Page 45 of Unexpected Union

Listening, he heard nothing. Had Audra goneout?

He let the door close and carried hisbriefcase to the sofa. Laying it down, he ignored the tinge ofdisappointment. He’d stayed longer than he’d anticipated at theguest office. He fully expected Audra to have berated him, complainshe’d prepared dinner and he’d missed it. Get huffy and annoyedhe’d put work ahead of relaxation.

Not that she’d care, but he had a validreason. A compelling reason.

He heard a sound from the bathroom. Mountingthe stairs swiftly, he walked down the short hall. The door wasshut, but he could hear humming behind it.

Mitch knocked lightly. “Audra?”

“Hi, Mitch.” Her voice sounded bright andcheery. “Did you need the bathroom? I can be out in a fewminutes.”

“No, I just got home and wondered where youwere.”

“I’m taking a bubble bath.”

He leaned his forehead against the door,closing his eyes as he imagined her skin rosy and glowing andstrategically covered with bubbles. He’d like to wipe his handsover that slick, heated skin, push aside the bubbles and—

“—so you’ll have to heat it, but it stillshould be good.”

“What?”

“Dinner.” She raised her voice. “In therefrigerator. Heat it up and it’ll be good. Unless you alreadyate.”

“No. Did you cook the fish?”

“Yes. And it turned out delicious! Goeat.”

The meal was as delicious as she’d promised.Audra had always been a talented cook. He wished he had been therewhen she first cooked it. He could imagine her pride in eating thecatch of the day.

When he heard the door open upstairs, hewent on alert. Would she come down, or was she relaxed and readyfor bed? He finished the meal and placed the empty plate on the endtable, all the while watching the stairs.

Chapter Fourteen

Audra felt totally relaxed and in a greatmood. She debated going to bed, but it was still early, and sheknew she wouldn’t sleep, not after her fitful dozing thatafternoon. Studying her reflection in the mirror, she decided shelooked respectable enough to visit with Mitch before bed. The longrobe flowed around her, keeping the evening mountain chill at bayand flattered with its deep rose color. Her hair was damp aroundthe edges, but would dry soon.

Nomakeup, she decided laying down the lipstick. She certainly didn’twant Mitch to get the wrong impression.

Taking abreath, she headed downstairs.

“Dinnerwas wonderful,” he said as she reached the bottom of the steps. He rose from thechair and gestured to the sofa.

It was saferto keep her distance, she thought, crossing to a matchingarmchair.

“Gladyou liked it. It was really good when first done. Did it heat upwell? I hope it didn’t dry out.”

“Betterthan Ihad a right toexpect. I’m sorry I’m late getting back.”

She shrugged.“It’s your time off, spend it as you wish.”

Proud ofthe casualness of her tone, Audra looked at the fireplace, wishingthey’d built a small fire. Flickering flames would give her something to look at. Insteadshe wanted to look at Mitch. And dared not indulgeherself.

“Somethingunexpected came up.”

“Mmm.”

“Remember Itold you I’m going to trial with a case when I return?”

She nodded,facing him.

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