Read Online Guarding Miranda by Amanda M. Holt - Free Book Online Page B

this.
    “Why?” Miranda countered, as calmly as she could manage. 
    The police had said it was sensitive information... 
    It was not supposed to be told to just anyone!
    “I’ve, uh, had Brian working on the case,” said Russ, red faced.
    Brian supposed it was close enough to the truth.
    “That’s right,” he said cautiously.  “I’ve been investigating the relationship between Barry and Richard.”
    “So there is a relationship?” Miranda’s heart began to thud in her chest.  Had Brian discovered something the police had not? “What have you learned?”
    “Not alot.” His words were very nearly a mumble.
    Brian felt awkward in the intensity of her curious gaze.
    He felt as though her green eyed scrutiny could see right through his cool facade, pick apart his calm words and find the truth there. 
    Her fiancé had been scum of the worst kind. 
    He wondered how long it would be before she found that out...
    Russ had made it clear to him. 
    She was not to find out about Richard’s dark side. 
    Not if they could help it. 
    Nancee had told Russ to freeze the investigation, that they should let Miranda cherish her memory of Richard, not loathe it.
    “Well, what do you know?” Miranda’s full attention was on Brian.
    Brian hated having to lie to her. “That, according to you, a man named Barry shot Richard.  And you.”
    “That’s it?”
    “That’s it.” Russ said but was otherwise speechless.
    Nancee was glaring at him from across the table. 
    If Miranda noticed her Aunt’s icy stare, she gave no indication of it.
    “It’s like this, love – the police still haven’t found this Barry character and I don’t think I’ll fare much better myself.”
    “He’s no doubt gone into hiding,” said Russ, in a knowledgeable tone of voice. “Murder and attempted murder causing bodily harm – those are rather serious charges.” 
    Nancee continued to stare daggers at Russ but was sweet voiced and even tempered when she offered, “More wine, Brian?”
    “No, no – a half glass is all I ever have.” Brian checked the wide watch that adorned his thick right wrist. “I should actually get going.  I have a few things to do at nine and it’s eight-thirty now.”
    “Are you sure?” Lynn pouted.
    “I’m sure.” Brian scanned the dining room, smiling at everyone in their turn.  “Thank you so much for the invitation to dinner.”
    Pulling back from the large table, he rose from his seat. 
    As he did, his thigh again brushed Miranda’s. 
    She warmed at the contact and was again ashamed of her reaction, of the physical stimulation that his nearness caused her.
    “Sorry,” he said, smiling down at her from his great height. “I’ve the thighs of a distance runner.”
    “No problem.” Miranda blushed lightly over the attention he had drawn to their physical contact. 
    Could her family tell how his presence was affecting her? 
    She glanced up at Brian – big mistake. 
    She was trapped in his glance like a deer before the headlights of an approaching Mack truck. 
    She swallowed an endearment and tore her glance away from the intimacy of his stormy grey eyes.
    His gaze was simply too much for her to hold, the intensity of the dark depths of those eyes a force that threatened her better judgement.
    “Take care,” she mumbled.
    “I will.” Brian smiled at her and she was glad to immerse herself in a study of the wildflowers of the table cloth.  “Again, thank you so much for supper, Mrs. Gundy.  I won’t eat for a week.”
    Nancee, the ever-gracious hostess, smiled at her guest. “Always a pleasure, Brian.”
    “And it was a pleasure finally meeting you, Miranda. Formally, as it were.”
    She felt his dark eyes burning a hole into her head and decided to risk a glance up. 
    It was the polite thing to do.
    Why did he have to be so attractive?
    She swallowed nervously and somehow found the voice to say, “Likewise.”
    “I’ll walk you to the door.” Russ offered, also