Page 39 of An Unexpected Match

“I don’t know why it should. Most of the people know I have a nanny for the girls. We’re living in the same house. We can’t help but spend some time together, get to know each other. And to help each other out if the occasion warrants.”

“But not have an affair,” she said firmly.

She needed to be very clear on that point because she was totally confused about everything else.

“Right.”

He was silent for a long moment. Then he raised his eyes until he gazed directly at her.

“You know I don’t want to get involved. I’ve been clear about that from the get go. So no false hopes raised. I won’t go through losing someone I care about again.”

He shook his head impatiently.

“Not that I don’t care about you, Arden. I do. You’re pretty and funny and vivacious and bring a breath of fresh air to this house. To this family. I like that.”

“But not enough to pursue a relationship,” she said shrewdly.

“It’s not that so much, as an attempt to banish the unsettling feelings I get when you’re around. That’s why I’ve tried to keep my distance from you this week,” he said softly.

That was unexpected. Was this attraction two-sided?

Slowly, she began to smile. Her eyes danced with amusement.

“And did it work?” she couldn’t resist asking.

If so, she’d take a page out of his book and try avoidance techniques.

He shook his head.

“So the next best thing is try to be friends?” she asked wryly.

“Do you have a better idea?” he asked.

“No. Are you hoping familiarity will breed contempt? I’m willing to try if you are.”

Impulsively, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek, then stood.

“Now that we’ve settled that, I need to get to work. I have an art project to finish by next Tuesday. It counts for a huge percentage of my grade.”

He stood as well. “You’re going in? I thought you’d want to talk some more.”

“I need to get to work on my project. These evening hours are essential for me. I can’t work on the projects while the girls are up. Don’t you usually bring work home with you?”

He nodded, reaching out and pulling her closer.

“Thanks for helping me out on Saturday,” he said.

With that, he swept her into his arms and kissed her.

Arden closed her eyes in startled surprise. Two seconds later, she relaxed and gave herself up to sheer pleasure. She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back with all the pent-up passion that she had in her.

The world seemed to tilt, to spin, to shower them with a kaleidoscope of rainbow colors.

Both of them were breathing hard when they slowly pulled apart. Arden let her hands trail across his shoulders, down along the strength of his chest. Fingertips tingling, she finally broke contact.

The dark hid his expression, could he see hers?

“Goodnight,” she said breathlessly. Turning, she almost ran to her room.

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