Winter Interlude by SANDY LOYD

Author:SANDY LOYD [LOYD, SANDY]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-07-24T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Kate moved to stretch and was hampered with not only the comforter, but with Paul’s arm, which was around her waist. Turning gently so she wouldn’t disturb him, she took in his slumbering form. He looked so innocent as he lay next to her, his upturned face relaxed in sleep, head supported on a mound of pillows. Considering the way he kissed, the man was anything but innocent. Heat climbed up her face at the memory. More of the same conflicted thoughts swirled around in her head, yet she watched him for a while longer, noting how attractive he was and marveling at how comfortable she felt in his arms.

She was in deep trouble. Though this felt so right, she knew it was all so wrong. Those few wild moments last night had been too hard to resist. If it had been anyone else, she’d have thrown caution to the wind and jumped in headfirst. But, she couldn’t. Even if Judith weren’t in the picture, it wouldn’t matter. She didn’t trust him. Worse, she didn’t trust herself.

When she tried to untangle herself, her movement was enough to wake him. Sitting up and rubbing his eyes, he shook off the sleepiness. The second their gazes connected, he grinned. Time seemed to stand still. She couldn’t look away.

“You look well rested.”

She nodded, returning his smile and wishing things were different.

He broke the spell and glanced toward the fireplace. “Fire’s down to embers. I need to add more logs.”

Unable to speak, she nodded.

“Thanks for...everything,” she finally said, once she found her voice. She felt heat on her cheeks for what she’d almost blurted out. Thanking him for keeping her warm didn’t seem like the smartest thing to say right then. “I feel much better.”

“My pleasure.” Still sporting that engaging smile, he extricated his body from hers and rose off the bed. While he stretched and padded over to the fireplace, she escaped to the bathroom. Upon her return, the first thing she noticed was the added warmth to the room from the now roaring fire.

Still holding the poker, Paul faced her.

Both stopped—and stood staring at each other for another awkward moment. Neither spoke.

She cleared her throat, smoothing her jeans in a nervous gesture, then walked toward the window and peeked out. “Sun’s up.” The storm had passed, leaving behind a bright blue sky that contrasted sharply against a white background of deep snow. She offered a wan smile. “I guess skiing’s out.”

“Yeah, no way we can get out to the main road. A BMW isn’t built for this much snow. Hopefully the electricity will come back on soon.” Paul glanced at his watch. “I can’t believe we slept over four hours.” He placed the poker aside. “Thank God for natural gas. At least we have plenty of hot water and we’re able to cook. We’ll probably have to spend a good part of the day in here to stay warm.”

He started for the door, asking along the way, “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“I’d love one.

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