Worth a Fortune by Sam Ledel

Author:Sam Ledel [Ledel, Sam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781636791760
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2022-07-01T17:51:43+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Harriet inhaled deeply upon waking. She didn’t recall falling asleep. Blinking, confusion overtook her when she spotted the drab gray curtains of the guest room. The feeling deepened as soft orange light crept in where they were parted. How long had she been asleep?

A lovely, faint scent hit her: rose water, Ava’s perfume. The warm thoughts it gave her were replaced by a surge of longing when she realized Ava’s arm was around her waist. That surge threatened to overpower her, to make her grab Ava’s hand and kiss her knuckles.

The thought nearly made her bolt upright. Quickly, Harriet slid out from under Ava. She bent to gather her shoes. Ava yawned on the bed. Harriet stepped back to the window, adding distance to squash the sudden rapid beating in her chest. “I’m afraid we fell asleep.”

For a moment, Ava seemed content as she stretched, still on her back amid the pillows.

Harriet said, “It’s morning.”

At this, Ava’s eyes shot open. She sat up, looking from Harriet to the bed. “Oh, my…Harriet, I’m sorry. I wanted to make sure you weren’t alone since you were out of sorts. I didn’t mean to drift off.” She ran a hand through her hair, a startled look in her brown eyes. “That was completely unprofessional of me.”

Ava’s frantic movements as she began to smooth the blankets and rearrange the pillows made Harriet smile. Waking up in her arms had been unexpected, yes, but not unpleasant.

“Ava, it’s all right. I appreciate your concern.” She picked up a small throw pillow that had fallen and set it with the others. Ava ran a hand down her shirt, avoiding Harriet’s gaze. “Well, since you’re already here, care for breakfast?”

“I should run home. I need to shower and…” She trailed off, looking down. “I ought to change.”

“There are plenty of washrooms here. And I’m sure there’s a fresh shirt in my closet you can borrow.” She smiled, telling herself not to stare at the adorable cowlick that had developed in Ava’s hair as she’d slept. At Ava’s contemplative look, Harriet ushered her into the hall. “Go on. Use my bathroom. I’ll start breakfast.”

Harriet had two pieces of toast in the oven when Ava came in. “What can I do to help?” she asked.

“Nothing at all. Here’s a cup of coffee. Take a—” Harriet’s words left her at the sight of Ava in a silk button-down. It was one she’d bought in London three summers ago, her last trip abroad. It was emerald green. On Harriet, it fit perfectly. Though perfect might have been the way it clung to Ava’s bust. The top button was open due to the snug fit. Harriet snapped her eyes to Ava’s amused gaze.

“Thanks,” Ava said, taking her mug and sitting. Her hair was wet from the shower, brushed back from her face.

Harriet busied herself with the eggs she placed on the toast. Gathering butter and peach jam, she carried everything to the table.

“I thought that was my job.” Ava sipped her coffee, a smile peeking out from behind her mug.

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