Running From the Past

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An Excerpt From: RUNNING FROM THE PAST

Copyright ? KATIE REUS, 2008

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing,
Inc.

He let out a bark of laughter. Normally he?d do a more
extensive interview but what choice did he have? It wasn?t as if people
were lining up for the position and he was afraid his men would mutiny if
they had to suffer through another night of his cooking. ?All right, I?ll have
to do a background check, show you the kitchen to see if you think you can
handle it, then??

?No.? She crossed her arms over her chest and set her
jaw.

?Uh, no what? You don?t want to see the kitchen??

?No background checks. I?m not giving you my social
security number.?

He stood there quietly, watching her, trying to figure
out what was going on in that pretty head. Desperation and defiance were an
odd mix but the emotions played across her upturned face in equal measures.
Caleb knew he should just tell her to turn around and leave but something
in her deep brown eyes called to his protective nature. Something primitive
and unfamiliar inside him stirred. ?Why??

She swallowed but instead of turning and running as
expected, she answered. ?I just broke off an engagement with someone and my
family is less than thrilled with me. I need space and I need to make it on
my own without my family butting in.?

After twelve years as a Marine Corps scout sniper, he
was better than most at reading people?s faces. If there was one thing he
knew, it was if someone wasn?t being straight with him. Her story was good
and she obviously thought quickly on her feet but it was a lie. He?d let it
slide. For now. ?Then why can?t I do a background check??

?If you run my number, my family will find me.?

?How??

Her face paled and something flared in her eyes.
Something he?d seen on the battlefield more times than he could count.
Fear. Real, unabashed, almost tangible terror. ?They just would. Trust me,?
she muttered and shifted her feet again.

He didn?t respond, forcing her to break the silence. ?I
know you haven?t had any responses to your ad??

?How the fu? how do you know that?? he demanded.

A pinkish tinge of color ran across her high, exotic
cheekbones. ?Alice Delaney told me you were looking for someone and she
also said you were the worst cook south of the Mason-Dixon
line. So I know you need someone badly and I need a job. Maybe
we can strike a deal. I cook for a week and if you?re not satisfied, I
leave. You don?t even have to pay me.?

Her mouth snapped shut as if she knew she was rambling
and those damn expressive eyes widened expectantly, luring him in. Oh she
was trouble all right. No doubt about it.

Caleb was going to tell her to leave. It was on the tip
of his tongue. How could he hire someone without any references? And Alice,
the owner of Delaney?s Bed and Breakfast, didn?t exactly count. She was
close to a hundred and trusted everyone.

All his experience told him this would pan out badly but
he wasn?t thinking with his head. No, he was thinking with a much lower
part of his anatomy. The part that wondered what was underneath that
formfitting sweater. Her breasts were small, just like the rest of her but
he?d bet anything she had perfect, pink nipples. Perfect for sucking and
kissing. ?When can you start??

?