Cynthia Rutledge - Rich, Rugged...Royal

“They’re beautiful.” Sara took the flowers from her husband and nimbly darted out of reach when he attempted to pull her close. “I’m going to put these in a vase. Sal, would you hang up their coats and then help me get the salads on the table?”

Lauren resisted the urge to look at Alex. The moment her gaze had settled on him, a curious longing filled her. She couldn’t deny she found his quiet confidence and classic good looks appealing. But the last thing she wanted was for him to know it.

“Where’s Anna?” Lauren looked around, finding the house strangely silent.

“Miriam is feeding her upstairs,” Sara said. “She’s cutting teeth and has been a little fussy.”

Miriam Wilkins was a retired woman from Sara’s church who helped out with household duties and childcare on a part-time basis. The fact that she was busy with the baby explained why Sara was on her own with dinner preparations.

“I hope Miriam doesn’t keep her up there all evening,” Lauren said. “I don’t care if she’s fussy.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” Sal said with a long-suffering sigh. “But fussy doesn’t begin to describe how she’s been the last few days.”

“I’d be glad to take her off your hands,” Lauren bantered back, knowing there was no chance of that happening. Anna Tucci was the apple of her father’s eye. “Just say the word.”

“The word is no.” Sal took Alex’s coat and draped it over the one Lauren had given him. “If you want a baby, Ms. Carlyle, you’re going to have to get your own.”

Lauren gave him a playful shove. “I think I should find myself a husband first, don’t you?”

Sal just laughed and waved her and Alex off in the direction of the dining room before heading to help his wife in the kitchen.

Lauren walked down the hall next to Alex, feeling as unsure as a teenager on her first date. The awkwardness took her by surprise. After all, they’d parted on good terms and they hadn’t had any trouble communicating last weekend.

The memory of how she’d fallen into his arms so easily still made her blush. That’s why she kept her gaze focused straight ahead and did her best to act cool. Unfortunately his close proximity and the familiar scent of his cologne wafted about her, stirring her senses, taking her back to that morning in the hotel room….

The knock at the door roused Lauren from a deep slumber. She opened her eyes.

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