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    Gentle Protector
    Gentle Protector
    Gentle Protector
    Ebook188 pages2 hours

    Gentle Protector

    By Linda Wisdom

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Keri Burke hadn't always been gun-shy around men. But pregnant and alone, the owner of K.B. Temps certainly wasn't ready to start learning how to trust again now. Why wouldn't Ryan Kincaid, ruggedly handsome business tycoon, take no for an answer? Somehow her failed marriage, her difficult pregnancy, and her one disastrous mistake didn't seem to matter. Keri knew that a man like Ryan was used to getting his way, and that spelled danger. The last thing she wanted was a keeper, especially one who could be so disarmingly gentle and so wickedly sensual at the same time. Against her own will he was bringing her back to life. He was kind and caring. Why was it so hard to believe that he was the man she could trust with her heart, her future, her life?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLinda Wisdom
    Release dateDec 9, 2012
    ISBN9781937791643
    Gentle Protector
    Author

    Linda Wisdom

    Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for Romantic Times awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California.

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      Book preview

      Gentle Protector - Linda Wisdom

      GENTLE PROTECTOR

      Linda Wisdom

      A JOYRIDE ROMANCE

      The Smashwords Edition

      Published by Joyride Books, PO Box 258, La Honda, CA, 94020

      Copyright © 1985 by Linda Wisdom

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law.

      ISBN: 978-1-937791-64-3

      Cover by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg

      CHAPTER ONE

      These business breakfasts were all alike and as boring as hell! Ryan grimaced as he entered the large banquet room filled with many white cloth-covered tables.

      You need to start attending these business functions, Jason Caldwell, his partner, had informed him the day before. It's a great way to make contacts. You never know who you may meet.

      Sure—all the old-timers who think they were the ones to bring prosperity to the city, Ryan had answered.

      Still, he showed up at the restaurant the next morning at seven sharp, was shown to the correct banquet room by an overly attentive hostess, signed in, and accepted the paper name badge; ryan kincaid, it said, with Kin-Cal Property Investments written underneath.

      Ryan sauntered over to a long buffet table and poured himself a cup of coffee from the large urn. At least it was hot, if not totally drinkable. He turned to let his gaze wander over the room; standing apart from the group, he made an impressive image. Just over six feet, with hair the color of rich sable and eyes the same dark shade, he was an arresting figure in a dark blue three-piece suit with a pale blue shirt and matching tie. His lean body was that of a man who either didn't have to worry about his weight or worked diligently at keeping himself in shape. The dark tan attested to his love of the outdoors. A sprinkling of silver at the temples, and lines fanning out around his eyes, and faint lines around his mouth, indicated a man past the thirty-year mark and on his way to forty who'd be a remarkable-looking man even when he was sixty.

      Ryan's eyes roamed over the clusters of people, passed over one group, then swung back again. He could only see her profile, but that was enough to capture his attention.

      Hair the color of rich antique gold shone brightly under the artificial lights, and he'd wager his life that it wasn't the result of a hairdresser's careful coloring job. Cut just below chin length in a sassy style that feathered away from her face, it gave him an excellent opportunity to study her well-defined features. Even her smile in profile was enough to leave him stunned. He studied her left hand, which was holding a coffee cup. Her only ring was on the second finger and certainly didn't look like a wedding band or engagement ring. So far, so good.

      As if she were aware that she was under observation, she slowly turned, allowing her eyes to sweep casually over the room until they encountered his dark eyes. For a moment they halted and widened slightly, as if sensing a message in their sable depths; then they swiftly looked away. He noticed with satisfaction that the hand that held the coffee cup wasn't quite as steady now.

      Ryan took a quick swallow of his coffee, set the cup down, and looked around for Jason. When he found his partner, he quickly walked over to the other man.

      Ryan, glad to see you could make it. The gray-haired, portly man greeted him with a smile and clap on the shoulder. I'd like you to meet—

      First, Ryan interrupted him, the woman over there in the far corner—dark-blond hair in a sort of blue dress: Do you know her?

