Page 34 of Unexpected Union

Withthat, Audra turned and began walking along the path leading upward.

Shecarefully followed the trail, listening for any sound behind herthat indicated Mitch had changed his mind and had followed. Onlysilence met her ears and the sound of her own footsteps. Disappointed, she tried torecapture the feeling she’d had earlier. He’d kissed her and shedidn’t know how to react. Maybe if he’d awakened her with anotherkiss, she’d have had a clue. But he acted as if nothing hadhappened.

Maybe itmeant nothing tohim.

Shakingoff her confusion, Audratried to enjoy the beauty of the forest, to spot more deeror a squirrel.

But herdisappointment grew.

“Notthat I expect him to spend every moment with me, but after thosekisses, I guess I envisionedat least the rest of the day. Surely his almighty workcould manage one full day without his devoted presence,” shemuttered.

She hadonly herself to blame for her feelings. Sheknewworkaholics never changed. She had only deludedherself that he wanted to spend time with her. She wouldn’t makethat mistake again. She’d come on this vacation expecting to bealone. The fact he’d accompanied her on one walk was a bonus. Butshe wouldn’t expect a repeat in the future.

By thetime Audra returned to the cottage it was after seven. Pleasantlytired, she knew it wastoo late to fix an elaborate meal. She’d wash up and then fix anomelet or something.

Entering, she knew instantly the place was empty. Mitch would be in the livingroom on the phone, surely, if he were home. He must still be at thelodge.

Taking aquick shower, shedressed in a loose-fitting dress. It was growing cool, but afterwearing jeans all day, she was tired of the constriction. Slippingon a sweater against the growing evening chill, she went backdownstairs.

Preparing herself a quick omelet, she ate in solitary silence, reading the newmystery she’d brought with her. Cleanup was minimal and when shefinished, she wandered into the living room.

Itseemed as if she’d spent little time in it since Mitch hadcommandeered the room. Even now it was evident he considered it his office away from home.Papers were stacked in neat piles covering the coffee table andseveral areas on the floor. At least the sofa was clear, shethought, as she sat back and stretched out her legs. In onlyminutes, she was engrossed in her novel.

Mitch returnedsome time later. She looked up in surprise when he entered thecabin, trying to ignore the catch in her heart. She was becomingused to it whenever she saw him. It meant nothing.

“Iwondered where you were,” she said lightly, marking her place in the book.

“I guess Ishould have called. I was longer at the lodge than expected. Howwere the caves?”

Shenodded. “Interesting. Some were very shallow, but a couple weredeep enough that it was dark in the back. Almost spooky.Next time I want to takea flashlight so I can explore more.”

“Next time,I’ll go with you.”

She let thecomment pass.

Hedroppedhis laptop andbriefcase near the door and hesitated as if unsure what to do next.Audra watched him without saying a word. He caught her gaze. Helooked tired.

“Want some teaor something?” he asked. “I could use a cup of coffee.”

“Thankyou, that would belovely,” Audra said as she rose to follow him into the kitchen.“You seem to have an unlimited store of energy working so longafter our hike today.”

He shrugged.“I had energy earlier, now I’m bushed.”

“Did you haveanother dizzy spell?”

Shepaused atthe kitchendoor, leaning against the jamb, watching him prowl around thekitchen.

He frowned.“Just a brief one at the lodge.”

“Did youever think your body istelling you to slow down?” she asked.

“No. I don’twant to talk about it.”

Shesighed softly atthemacho image men insisted on portraying. She was concerned forhim—as she would be for anyone she knew.

In onlya short time he hadprepared two mugs. When he handed her one, she felt the brush ofhis fingertips as if they were charged with electricity. A shiverraced through her. Turning abruptly, she returned to the sofa,sitting in one corner, memories of that afternoon dancing in hermemory. She wished she could sip the tea to give her something todo, but it was still far too hot.

Not thatshe wasthat muchcooler. The images of their kisses, caresses, filled her. Sheglanced at Mitch then away. What if he kissed her again tonight?What if she responded as she had, with abandon, with passion anddesire. Shouldn’t being pregnant damp down some of that?

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