Love Inspired Suspense July 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: Shake Down\Critical Diagnosis\Smoky Mountain Investigation by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Author:Jill Elizabeth Nelson [ELIZABETH NELSON, JILL/STONE AND ANNSLEE URBAN, ALISON]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781460338018
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

TEN

Right after a somewhat formal dinner with the O’Reilly family, Lily excused herself and retreated to the carriage house. A tense undercurrent had flowed throughout the evening that was at odds with the polite exchange of pleasantries. Apparently, no one was willing to share what was really on their minds.

Working off some of her stress, Lily cut the tube of cookie dough and placed heaping mounds on the sheet and slipped it into the oven. She could almost taste the chocolate-chip cookies.

Lily double-checked the lock on the door and plopped on the couch, picking up the remote. Maybe she could find some light romantic comedy to take her mind off everything. Relaxing in this quaint home had reminded her of the early days when she had moved into the carriage house right after her mother had died. Sweet Edna had made the horrible transition a little bit easier for her. In a way, it seemed odd Edna had been the one to offer comfort since she had replaced Lily’s mother as the O’Reillys’ housekeeper. The O’Reillys had provided Lily lodging and an education, but Edna provided the mothering she needed after her mother had died.

Lily dropped the remote at the sound of a quiet rap on the door. Anticipation bubbled in her stomach. She pointed the remote at the TV and turned down the volume. She unfolded her legs from under her and stood. She shook out the tingling sensation in her feet from the lack of circulation. Crossing the room, she snapped on an end-table lamp as she passed, chasing away the gloomy shadows. Another quiet knock sounded at the door.

She peered through the peephole and saw James’s profile. A strange mix of relief and nervousness swept over her. James’s intense gaze was directed toward the darkened yard. She unlocked the door and yanked it open. A slow smile spread across his face, warming her heart.

“Hey there.” His voice was gravelly, as if the exhaustion from the day had caught up to him, too.

“Hey yourself.” She hugged the edge of the door, resisting the urge to reach out and touch the dark shadow on his jaw. She was growing partial to this look on him. It made him appear rugged, even more handsome, if possible. She stepped out of the doorway and waved her hand in a sweeping gesture. “Come on in. I’m about to start a movie.”

Amusement softened his features. “An action adventure?”

“Seriously?” She dipped her chin and raised an eyebrow. “I think I’ve had enough action adventure in my real life lately. I hardly want to be entertained by it.”

James turned around and locked the door. Something about the deliberate gesture made her uneasy. “Do you think I’m safe here? Honestly?”

“Yes.” He pinned her with a steady gaze. “I talked to Medlink’s security, too. You’re safe.”

“Okay.” Lily turned on her bare feet and hustled to the kitchen area, suddenly remembering the cookies in the oven. She opened the oven door. “Phew. Just in time.” The sweet smell of chocolate-chip cookies floated to her nose.

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