Chapter 97

Tara bent over to dust the lower shelf, and when she straightened up too quickly, the world spun. She staggered backward, disoriented. A pair of hands caught her from the sides, steadying her and gently pulling her into a firm chest. She inhaled a subtle, familiar scent and felt the heat radiating from the man behind her. Then came Shawn's husky voice. "Skipped breakfast?" he teased, though his tone betrayed concern. Tara quickly regained her balance and stepped out of his arms. Shawn let her go without resistance. "I did. Maybe the sugar hadn't reached my head yet. Thanks for the help," she said. She glanced at him, puzzled. When had Shawn gotten here? Shawn suggested, "I'll have Terence prepare something for you to eat so that you'll feel better. " Tara waved her hands to refuse. "Thanks, Mr. Wilhelm, but that's not necessary. Mr. Robertson had already told the cooks to prepare nutritious meals for me." She was truly grateful to Shawn. She might've fallen and hit her head i