Page 24 of Shiver

“You had better change that. Life’s too short to let it pass you by without enjoying all she has to offer, and fishing is most definitely near the top of life’s most enjoyable experiences.”

He was smiling at her. “Near?” she asked distracted by the humor brightening his face. It was having a strange effect on her, lifting her spirits and the corners of her mouth. She wasn’t sure she liked it.

“Oh, yeah. You don’t need me to tell you what’s at the top, do you?” His suggestive gaze swept her body, lighting a flame deep in her belly.

Heat suffused her cheeks. She just kept stepping in it, didn’t she?

He chuckled and leaped out of the truck. “Come on, let’s settle the cat so we can get some supper.”

“Sounds good to me,” she said, realizing how hungry she was. And maybe if her mouth was full of food, she’d stop sticking her foot in it.

* * *

Riley tookhis time settling his guest in his house. He wasn’t ready to face his family, to see the disappointment and questions lingering in their eyes. He led Miss Morgan through the grounds, pointing out the names of the lush vegetation as they slowly followed the river path toward the back door of the estate.

She had changed into a cream-colored dress that glided like silk over her soft curves as she walked. He tried not to notice, tried to ignore the subtle scent of vanilla he caught a whiff of now and again. But she kept drawing him back with her small sweet smile and sultry voice.

As they approached the house, he wished he could slip his arm around her waist and turn her in another direction. He wished he were anywhere but home.

“Is everything all right?” she asked, and he realized they were standing outside the back door.

Nothing would ever be all right unless they found Michelle’s killer. He wanted to continue walking down the path, but he had to go in and face his family. Unease tightened his stomach as he stood staring at the back door.

Concern entered her expressive eyes.

“Everything’s fine,” he assured her and opened the door. The heavy floral scent assaulted him the second they walked into the kitchen. Every spare inch of counter was covered with flowers, casseroles, and every dessert known to the South. News spread fast in this small Southern community. Especially bad news.

“Let’s leave this door open. I can hardly breathe in here,” he said and propped open the door.

She nodded and straightened her dress. Her fingers fluttering as she patted her hair.

Suddenly, he could easily see her beauty hiding behind her glasses and tightly pulled back hair. She wasn’t fooling anyone. “You’ll be fine. They won’t bite,” he assured her.

“I’m…just not used to meeting new people. Even under the best of circumstances, which this isn’t.” She gestured toward the flowers.

She was right. This wasn’t the best time to spring her on the folks. “It will be okay, you’ll see.” Besides, there wasn’t anything he could do about it now. He couldn’t send her back to his house alone. “Anybody home?”

“Riley,” his stepmother, LuAnn, bustled into the kitchen and enveloped him in a big hug. Her swollen and puffy eyes squeezed the guilt burdening his heart. “How are you?” Her sharp gaze probing his face. He nodded, not knowing what he could say.

“Your father’s in his study. Dinner will just take a few minutes.” She noticed Devra and took a step back, disapproval flashing through her eyes.

Riley stepped closer to Devra and placed a comforting hand on the small of her back. “LuAnn, I’d like you to meet Miss Devra Morgan. This is the woman I told you about. She’ll be staying with me for a few days.”

LuAnn offered her hand but didn’t mask the troubled look on her face. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Morgan. I’m sorry that we can’t give you our usual warm welcome, but I’m sure you understand given our situation.”

“Yes, of course,” Devra responded, looking more uncomfortable than ever. “And please call me Devra. Both of you,” she said with a pointed gaze that met his and held it.

“Where’s Mac?” Riley asked though he was having a hard time breaking her eye contact.

“He took the dogs and went for a ride. He said not to wait dinner for him. He wanted to be alone.” She opened a cabinet and started removing serving platters. “He’s having a hard time.”

“I know.” Riley wished he could disappear, too. But was thankful for the reprieve. He wasn’t ready to face the condemnation he knew he’d find burning in his brother’s eyes. “Look, LuAnn, it’s been a real tough day. Would you mind if Miss—” Devra’s raised eyebrows stopped him. “If Devra and I just took a couple plates to go?”

“No, not at all. Of course, I understand. Please go see your dad while I get it together for you.”

He nodded and kissed her cheek. “Thanks, you’re the best.”

He wasn’t sure what to expect as he entered his father’s study. Usually, in times of crisis, his dad became stronger, more in charge, a solid leader who would support anyone who needed it. Not today. The weary face that greeted him from behind the big mahogany desk looked ragged and reminded him of the night his mother had been killed. He cut off the painful memory before it could dig in and take hold.

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