      Jason glanced over in the direction Ryan indicated. Keri Burke. She owns a temporary personnel agency.

      Introduce me.

      The older man laughed as if he knew something Ryan didn't. Old buddy, it would be easier for you to put the make on the queen of England than her.

      She's not married, Ryan stated flatly; yet, he was a little unsure of his statement.

      No, but she's dead set against men, Jason explained. There have been those who have tried, but none have succeeded to my knowledge.

      Ryan watched Keri, his brows knitted in a frown. You can't mean she's—

      Jason laughed louder this time. No, I just think she got burned badly and is a little gun-shy of men. Do yourself a favor and look around for someone else to play with, he advised.

      Ryan merely smiled noncommittally and wandered off, keeping an eye on Keri Burke, positive that she was keeping a cautious eye on his prowling figure too. He was getting more curious about her by the minute. What color were her eyes? What was her preference in music? His instincts spoke loudly and clearly. She wasn't romantically involved . . . yet.

      He deliberately stayed away from the group Keri was talking with, sure that if he approached her, she would find an excuse to leave. He'd bide his time until the moment was right. He didn't have to wait long.

      When the time came for everyone to be seated, Ryan made sure he took a seat at Keri's table, directly across from her. When she flashed him a cool smile, he didn't smile in return and received a puzzled frown from her. Now he knew. Her eyes were a curious combination of blue and green, and in the cool depths there was just the slightest hint of sadness. Most people might not notice it, but he did because he had gone through a bad hurt himself. Was that why she steered away from men? He silently cursed the man who had hurt such a lovely woman.

      Keri could feel a strange heat invade her body under Ryan's gaze. He was new to the area and to the club. She attended the monthly breakfasts on a regular basis and he hadn't been there before. She was sure of that. He was someone she definitely wouldn't have forgotten.

      Of course, she had met Larry, an ex-boyfriend, there and she would never be able to forget the nightmare he had led her into. She was glad that he had left town, because she doubted that she would ever be able to face him again. Keri doubted that even the pain she had experienced due to her ex-husband Don's callous treatment of her could equal what Larry had done to her.

      She picked up her glass of orange juice and let the chilled liquid slide down her suddenly parched throat.

      Men had looked at Keri before, and she usually was able coolly to let them know she didn't appreciate them undressing her with their eyes. But this man was different. Oh, he was studying her with those dark eyes, but he wasn't mentally stripping her. He was much more dangerous because his thought processes were delving their way into her soul!

      'K. Burke.' His eyes swept over the badge stuck on the silky cotton just over her right breast. 'K.B. Temps.' Are you related?

      Keri nodded. I am K.B. Temps.

      Which is . . . ? He arched a questioning eyebrow and leaned back in his chair, hooking an arm over the back. For a moment her eyes couldn't stray from the enticing sight of the front of his shirt stretched across his chest just above his buttoned vest.

      She had a strong suspicion that he already knew about her agency but for some reason preferred to hear it from her. I have a temporary personnel service. Her low voice was music to a man's ears.

      Clerical? he quizzed.

      All phases, Mr. . . . ? It was now her turn to study his name tag. . . . Kincaid.

      How about a secretary familiar with real estate terminology, typing, shorthand, all the usual duties? Ryan asked brusquely. Someone who can take criticism without breaking down in tears, work overtime without complaining, and put up with a very bad-tempered boss?

      Keri's smile was more breathtaking when he saw it straight on. Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything?

      If she cracks under pressure just once, she'll be out on her can, he continued crisply, oblivious to the interested listeners at their table.

      Do I detect that you're giving me a job order? She decided it would be better if she put this conversation on a businesslike basis right away. She thought that he would prefer to put it on another level altogether.

      As long as I don't get someone who looks as if she belongs in a centerfold, Ryan insisted.

      Keri dug into her purse, pulled out her business card, and handed it across the table to Ryan. He returned the gesture with one of his own.

      The rate for such an impeccable character can be high, she cautioned lightly.

      As long as she's worth it, he told her in an arrogant voice.

