Just A Little Bit Married. Teresa Southwick

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      “You know better than anyone, Rose, that I’m a bad risk.”

      “At least you’re taking responsibility.” There was a flash of what looked like sympathy on her face before she shut it down. “But ten years is a long time. I don’t quite know what to make of the fact that you’re alone.”

      “Let’s just call it a public service.” When she opened her mouth to protest, he said, “Want a drink? The bar is stocked. Let’s go check out the galley and see what we can find.”

      “Don’t think I didn’t see how you just tried to distract me from your love life. And I’ll admit it worked, but only because I’ve never been on a private plane before.”

      “I’d never have guessed, what with your cool, sophisticated demeanor.”

      “Don’t let that fool you. On the inside I’m giddy with curiosity and excitement.”

      Until this moment Linc hadn’t realized how much he’d missed teasing her. And her honesty. He didn’t know any woman who wouldn’t have pretended that a lift on anything but a commercial flight happened every day. Her excitement at a new experience was charming and brought back memories of his eagerness to introduce her to all the pleasures life had to offer.

      Including sex.

      He’d given up the right to her body and the tempting curves in front of him now. Settling for drinks and hors d’oeuvres on a jet paled in comparison but that was all he could hope for. And the remainder of the flight passed quickly with a bottle of wine and snacks that had Rose moaning in ecstasy while he questioned how much pain he could handle on the road to redemption.

      The Gulfstream landed at the recently opened Blackwater Lake Airport. A Mercedes SUV was waiting and he stowed their luggage while Rose let herself into the passenger seat. He got behind the wheel and drove into town, pointing out the highlights along the way.

      “This is a very small place,” she commented, sounding less than thrilled.

      “You’re observant. I always said that about you.”

      “Oh—” She pointed out the window. “The Blackwater Lake Lodge. That’s the first hotel I’ve seen. It looks nice.”

      He drove past and left the city limits. “Right now it’s the only hotel in town.”

      She glanced over her shoulder. “Then why didn’t you stop?”

      “Because we’re not staying there.”

      “Linc—” There was warning in her voice. “This is where we talk about how much I don’t like surprises. You promised that you’d handle accommodations.”

      “And I have.”

      “If you’re planning to pitch a tent and expect me to camp out, it would be best if you turned around and put me on the first plane back to Texas.”

      “Where we’re going there are great views and a lot of square footage.”

      “Wilderness doesn’t count. Somewhere in this town there must be a roof and indoor plumbing,” she warned.

      “There is. Trust me.”

      “I thought we were clear that I don’t trust you.”

      He was going to do his damnedest to change her mind about that.

      * * *

      Rose was uneasy after Linc bypassed the Blackwater Lake Lodge and kept driving. Finally he turned right and pulled into a long driveway leading to a big house at the top of a rise. The sun was just going down behind the majestic mountains, but there was still enough light to see that the grounds were stunning. A carpet of perfectly manicured green grass was surrounded by flowers and shrubs.

      He stopped the SUV by a brick walkway leading to gorgeous double front doors with oval glass insets. “I think this will fit your definition. There’s a roof and indoor plumbing. The rest of it isn’t bad, either.”

      “This can’t be your place because you said it’s a condo and currently unlivable.” She left her seat belt buckled. “What’s going on? You said you’d handle expenses and accommodations but—”

      “This is my sister’s place. She lives here with her husband and daughter.”

      “Why?”

      “Because they’re married and need a place to raise their child.” His tone was wry.

      “No. Why aren’t we at a hotel?”

      “As we established there’s only one in town and I couldn’t get a reservation. Late spring is nice here in the mountains and it’s becoming a popular tourist destination.”

      Rose studied him. He was looking awfully darn pleased with himself, but it felt like he’d pulled one over on her and she didn’t like it a bit. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but—”

      “And here’s my sister now.” He pointed to the open front door.

      Rose saw a little girl run outside, followed immediately by a man and woman. Linc exited the car and came around to her side to open the door. His family didn’t look intimidating but what did she know? These people were related to him.

      Rose got out and muttered under her breath, “You should have warned me about this.”

      “If I did, would you have taken the job?”

      That was a good question. Probably she would have but he hadn’t given her the chance to decide. Again.

      “Linc!” His sister threw herself into his arms.

      He grabbed her and lifted her off the ground in a big hug. “Hey, baby sister. You look good.”

      “You, too.” Then she smiled at Rose. “Hi. I’m Ellie McKnight.”

      “Rose Tucker.” She shook the woman’s hand as the two men greeted each other.

      “This is her husband, Alex, and this munchkin is their daughter, Leah.”

      “Nice to meet you.” Rose smiled at the little girl observing the hectic scene from the safety of her handsome father’s strong arms. “She’s beautiful.”

      “Just like her mom,” Alex said proudly.

      Ellie took the child and said, “Honey, why don’t you help Linc bring their bags inside.”

      “Right.”

      “Rose, welcome to our home.”

      “Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality, but if it’s too much of an inconvenience I can find something—”

      “Absolutely not. It’s been too long since I had a good visit with my brother. We’re happy to have you and I’m glad you agreed to stay with us.”

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