Secret Ones by Nicole Murphy

Author:Nicole Murphy [Nicole Murphy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780730492504
Publisher: HarperCollins

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Lucas woke the next morning and took a moment to orient himself.

He flopped onto his back and stared at the ceiling. So, he thought, what’s going to be on today’s schedule. How to make myself disappear, like the Sabhamir?

‘Lucas, my boy, are you up?’ John’s voice bellowed through the morning air.

Lucas got up with a smile. He couldn’t help but admire the fact that even from his sickbed, John O’Hara ruled the household. He went to his door and pulled it open. He was about to call out to John but then he was distracted by the sight of Maggie coming out of her bedroom. She was tousled and flushed and rubbing at her eyes.

She was wearing cotton shorts and a T-shirt and the sight of her was more than enough to get his hormones going.

‘Good morning.’ He smiled as she stopped and stared. Not a morning person, it would seem.

‘Is it?’ she muttered. ‘You’d think after last night he’d let us sleep in a little.’

The smile dropped from his face. ‘There’s no need for you to get up. I can deal with your grandfather.’

She sighed. ‘‘S’ all right. Go have a shower. Spare towels are in the cupboard under the sink. I’ll let Grandpa know you’re up.’ And she began to shuffle down the hall.

Lucas had a quick shower and, as he got out, there was a knock. He pulled a towel from the cupboard, slung it around his hips and then opened the door.

Maggie stood there, her arms full of men’s clothing and her mouth open as if to speak. However, her eyes immediately riveted on his chest and she didn’t utter anything more sensible than a squeak.

Thank you. Lucas sent a silent prayer to whoever was looking after him. ‘Are those for me?’

She jumped and then looked at him, guilt flashing across her face. ‘Um, yes.’

Lucas wanted to tell her she could touch as well, if she wanted. They weren’t quite there yet, though. ‘Could I have them?’

‘Dad got them for you.’ She thrust the clothing out at him.

He took it, careful to brush his hands over hers. Her eyes flicked to his, her breath caught and he thought that maybe they were at the point where he could suggest she join him. But then she said, ‘I’ve put some coffee on,’ and almost ran back down the hall.

Lucas closed the bathroom door and dried himself. Well, that was a nice start to the day, he thought.

He went into the kitchen. Maggie put a cup of coffee down in front of him—avoiding his gaze—and left the room.

Lucas leant back in his chair and sipped with a satisfied smile, feeling incredibly pleased with himself…until the sound of running water reached him. He immediately pictured her under the shower, water cascading over her golden skin. Now he was the one suffering.

‘Lucas? Ready to work?’ O’Hara’s shout cut into his fantasies.

‘Sounds good,’ Lucas called then downed the rest of his coffee. Anything to take his mind off her until he had the chance to put thoughts into action.

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