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8061e1c
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What's that like, being a movie star?" "Being a star, as you put it, is like living an imaginary life. Acting, however, is the hardest work you'll ever find. Look at me," she said, connecting with his eyes. "Closely, closely--yes, like that. Now look angry." He scowled for her. "Very nice," she said. "Now--look vulnerable." He frowned in confusion. "Not easy, is it? Add to that, you have to memorize one hundred and twenty pages of dialogue,..
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Robyn Carr |
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fe8628b
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I'm going to go see if I can get you some medicine. There's an old doc in Virgin River--he might have some stuff on hand for cold and flu. It'll take me almost a half hour to get there, the same coming back." "Virgin River," she said dreamily, eyes closed. "Ian, they have the most beautiful Christmas tree... You should see it..." "Yeah, right. I'll be an hour or so. The fire should more than last, but will you try to keep the blanket on? Ti..
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Robyn Carr |
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f674c07
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You know, you try to hide the fact that you're nice," she said. "I think it's natural for you to be kind." "Nowww," he warned. "You'll ruin my reputation." "You haven't even established one yet," she said. "No one knows quite what to make of you."
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Robyn Carr |
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9068ee1
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Playing with me again," he teased. "Don't you worry that you're biting off more than you can chew, little girl?" "Aren't you?" she asked. He groaned. "I know I am." And she laughed at him. As"
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Robyn Carr |
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dc34f48
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Really, the cost didn't matter. No matter what she needed, even if it was the hospital, he'd find a way. He couldn't let her be sick. In less than twenty-four hours, all he really wanted was to see her smile like she had in that old picture Bobby had shown him. He
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Robyn Carr |
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0ac9939
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You're killing me. Come inside with me for a few hours." "No. Not yet," she said. Then she shrugged. "Sorry if I'm teasing you." He pulled away and dismounted. "Shelby, I don't think you're sorry. I think you're in control here, trying to make me sorry," he said, but he couldn't help smiling. "See you tonight. For a beer." "Maybe." "Come on," she laughed. "It's not possible I'm more brave than you. You've been in combat how many times?" "Th..
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Robyn Carr |
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d326d1e
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When she walked him out to his truck, she held his hand for a few minutes. The girl moved really slowly, and he liked that. One of these days he was going to get his arms around her, kiss her. She had to be about the prettiest girl at school. Maybe the world. He'd
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Robyn Carr |
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21fa3ce
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You don't look as tough as that." "I don't know how tough I am--look at me, sick as a pup. But I bet I can match you for stubborn." A sound came out of him. "Holy shit, Ian--was that a laugh?" "A cough," he lied. "You probably got me sick."
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Robyn Carr |
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32739cb
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We should at least stay for the sunset," Mike suggested. "There's nothing like a Pacific sunset. Would you like that?" "I would. Do you think I should call Jack? Let him know?" Mike shrugged. "I don't know what kind of arrangement you two have. Would he be worried if you're not home before dark?" Remembering her brother's dark mood in the morning, the way he'd tried to warn her off Mike, she almost said that Jack would be especially worried..
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Robyn Carr |
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833f929
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Over time, she felt Bobby had had some recognition--there were times he'd turn his head, seem to look at her, even move his head closer as if nuzzling her, then close his eyes as though he knew she was there, as though he could smell her, feel her. She might've been the only one to think that way, but she believed that, somewhere inside that completely incapacitated body, he lived a little bit, knew he was with his wife and family, knew he ..
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Robyn Carr |
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3b0f6fd
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The door jerked open and he glowered at her. "What do you want?" "Hey! Why are you mad at me? I just want to talk to you." "I don't want to talk," he said, pushing the door closed. With inexplicable courage, she put her booted foot in its path. "Then maybe you can listen." "No!" he bellowed. "You're not going to scare me!" she shouted at him. Then he roared like a wild animal. He bared his teeth, his eyes lit like there were gold flames in ..
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Robyn Carr |
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1551efd
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So, I invited my brother to go over to the coast to have a beer, check out the women, and what does he tell me? Not interested in doing that--he wants to go to this little bar in Virgin River. But he doesn't tell me why. What an incredible coincidence that you happen to be here, Miss McIntyre." She laughed at him, finding him darling and playful, two things Luke definitely was not. "Please, it's just Shelby. He knew I'd be here. It's almost..
