LITMIR.BIZ

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just found out myself. I called Collette to tell her you were in town, and she said she’d persuaded Eve to spend the night. That’s why I’m calling, hoping to give you fair warning. Collette is calling Eve, probably has her on the phone now.”.

      “A little after the fact.”.

      “You know, you have to take some of the blame,” Dylan said. “You could have called and said you were coming before you reached Mustang Run. Then we could have avoided the surprise element.”.

      “I wasn’t sure I’d actually go through with the visit, until I saw the city limits sign.”.

      Even after he’d made the call to Dylan, he still might have turned around and driven the other way if Dylan hadn’t told him about Troy’s coronary attack.

      “Why are you still at the hospital?” Sean asked. “You said you were leaving for the night the last time we talked. Troy’s not having any new problems, is he?”.

      “No. Dad’s resting now. The cardiologist on staff stopped by the room. He says the prognosis is good for a complete recovery, though nothing is guaranteed. I’m heading that way now. Do you need anything?”.

      “A few answers. What’s the deal between Dad and Eve?”.

      “Hard to say. The situation being what it is, I haven’t had a chance to get the full story from either of them. Apparently, they became friends when she was his prison psychiatrist a few years back. She said she was just passing through tonight and decided to stop in and see him. Just in time to save his life, I might add.”.

      “Then they’re not a romantic item?”.

      “Man, Sean. Where did you get an idea like that? She’s our age. She has a kid, probably a husband as well.”.

      “There is no husband. And what did you expect me to think? I show up, and she’s here in her pajamas.”.

      “In her pajamas, huh? That must have spiced up the knife removal routine.”.

      “I was defending, not groping.”.

      “Whatever. But don’t read any more into this than is actually there. Eve said she was passing through. No reason not to believe her.”.

      “Then she didn’t mention that she was in any kind of trouble?”.

      “No, but now that you mention it, Dad seemed anxious about not getting to talk to her.”.

      “Did he say why?”.

      “No. He’s been pretty much incoherent all night, first from the coronary trauma and then from the meds.”.

      “Okay. We’ll talk more when I see you.”.

      “I’m dead tired. Do you mind if we put off our reunion until morning? Collette and I will come down and cook you, Eve and the boy an old-time ranch breakfast.”

      “Sounds like a winner. I guess I can round up some linens and a pillow around this place?”

      “Take your old room. The beds are made.”

      “And occupied.”

      “Then avoid temptation and find another room.”

      “There is no temptation involved.”

      “Then just make yourself at home. And, Sean, I’m really glad you’re here. It will mean a lot to Dad.”

      Sean doubted that. He said a quick goodbye.

      Once he’d finished the beer, he checked the rest of the fridge’s contents. Choices weren’t bad.

      He found bread in the pantry and made himself a ham and cheese sandwich, then poured a tall glass of milk to wash it down. Halfway through the meal, he heard the soft patter of footsteps in the hallway.

      He looked up as Eve joined him in the kitchen. She’d pulled a pale blue robe over her pajamas. That did nothing to hide the fact that she was a damned attractive woman.

      She looked around the kitchen, her gaze focusing on the sandwich fixings he’d left on the counter.

      “Help yourself,” he said. “Bread’s fresh and the ham is good. There’s plenty of beer, or milk if you’re a purist.”

      “I’m not opposed to cold beer, but a glass of milk sounds better tonight.”

      “Something to soothe the savage beast.”

      A blush flushed her cheeks. “I’m not ordinarily so savage. I’m a city girl. I guess I let the isolation get to me.”

      “Looked like a little more than that to me.”.

      “Look, Sean, I’m really sorry about the knife incident, but can we just forget about it now?”.

      “Subject closed.” For the time being. “There’s hot chocolate mix in the pantry.”.

      She nodded. “That sounds even better. Can I make a cup for you? “.

      “Sure. Why not?”.

      She turned back to face him, and her straight, shiny brown locks seductively bounced around the bottom of her chin. Much too seductively.

      He finished off his sandwich and wiped his mouth on the paper towel he’d been using as a napkin, just as she started to the table with two steaming mugs of cocoa in hand.

      “Sorry, but I didn’t find marshmallows,” she said.

      “I suspect Troy is not a marshmallow kind of guy,” Sean said. “But then, you evidently know him much better than I do.”.

      She stared into her cup for a moment and then lifted her eyes to meet his. Hers were the color of warm cognac, vibrant even in the fluorescent light from the overhead fixture.

      “I was Troy’s prison psychiatrist for a couple of years.”.

      “Dylan told me. He called while you were calming your son.”.

      “Collette called me as well. She explained everything. I’m truly sorry for intruding on your homecoming.”

      “Actually, I’m more the intruder. You were the invited guest.”.

      “It’s your home.”.

      “Was my home. When I was thirteen. I’ve hung my hat in a lot of places since then.”.

      “Nonetheless, Joey and I will clear out of your way in the morning.”.

      “Don’t leave on my account. It’s a big house, and I don’t plan to be here long.”.

      Her shoulders squared. “You should. You owe it to your father to get to know the man he is today.”.

      He bristled a bit at the preachy tone, especially when she had no idea what she was talking about. “Do you always offer your opinion to people you’ve just met?”.

      “No,” she admitted. “I seldom give advice at all anymore.”.

      Her shoulders and voice fell as if he’d sucker punched her. It gave him no pleasure. “It’s okay,” he said. “My dad and I have issues.”.

      She merely nodded, leaving lots of questions in his mind about just what his father had told her about him and his brothers. Had Troy played her, fed her what he thought she’d like to hear in order to make an impression on her? Or had she just dug around in his mind and come up with her own conclusions?.

      She finished her hot chocolate, stood and carried her empty cup to the sink. Once she rinsed it, she turned back to him. “Again, I’m sorry for the knife incident, and I wish you and Troy the best.”.

      He watched her walk away, her slim hips swaying just enough to make her exit interesting. He thought again of the way her body had felt pressed against his. For a minute back there, he’d had the crazy urge to kiss her.

      The

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