Vicki Lewis Thompson - Double Exposure

“Even so. I have to chip in for something like this.”

Kate had to admit the place was spectacular. Set against a backdrop of mint-green walls, dark walnut furniture in the sitting area was upholstered in white brocade. Intricately patterned Oriental carpets rested on gleaming hardwood floors, and roses in delicate vases perched everywhere, perfuming the air with a heady fragrance.

Through a wide doorway stood a massive canopy bed dressed in the same white brocade as the furniture in the sitting room. And of course there were more roses. It was a perfect honeymoon cottage, Kate thought as she looked around. Or a lover’s retreat….

“Beautiful.” He turned full circle, his garment bag still over his shoulder, her suitcase in his other hand. Then he glanced at Kate. “Thank you.” He hesitated. “Well, I’ve taken up a lot of your time. I’m sure you have things you need to do.”

Maybe he was subtly trying to dismiss her. She shouldn’t make assumptions, even though she thought there was an attraction between them. “And you’re probably ready for a nap.”

“No, not really.” He set down both suitcases and laid his jacket over a chair. “Maybe some time in the whirlpool, though.”

“Then I should be going.” She didn’t want to leave, but she couldn’t very well hang around while he took a long soak.

“So you do have things to take care of.” His gaze was clearly regretful.

“Nothing earth-shattering, but I thought—”

“For all I know some guy’s tapping his foot, wondering when you’re going to show up for dinner.”

Her pulse rate moved up a notch. He wanted to know if she had a boyfriend. “No,” she said carefully. “Nobody’s waiting for me.” She looked into his eyes. “But maybe you need to call someone to let her know you arrived safely?”

He held her gaze as he shook his head.

“Oh.” Her pulse raced at the unspoken messages zinging back and forth.

“I can hold off on the whirlpool, if you’re free for dinner.”

“I’m free for dinner, but I think you need to do something for those stiff muscles.”

He shrugged. “I will, eventually.” Then he gestured toward the suitcases. “Let me put these away.”

“Okay.” She waited in the sitting room while he carried both suitcases into the bedroom. Wow. This was turning into a fantasy event.

After he’d disappeared from view, a low whistle of appreciation filtered back to her. “Some whirlpool.”

She remembered it well. Set into a bay window, the marble tub was big enough for at least two people. By day the windows looked out on more rose bushes. By night, translucent shades provided complete privacy.

“And I look like a street person,” he added.

“You look fine,” she called to him. More than fine. Awesome. Hot.

“I need a shave.” He came back out, rolling his shoulders. “Have you seen that whirlpool?”

She nodded. “Kim and I had the full tour when we booked the rooms for the wedding party.” Watching him work the kinks from his shoulders made her long to go over and massage those knots out for him. That’s what he really needed. A whirlpool wouldn’t necessarily help his neck and shoulders.

“Well, I can tell you one thing. Before I take you out to dinner, I’m going to shave and clean up a little.”

“You don’t have to go to all that trouble. We can just—”

“Nope, I’ll feel a lot better if I do. Give me five minutes.”

“That’s silly.” The last thing she wanted to do was create more complications for him. “Listen, there’s a submarine sandwich place a block away. I’ll go pick up some food and bring it back. That way you can stay and relax.”

“Look, I’m really fine. A quick shave and shower and I’ll be good to go.”

“You don’t like subs?”

“I love them.”

“Then it’s settled.” She started for the door. This evening was becoming more exciting by the minute. Now they’d be able to have their meal in total privacy. “What kind of sandwich do you want?”

“I eat anything. Surprise me.”

She gave him a quick grin. “That’s what I like, a man with a sense of adventure.”

He smiled back. “Then I’m your guy.”

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