of how I feel about you personally, I’d be less than a man if I didn’t offer you a place to spend the night.”
    She folded her arms. “I’m not giving up my claim to the land.”
    “I didn’t think you were and, for the record, I still plan to fight you, but not tonight, not when you’re about to collapse.”
    Shannon wanted to argue, but she knew he was right. Matt looked like the type of man who was seldom wrong. He’d make a loyal friend or a bitter enemy.
    She studied him a long time, measuring the man against his words and knew he’d keep his word, he’d wait until she was stronger. Then watch out. Opening the front door of the car, she drew out the quilt.
    They both were silent as they reentered the house and walked up the stairs. Opening the last door on the right side of the wide hallway, he flipped on the light, then set her cases down. “Bathroom through that door. Sleep as long as you like.” He turned to leave.
    “Mr. Taggart?”
    Knob in hand, he glanced over his shoulder. “Yes?”
    “Thank you, but I still think my staying here is a mistake.”
    “Won’t be the first for either of us, now will it.” The door closed.
    Clutching the quilt closer to her chest, Shannon sagged on the bed. “No, it won’t be my first, but something tells me it might be my worst.”
    The blinding rays of the sun on Shannon’s face snatched her from sleep. Panic seized her. She had to be on the floor at 6:45 A.M. Throwing off the quilt, she jumped from bed. Halfway across the room the sight of a double dresser instead of an armoire stopped her in midstride.
    Slowly, then with increasing speed she remembered where she was and why. If she didn’t get herself together, there would be no job to be late for ever again.
    The prospect of leaving nursing and becoming a wife to James would please him and her parents, but not her, and certainly not her grandfather if he were alive. He was the only one in the family who encouraged her to pursue a career in nursing instead of going to law school.
    When she held firm in her decision to become a nurse after graduating from high school, her family had urged her to attend medical school instead. If she was set on the medical profession then aim for a specialist. She had expected as much from her authoritarian parents yet they only wanted what they thought was best for her.
    Yet, even after obtaining her degree in nursing her parents still harbored the hope that she might eventually go to law school and join the family practice. She had the brains and the tenacity; they thought hardness could be developed. She knew differently. She just didn’t have the toughness she saw in James, her parents, and her brothers. They delighted in stirring things up and going for the jugular vein; she liked to soothe and comfort.
    Or at least she had until she met Matt Taggart. Well, perhaps today would be different.
    Looking around the room, she saw her suitcase. After Matt had left last night she had showered, then fallen into bed. She was asleep by the time her head hit the pillow. Opening the case, she picked up a pair of white shorts only to put them back, instead choosing slacks and a turquoise blouse. There was no sense tempting trouble. After she was dressed,