      Keri was grateful when scrambled eggs and bacon with hash brown potatoes and English muffins appeared. She already sensed that this very basic male was more than she cared to handle.

      All the while she ate, she was very much aware of the man seated across from her. Ryan Kincaid was a go-getter. She could feel it in her bones that he was a man accustomed to getting his way, whether it concerned business or women. Right now he was busy exerting a potent charm over the other two women and two men at the table, especially the women. Even Addie Lake, a brusque, sharp-spoken woman in her fifties, had softened under Ryan's sincere interest in her gourmet shop.

      Keri knew something the others didn't. Ryan had the uncanny ability to carry on a conversation with them while keeping his concentration solely on one person— her. The food was tasteless in her mouth. She wouldn't have a man in her life right now. She couldn't have one!

      The speaker may have been good, but Keri didn't hear one word. She was too conscious of Ryan lounging in his chair, one hand resting on the snowy tablecloth.

      What was it about him that attracted women? He didn't fit the conventional idea of a handsome man. His features were too rugged, his hands strong-looking, as if he enjoyed working with them; the fingers were slightly blunt at the tips, but she had a good idea that they could be gentle when stroking a woman. His jaw was uncompromising, his eyes too discerning. She felt as if he were seeking the path to her soul. He was a dangerous man who would be more at home in the jungle than in civilization.

      Keri suddenly felt very uneasy. She fumbled under the table for her purse and slipped out of her seat. She had never walked out during a speech before, but this year had been full of a great many firsts for her. As she crept out of the banquet room she sensed a pair of dark eyes burning into her every step of the way.

      Serena, the receptionist at K.B. Temps, greeted her boss with a broad smile. Her silvery hair, kept in a neat coil on top of her head, and the lines fanning out from her eyes and cheeks proclaimed her to be in her late fifties or early sixties, but her energy and enthusiasm for her job belonged to a woman much younger.

      The breakfast is over so early?

      No, I just wasn't interested in hearing about the benefits of advertising in local business magazines. She picked up the pink message slips marked with her name. Are all our new lambs in safe and sound?

      Serena nodded. Part of her job was to call and verify that the workers had reported to their new jobs on the first day without mishap.

      Keri walked back to her office, greeting the other two personnel consultants on the way. Mondays were always their busiest days, and this was no exception, judging by the constant ringing of the phones. The typewriter keys rattled in the background as an applicant took her typing test.

      Keri closed her office door in order to have peace and quiet. She walked around her desk to her chair before sorting through her messages. The top one seemed to jump out at her: Ryan Kincaid of Kin-Cal called. Please call him with the name of a replacement secretary. According to the time jotted in the corner, the call hadn't been made more than five minutes after she had left.

      She swiveled her chair around and switched on the small computer sitting on the credenza. In no time she had the pertinent information displayed on the screen. A number was punched out on the telephone and a seductive feminine voice answered the call: Hello.

      Cassie, it's Keri. She settled the receiver firmly between her shoulder and jaw. How would you like to begin work for a bad-tempered ogre tomorrow?

      Cassie's laugh was equally sensual. Is combat pay involved?

      I guarantee I'll make it worth your while, because you certainly deserve every penny. This man wants a virtual machine, and if anyone can make him toe the line, I'm sure you can, Keri said confidently.

      I take it he's good-looking.

      Cassie, your only duties are secretarial, she reminded with a laugh, acknowledging a private joke between the two women. This man is a new client, and something deep down tells me that the agency could get a lot of business from him as long as he's happy with our service. Since Cassie had been one of Keri's first applicants and their working relationship had later grown into a close friendship, Keri knew she could talk to her bluntly. All she kept to herself was the fact that Ryan Kincaid was the kind of man to pack quite a punch in the masculinity department! That she preferred not to think about.

      Cassie laughed. All right, give me all the gory details. I'll keep him in line.

      Good enough. That's why I called you first. Keri dug into her purse, drew out Ryan's business card, and read off his name, the name of the company, and the office address. "Give me a call at home tomorrow night and let me know how it looks over there. Just make sure you have him eating out of your hand—not taking

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