Free Irresistible Knight by Tierney O’Malley Page A

load she was carrying. “No one is after me. Look, I really appreciate your concern, but I don't need your help.”
    Bors nodded. Even he knew when to concede. “We have a spare room at my parents’ house. If you need a place to stay, that is. Bluff Road. Call a cab. My parents’ home is right at the end of the street. Easy to find. Or you can call me. If you rather that I call you...”
    “Thank you. I have your card.”
    This was the first for him, too. Women never hesitated to give him their phone number. Damn, he must be losing his charm. “Take care, Teejay.”
    * * * *
    Take his offer, Taylor. You have no money, no place to stay, and he is so ... deliciously handsome.
    Taylor shook her head. Perhaps Bors's intention was good. But how would she know? All her life she learned that men never offer anything without expecting in return. Why would Bors offer his help when they didn't even know anything about each other? But then she heard him say love you to his mom. She liked his brother, too, who also possessed charm. But...
    Damn buts.
    Skeptical, cynical, and ambivalent about her life. Young women her age already had their own family, raising wild kids. What did she have? Nothing. Because she was raised under the shadow of mighty Congressman Jean and didn't have enough sunshine to grow. Unbelievable. So this was the result of living with Jean. Not only didn't she trust anyone, but was also unsure how to give it and when.
    She really must solve her problem with Jean so she could start planning, building her future, and learn to live life without restrictions.
    Taylor watched Bors's car peel out of the parking lot and disappear around the corner. What a guy. He looked like a villain in his scraggly dirty look but diffused warmth and ... friendliness. The sound of her cell phone brought her back to her present predicament. Afraid it was Jean calling, she decided to ignore it.
    She spotted a pawnshop beside Baskin and Robbins store and contemplated whether to pawn her ring or earrings when someone tapped her shoulder. Taylor screeched, then bolted.
    “Teejay, it's me.”
    Taylor turned around to find Gawain frowning at her. “Gawain. It's you.”
    “Sorry. You're a scaredy-cat. Did my brother leave?”
    “With stubborn reluctance.”
    “Anyone would feel the same way, leaving a beautiful woman like you. Are you sure you don't need a ride?”
    Taylor nodded. “Thank you.”
    “Okay, I'll see you Sunday.”
    He didn't give her a chance to say no . He quickly walked to his car, hopped in, waved goodbye, then peeled away.
    If I don't show up, they'll probably forget that they invited me. Turning her ring around her finger, she picked up her violin case and walked toward Ali's Jewelry Repair and Pawnshop.
    Oyster Bay Cottage was everything she expected it to be. Tucked away in a wooded, waterfront site, it was a lovely two bedroom, two-bath cottage style home. The wood and beamed ceilings and hardwood floors gave it a warm comfortable feeling. The thirty-foot-long, all glass sunroom highlighted the dramatic view of Mt. Baker and the nearby islands. Furnished in an antique style, with a king bed in the master bedroom and two twin beds in the guest bedroom, as well as a double bed futon couch in the sunroom, it made the rooms look so romantic.
    It had a fully equipped kitchen, large dining area, and a wood stove/fireplace in the living room. At the back of the house, she found a private access to the beach where a small boat moored at the dock. Perfect. Except it was too pricey. The money she got from pawning her ring would only go as far as three days rent. After that, she would have to pawn some more jewelry. Not good. How was she going to live like this?
    She must act quickly. Contact the judge to help her before her money ran out. What a predicament.
    Taylor opened the glass door and walked out to the balcony. A crisp summer breeze blew, caressing her skin. Thick and towering forest of giant evergreen trees ensconced