[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
The toilet went brown with the first flush. It took several more
before the tank ran clean. He scrubbed every surface, then moved to the
spare bedroom. Another hour passed before he dragged the sweeper
into the master bedroom.
Eric saw Jane s suitcase laying unopened on the bed. Curiosity got
the best of him and he decided that a little exploration wouldn t hurt.
He peered out the window and saw Jane lying on a chaise lounge
reading a magazine. Good, there was little likelihood that he d be
caught in the act.
He moved to the suitcase, opened it and frowned. Feminine hygiene
products weren t exactly what he had in mind. Something black with
lace would be nice. Some indication that Jane wasn t as adverse to his
amorous advances as she pretended.
His search produced nothing in the line of sexy. Jane s
215
DOUBLE TAK
undergarments were white and cotton. Something he pictured his
grandma wearing not that he ever really pictured that. But if he had,
his grandma would have worn these just several sizes larger. He
placed the undies back in Jane s case, disappointed.
Find what you re looking for? a chilly female voice asked.
Eric dropped the dusting cloth. Er, I was just going to do your
unpacking for you, he lied, bending to retrieve the cloth.
I think you were trying to discover my taste in unmentionables.
Her stare moved to a pair of panties sticking out from the suitcase.
I, er He cleared his throat.
Do you make it a habit to search through women s
undergarments?
It s a natural male curiosity. As long as I don t ask to wear them,
you shouldn t be worried.
Jane s gaze moved to the frilly apron. Oh, I don t know about
that. She snickered.
This apron was your idea, he reminded, his brow creasing in
embarrassment.
True. It does kind of suit you, though.
Eric tore the apron from his waistline. I need a shower.
Good idea. You do smell a little like rotting garbage. I can finish
up in here. She reached for his food-stained apron.
Eric tossed the apron at her and made his way toward the bathroom.
Considering that the cleaning is nearly finished, thanks a lot.
I like to do my share. Her laughter followed him to the bathroom.
Eric stepped beneath the spray and shivered until the chill left the
water. He picked up a bar of soap and began sudsing. His nostrils
tingled at the scent of the soap. It smelled like Jane. She d already
deposited some of her personal items in the tub. Eric took another
whiff, closed his eyes, then lathered lavishly.
There was a sudden clanking, the pipes sputtered and the water
spray died. Eric s lids snapped open and a glob of soap landed in his
216
DOUBLE TAK
eyes. Swearing, he reached for a towel. Jane? he yelled. If she d done
this on purpose, he d take her over his knee. Jane? he blasted a
second time.
The pounding of footsteps sounded on the stairway. What? she
asked from the other side of the door.
The water turned off. And there s no lights in here.
The lights are out downstairs too. The appliances and clocks have
stopped. I, er, found your electric bill.
My bill?
It seems they turned the electricity off.
In the middle of my shower? He released a sharp oath.
Jane grinned. Okay, so she didn t like the idea of no running water
or electricity, but it might be worth the inconvenience if it added to
Eric s discomfort. Maybe he d take her home now, where it was safe.
The bill hasn t been paid for over three months.
Damn. Now I know I ll fire my caretaker. I ll call the electric
company and explain.
It s after seven. Everything is probably closed for the day. She
failed to tell him that there was always an emergency number.
A sharp oath escaped him.
Jane giggled softly but her smile died when the bathroom door
suddenly opened.
Eric stood there, a towel wrapped around his waist, puffs of
soapsuds clinging to the dark hair on his chest and head. Any ideas on
how I can get rid of the soap? he asked, his tone abrasive.
You ll just have to wipe it off as best you can, she informed him,
stifling a grin.
Great. I smell like a woman.
Sure you don t want to borrow my panties? Her grin finally got
the best of her.
No. He slammed the door on her.
When he emerged, he was unshaven. His hair appeared a little stiff,
217
DOUBLE TAK
but he d managed to comb it into something approaching normal.
Jane had changed, giving up on getting the dust from her body.
You look fit for fast food, she teased.
I don t like fast food. Couldn t we buy something and cook it
here?
No electricity, she reminded him.
Right, how could I forget? He searched his pocket for his car keys
and Jane realized that he was wearing jeans.
I ve never seen you dressed so casually. Her gaze warmed with
interest. His chest was broad beneath his black tee shirt, his stomach
flat, his legs lean and muscled. You should dress down more often.
And you should dress up. Maybe we could reach a compromise.
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]