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Robyn Carr |
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0b45c90
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If Luke was quieter than usual, it could be explained by the fact that Sean never shut up. That, and the fear he was losing a major chance with Shelby to this upstart who would be gone in a few days. A few long days. Tables were pushed together as those present collected for dinner, and Sean grabbed the chair next to Shelby's, entertaining her, making her laugh. Luke didn't make her laugh so much. He wasn't the comedian Sean was to start wi..
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Robyn Carr |
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30335c5
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Your brother is very cute," she said against his lips. "I'm going to take him home and beat the shit out of him." It made her giggle to hear that. "Would you two like to go for a ride tomorrow?" she asked. "We have another good riding horse. A beautiful Appaloosa named Shasta. All spotty and gentle." "I don't want him to go anywhere with us." "Luke," she scolded. "Seriously. I want him out of here. I have things to do with you." He shrugged..
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Robyn Carr |
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99203d1
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He didn't want it ever to end and he concentrated on making it the longest kiss in history, hoping to get caught, hoping everyone would go on notice--this was his girl. His woman.
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Robyn Carr |
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0ae7044
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What's on your mind, son?" Paul scooted forward a bit. "Well, it's no secret I'm in love with your daughter. I want to marry Vanni. Do I have your blessing? Your permission?" Walt shook his head and chuckled. "Haggerty, you sneak down the hall after I'm in bed every night--you'd damn sure better marry her. In fact, it might make sense for you to put the baby in that bedroom you're not using--save a trip or two, let the child have some space..
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Robyn Carr |
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a08ba33
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Careful, Luke," she teased. "If you buy my dinner, I'll think you like me." He put a hand on the small of her back. "That's the problem," he said. "I do."
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Robyn Carr |
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59cff09
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Out here, you're all muscle, a hide like leather," she said, running her hands over his upper arms, shoulders and chest. "You have a soft underbelly. You're a soft touch." "I know. Mush. Nothing but mush." "Tell"
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Robyn Carr |
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a095a66
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He held out his hand. "What?" she said. "Put your head in the sink," he said. "I'll do it." "Why?" "Because it'll be hard for you to know if the soap's out. It'll be faster and easier if I just do it for you." She picked up the towel he'd laid out on the short counter, pressed it against her face and bent at the waist, dipping her head in the warm water. She could feel him use a cup to wet her hair, then begin to gently lather it. Those big..
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Robyn Carr |
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988dbc8
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You aren't going to offer to shave my legs for me, too, are you?" His hands suddenly stopped moving. There was a stillness and a silence for such a drawn out moment, she wondered if she had somehow offended him. "Marcie," he finally said. "Why in the world would you shave your legs?" "They're hairy!" "So what? Who's gonna care?" She thought about this for a second. She was on the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere with a man who loo..
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Robyn Carr |
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3c59ff2
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You're a lot of trouble, Melinda. I knew from the start you would be." "I keep you young," she said tiredly. "You do, at that. But I think you're wearing Jack down." *"
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Robyn Carr |
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a3a3e9b
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By afternoon Jack found her down on her hands and knees scouring the bathroom floor around the toilet and tub. "For the love of God," he said. "What?" "What the hell are you doing? If you want the bathroom cleaned, why don't you just tell me? I know how to clean a goddamn bathroom." "It wasn't all that dirty, but since I'm in the cleaning mood, I thought I'd whip it into shape." "David is ready for his nap. Why don't you join him." "I don't..
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Robyn Carr |
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149fcb3
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Do you feel all right?" he asked, glancing at her. "You're a little...pink." "I feel fantastic. Probably just the calm before the storm." "Probably," he said. "You do that again tomorrow and I'm tying you down. You make me crazy sometimes." "Jack..." She laughed. "When did you get like this? You're so annoying!" By"
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Robyn Carr |
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a3fb957
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The September afternoon was pleasant and sunny and she could see that Luke was crouched atop one of the cabins tearing off rotting shingles. Although it was cool enough for her to need a jacket, his broad sunburned bare back was facing her--it was a very enjoyable sight and she drank it in, silent. Then Plenty whinnied and Luke glanced over his shoulder. He stood and carefully turned toward her, balanced on the sloping roof. A smile found i..
