O'Brien's Lady - By Marsha Doss Page 0,13

the necessary pans and chemicals and now she lined the shelves on one wall with her supplies. For the first time in her life, Sonny had a sense of belonging here. This was her little corner in the midst of her father's world and she whistled under her breath as she worked.

"What's this?"

Sonny turned around abruptly to see Michael standing in the doorway.

"My new dark room."

Michael leaned his arm against the doorway, and watched her hammering two more brackets to the back wall. She worked diligently, trying to avoid his interest in her. She had four rolls to develop, and if Michael would just leave she could begin.

"You can't have it here." Michael's voice was matter-of-fact.

"Of course I can," Sonny snapped.

"I'll send Billy to help you get this stuff out of here." Michael turned to leave and Sonny grabbed him by the arm, pulling him around with all the force she could gather.

"I will stay! And don't order me around."

Michael lifted the fingers that clutched his shirt and held them securely as he drew Sonny dangerously close to him. His eyes frightened her and

made a chill run the length of her back. They were not lit with fire but with a cold anger that spilled from his lips.

"You little fool. You want to endanger the health of these animals?" The lines of his mouth were hard as he spoke.

"What are you talking about?"

"The odor from these chemicals could make them very sick."

An odd feeling of defensiveness came over her and Sonny's face became suddenly pale in the dim light of the small room.

"Are you saying this could really harm them?"

"That would be an easy out for you wouldn't it Sonny? If the horses get sick we have no farm."

The paleness in Sonny's face drained and was replaced with a vivid splash of color that began at her neck and worked its way up to her blue eyes, which were watching his every move.

"You think I would do that?" Sonny whispered in disbelief.

Michael was certain that her intentions had been innocent enough, but it was that kind of careless thinking that could bring down the stables and destroy everything he had worked for. Wouldn't you? You hate it here, remember?" Michael's dark eyes were menacing.

"Not enough to harm my horses or property."

"Our property," Michael corrected.

"You don't have a right to my land, Michael." Michael pulled her toward him and his eyes burned through her cold skin. "I belong here…and it's as much mine as yours."

She moved against the force of his grasp and the unbridled anger that filled her heart now spilled over into her blue eyes.

"We'll see about that," Sonny snapped. "Now, if you don't mind, I have work to do."

"Just get these chemicals out of here. I don't want them near the barn." Michael insisted.

"If you wanted them moved, why didn't you just ask?"

"Even a gal from Paris, France ought to have enough sense to know what not to put near horses." Michael's voice was hard and sarcastic and every word cut through her like a hot knife.

He turned and strode over to the stalls at the other side of the large barn. Sonny dug her toe into the dirt with such force that tears came to her eyes. Her intentions had been innocent, but she hated to think of what the smell of the chemicals might have done to the horses. She would not have hurt them for the world, but Michael saw it as another chance to make her six months here just as demeaning and miserable as possible.

She carried her equipment up to the house, and soon found a portion of the garage that could be used.

It was already sectioned off with plywood and had a small sink in one corner. Even though it was small, it would work fine. Her lack of training was certainly showing today, but she would soon learn what it was that Michael thought he was so good at.

Relocating her work room had taken most of the afternoon, and by four o'clock, Katy was rustling pans in the kitchen and opening and closing the large pantry door. Having her cook meals for her was such a joy for Sonny who was accustomed to dinner out and had long ago forgot the real goodness of home cooked food.

Sonny would have to watch her waistline, because Katy was a meat and potatoes woman who still believed in serving hearty meals. It was no wonder that Will and Michael were so strong and muscular.

"Smells