Read Online Kane by Jennifer Blake - Free Book Online

women keep their maiden names.”
    â€œIs that what you’re doing,” he asked, “or are you avoiding a straight answer?”
    A flush began at her collar and rose to her hairline. Being evasive was as natural to her as breathing, a self-protective measure with infinite uses. She only lied outright if pressured into it, but often led people into the paths she wanted them to go, coloring the truth a little here and there to make herself more interesting, more normal, or less visible, according to what was needed. Few people recognized it or cared enough to call her on it. She might have known this man would be one of the few.
    â€œNo,” she said baldly, “I’m not married.”
    â€œBut you implied you were.”
    â€œWhat does it matter?” Embarrassment and irritation made her snappish.
    â€œIt doesn’t.” His voice was flat as he turned his attention to the road, slowing as they approached a driveway ahead of them. “That’s why it makes no sense. Never mind, forget I asked.”
    She would be glad to forget it. She did, too, the instant she noticed they were turning into the drive, then saw the house at the end of it.
    It was a Southern dream, a Greek Revival temple, square, white, two-storied, with galleries on all four sides that were lined with rows of massive columns reaching to the roof of ancient, moss-grown slate. The columns, of a girth too wide for a man to reach around, were plaster-covered brick. The steps, which led up to the front gallery, curved in the style known as welcoming arms. There was grace and ancient peace inthe majestic size of the place and also in the protective embrace of the huge live oaks that dotted the lawn. Similar scenes were familiar from a hundred magazine pictures and movies about the Old South, so Regina was forced to wonder if she only imagined its air of gracious hospitality, gracious living, or if it was real. Either way, it was still impressive.
    â€œCome inside a moment,” Kane said as he pulled up on the circular drive before the front door and started to get out. “I’m sure I can find you a cup of coffee.”
    She settled more firmly in her seat. Voice stiff, she said, “No, thanks.”
    â€œI’ll be a few minutes, and you may as well be comfortable.”
    â€œNo,” she repeated more forcefully.
    A faint smile tugged one corner of his mouth and he shook his head. “This isn’t a seduction scene, if that’s what you’re thinking. It’s been a long time since I threw anybody down in the middle of a hardwood floor and had my way with them.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear it,” she said tartly as she looked away from the amusement in his eyes. “But I’ll still wait here.”
    â€œSuit yourself.”
    Regina flinched as the truck door slammed shut behind him. Then she lifted a shoulder. Let him get mad, she didn’t care. She hadn’t been taken in by his maneuvering, and wasn’t going to be. That he’d gone striding into the house like a man who really had forgotten some papers changed nothing. She sighed, then leaned her head against the back of the seat.
    The mental image his words had sketched was apotent one. She could almost see Kane drawing a woman down with him to a polished, rug-strewn floor. His shoulders would block out the light as he hovered above her. Behind his head, the celestial blue of the painted ceiling would swim with a misty swirl of clouds and cherubs and shimmering sun rays. Then he would—
    A light tap came on the window beside Regina. The daydream fled and she swung with a sharp gasp to see an older woman standing beside the truck. She was slender and poised, her hair graying in a manner as natural as it was attractive. She bore a strong resemblance to Kane. Regina reached to wind down the glass.
    â€œGood morning, my dear. I’m Vivian Benedict, Kane’s aunt. He told me you were out here.