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Robyn Carr |
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d6138f2
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When they got to the house, he lifted her out of the truck into his arms and smacked her head on the door frame in the process. "Ow!" "Sorry," he said. "You've done this to me before!" she accused. "I know. I've always been real smooth," he said, remembering a time long ago, before they were married, when he was carrying her home in much this same manner, though not pregnant, and while his mind was on sex, he damn near gave her a concussion..
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Robyn Carr |
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516241b
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Then he went for a flashlight from the kitchen and Brie shouted, "What's that for?" "I have to see how close she is," Jack responded, moving quickly. "Oh my God," Brie said. "We need some professionals here!" "Try Doc Mullins's pager. The number's inside the cupboard door. And get out a bottle," Jack said. "You're going to have a drink?" she asked, appalled. Not a bad idea, he thought. "For Davie. Get him ready for bed and give him his bott..
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Robyn Carr |
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712d7f3
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But only seconds seemed to have passed before there was a huge blast that caused her to sit up straight and catch her breath. Then the outhouse door opened sharply, and Ian stood there with a startled look on his face and a big gun in his hand. "How long have you been in here?" he asked. "I have no idea," she said. "I think maybe d-d-days." He got a sheepish look on his face. "You about done in here?" he asked. She burst into laughter, whic..
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Robyn Carr |
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4ff3872
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Wow," she said. "That's sure generous, that you'd do all that for me..." "For us, Marcie. I'll get a bath after you. And tomorrow I'll stop at the coin laundry and wash up the dirty clothes. I'll take any of yours you'd like me to. Just because you haven't been feeling too good..." She shifted from foot to foot, chewing on her lower lip. "What's the matter? You don't want a bath?" "I'd die for a bath," she said. "It's just that...I couldn't..
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Robyn Carr |
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2f75f2f
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Don't get sloppy, Marcie. If I had a freezer, I might shoot him." "You wouldn't!" He smiled at her. "I like venison. Don't you?" She thought about that chili Jack had given her, how it melted in her mouth. But she said, "Not that much!" And she whirled and went into the house, his amused laughter at her back. *"
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Robyn Carr |
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d73a7e2
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That's all I have to say." One corner of his mouth lifted. "Are you sure that's all you have to say?" She leaned back and eyed him warily. "For now." The other corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "You're one stubborn little broad, aren't you?" "Told you," she said, lifting her chin. And she thought, It's probably what got me through the worst of it. "You don't have to buy food or do chores. I just can't figure out how a grumpy old guy like..
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Robyn Carr |
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fa8c39e
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It was very hard for him to admit it to himself, but having her around had brought him a strange comfort, and he had no idea why. Looking out for her made him feel better somehow. Making sure she was fed and protected against danger--that seemed to work for him, too. It was a lot of trouble, actually. If she hadn't been around, he wouldn't go to as much bother with meals. Three out of four nights he'd just open a can of something, but becau..
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Robyn Carr |
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f8c96ab
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Luke frowned. This was not great timing. He was getting close to closing the deal with a twenty-five-year-old beauty and who shows up but the younger brother who is all of thirty-two. The hotshot spy-plane pilot. Younger, better-looking, plenty of money, exciting life. An officer. The general would no doubt prefer that. He looked Sean up and down--he was tan, had dark blond hair, a dimpled bad-boy smile and no shortage of lines for picking ..
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Robyn Carr |
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6e08fe2
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If you get a whiff of anything in there that has my scent on it, back away. If you touch it, you're a dead man." Sean grinned. "Okay, now I'm catching on. Oh man, this is going to be fun." He jumped out of the truck and bounded up the stairs, clearly dying of curiosity. Luke was right behind him, but almost plowed into him. Sean stopped short right inside the door. Walt and Shelby were sitting up at the bar and both turned at the sound of s..
