Page 46 of Unexpected Union

“Wefound an unexpectedwitness, which throws a monkey wrench in the whole works. I’mtrying to coordinate the change in strategy from here. I had totalk with the legal assistant, with the opposing attorney and withthe arresting officer.”

“Does itweaken your case?” sheasked, flattered he’d talk about his work with her. He sorarely had done so before.

“It could.”Mitch talked at some length about the initial strategy and the newplans undertaken. Then he broke off.

“I’m sorry,this must be boring for you.”

“No. I’mfascinated. I thoughtearlier that I missed something by never coming to see you inaction. I wish I had. Maybe I’ll stop by the court one day andwatch.”

She almostlaughed at his expression. He was obviously taken aback.

“I likethe law, but it can get tedious sometimes,” he said.

“Youmake it sound exciting and worthwhile. I bet you’re great in the courtroom.”

He shrugged.“Tell me when you’re coming and I’ll make sure you have a front rowseat.”

“I might justdo that.”

Theyfell silent, their eyes never moving from each other. Audra began to feel that flutteringinside. Her skin heated and awareness shimmered. The baby moved andbroke the spell. What was she doing? Considering a divorce, she hadno business flirting with Mitch just to pass the time. Yet neitherhad really brought up the dreaded “D” word. And now was not thetime.

“Iguess I’ll goup,” she said, standing.

Sheneeded some space, to gain some perspective. Coming downstairs hadher dreaming things that could never be. She needed to get overthenotion he found herattractive. She was eight months pregnant, for heaven’s sake. Evena man besotted wouldn’t find a woman all that attractive at thisstage. And Mitch had never struck her as besotted even on theirbest day together.

“Tomorrow night, would you have dinner with me at the lodge? I booked a table.They have a nice combo, I heard it tonight from the hall whenpassing the restaurant. We could stay for the dancing.”

Audrawanted to say yes. The thought almost made her giddy. But somethingheldher back. It wasn’ta date, precisely, just roommates sharing a meal. And maybe a danceor two.

“I don’tknow—”

“You have toeat, might as well let someone else do the cooking for onenight.”

“Okay, then.Yes, thank you.”

Wellthat put paid to any thoughts of romantic entanglements. How prosaic could he get? Theyboth had to eat, why not eat at the lodge?

“Goodnight.”

She passed himon the way to the stairs and for one moment thought he’d reach outand—

“Good night,Audra.”

The nextmorning when Audra entered the kitchen, Mitch was at the table, a pile of whatlooked like thick, tangled string in front of him. The deliciousaroma of coffee filled the air.

He glanced up.“I made coffee.”

“Smells good.Wish I could have some. What in the world is that?”

“Ahammock. Bartdropped by a few minutes ago. He and Patty are heading home today.They got the hammock from the lodge the first day, said it’s greatfor loafing in the shade.”

“Ihaven’t been in a hammock for years,” she said as she filled theteakettle. Taking a seatat the table while she waited for the water to heat, she touchedthe soft strands. “Can you put it up?”

“Yes, Bartshowed me where the hooks are.” Mitch looked up. “It’s adouble.”

“Oh.”

“Ithought I’d mention that in case you had delusions ofresting in solitary isolationthis afternoon.”

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