Read Online Dee, Lavada - Nothing to Lose [Blackhawk Brothers] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Lavada Dee - Free Book Online Page A

hurt her. She’s been through hell.”
    Again, Grant reached out to Cooper. “Let her lead.” He shook his head and a soft chuckle escaped as he opened the door. When he reached the steps, he turned back. “Damn, I don’t know whether to envy you or feel sorry for you.”
    Cooper watched as his brother backed his pickup around to head out the drive. When Grant’s taillights topped the slight incline, he sighed and closed the door. He could hear the muffled sound of the TV they’d left on. He wasn’t a bit sleepy. Heading to the den, he decided to get onto Facebook and play around a little with an online game. It had been almost two months since he’d done more than check out his messages and comments. The diversion would be good.
    * * * *
    A dull ache in his back brought him back to the real world. What time was it, anyway? Stretching, he arched his back. Rubbing his arms, he realized he wasn’t only stiff. He was cold. The thermostat’s setting went on the night temperature at midnight. It shouldn’t be this cold.
    Turning off the computer, he glanced at the time. Two a.m.? Damn, he knew better. He could easily lose track of time when he played that darn computer game. Mumbling, he swore he would set a timer next time he logged on.
    Coffee wasn’t a good idea, but what the heck, how much worse could the night get? He poured a cup from the cold pot and put it in the microwave to heat. While he waited, he looked out the window at the outside thermometer. Good grief, it read almost a minus. No wonder it felt cold. Even with the furnace going, the cold crept into the house. Galynn probably needed an extra blanket. There were extras in the closet, but he knew from experience a person didn’t always come awake enough to get up and put one on the bed.
    After deliberating the pros and cons, he made his way upstairs. But, still unsure, he stood outside her door. What if she woke up and he scared her? Instead of getting her an extra blanket, he could turn up the furnace. He turned to go back downstairs. When he turned, the door moved a fraction. It hadn’t been fully closed. He put his hand on the edge and quietly pushed it farther open. He wasn’t surprised to see her curled into a ball. She had to be cold.
    His voice sounded loud even though it was only a whisper. “Galynn? It’s me. Don’t be scared. I just want to get you an extra blanket.”
    She sat up so fast it startled him. “Whoa, you’re okay. It’s gotten really cold outside. I came up to see if you’re warm enough.”
    “Coop?” Her voice sounded shaky. She reached up and snapped on the bedside lamp.
    He sucked in his breath. Her hair was tousled like she’d wrestled with the pillow before falling asleep or as he imagined it would look if she woke up from his bed, his arms. She looked so beautiful. He felt himself harden and cursed his lack of control.
    She pulled back the covers and swung her feet out of bed. “What’s the matter? You look like…”
    He wasn’t surprised she couldn’t put words to it. “I’m fine, just a little chilled. I was on the computer and didn’t realize the temperature had dropped. Get back in bed so you’ll stay warm.”
    Slowly, she relaxed and slid her feet back under the covers, but she didn’t lie back down. He crossed the room and took a blanket off the shelf. In a few minutes he had it spread over the bed. She was still sitting up, watching him. “Lay down and I’ll tuck you in. I can’t pull this blanket up around your shoulders with you sitting up like this.”
    He’d purposely kept his eyes on the bed. If he looked at her, and saw the same want and need he felt, he knew he’d be lost. His heart skipped a beat when, with a sigh, she snuggled under the covers. He pulled the extra blanket around her shoulders. Still keeping his gaze averted, he said, “Sleep well.”
    He turned off the lamp and left her room as if something was at his heels. At the door, he heard her whisper another “Thank you.”