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Robyn Carr |
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a4985cc
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Goddamn it," he muttered. She smiled at him. "Nice language for someone on his way to church." *"
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Robyn Carr |
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7b92cf8
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It was a long time before Mike was able to sleep, even though he hadn't slept much the previous two nights. He kept wishing Jack and Mel had stayed away a little longer. He'd lain beside her for two wonderful nights. She'd slept right up against him. Platonically, but it had been luxurious. In her sleep she would move closer, snuggle up against him, let him cradle her in the safety of his arms. Trusting him. Believing in him. Her scent stil..
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Robyn Carr |
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339c071
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I don't come here every night, so I thought maybe we just missed each other. But I asked Jack--you haven't been around for a beer at all. A couple of weeks, I think...." Eleven days, he thought miserably. "And you were going to make a break for it once I showed up. I hadn't even considered you were avoiding me. Do I make you nervous or something?" she asked. "Whew," he answered, shaking his head. "I haven't been out of the army long enough ..
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Robyn Carr |
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34e11c3
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Well, there's one thing I remember from growing up. My gram was so great to me--I couldn't ask for more. I never knew my grandpa, but my gram took good care of me. And I had Jack. Then Preacher. But there was one thing... I always wished I could have had a mom and a dad, like other kids. You know--a regular family. But, hey, accidents happen to families. I had the next best thing. I have to say, there wasn't anything about my growing up I'd..
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Robyn Carr |
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931dce4
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Tell you what I'll do for you," she said, looking up at him. "When Mattie's a little older, I'll have this IUD removed. We'll get you started on your own small herd." That made him smile. "That would be nice, Vanni." "Will"
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Robyn Carr |
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9ffb776
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What are you doing?" Jack asked as he wandered into the kitchen. "I'm cleaning out the refrigerator," she answered. "I'm going to stop bringing food into this house--we let too much go to waste." She heard David start to stir and lifted her head like a doe smelling a hunter. "I'll get him," Jack said. "He's heavy." "Okay. I'll get his breakfast ready. Would you like me to make you an omelet or something?" "How old are the eggs?" he asked. "..
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Robyn Carr |
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fc5de79
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Sean searched his memory for how he'd convinced her to take a chance on him in the first place and his mind was a blur. He'd probably been relentless in his pursuit because he did remember how he had felt when he first saw her. He'd taken one look at her and thought, Oh, Mary, Jesus and Joseph! She just did something to him. He had a lot of experience with attraction, but this was animal attraction. Primal and raw. He'd wanted her immediate..
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Robyn Carr |
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b9ad370
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On some bizarre instinct, he peeked into the master bedroom. He saw a couple of suitcases on the bed. And he thought, This isn't happening to me. He went to the kitchen. "Hi, honey," he said tentatively. "Oh, Paul, you're home!" she said. She didn't look as though she was leaving him. "Have you been cleaning out closets or something?" "No. Will you turn on the oven, please? Three-fifty. I've got a frozen lasagna to put in there. I hope you'..
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Robyn Carr |
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95fb145
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Let's have that talk. It would be nice to have someone to talk to about this. About where it's going, which I think I'm pretty clear about. Can you do that without telling Paul all my personal business?" "Sure," Vanni said with a smile. "Men don't care about these things anyway. Where should we start?" "Why don't we start with you telling me about your first experiences with this," Shelby suggested. "Well," Vanni said, looking into her lap ..
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Robyn Carr |
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5c16477
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I haven't seen you in a couple of days. Are you avoiding me again?" "I should, but I haven't been. I've had stuff going on. Does the general know you're doing this?" he asked. "Of course. They're his horses." "Aw, Shelby," he said, sounding a little miserable. He took off the tool belt and buttoned up his shirt. "What did he say?" "He said, 'You be careful of that Black Hawk pilot. They have a reputation for abusing women.'" He shoved his s..
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Robyn Carr |
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c1f6d6f
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She reached out a hand and touched the hair at his temple. "You're getting a little gray here." "Big surprise. I really didn't know you'd be such a handful." "I'm the best thing that ever happened to you." "Yeah," he said in a breath. He leaned down and kissed her brow. "Yeah, baby. You sure are. And you're a reproductive genius." John"
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Robyn Carr |