Page 20 of Rhett

“You look good in the mornings, Cin. Your hair is all mussed, no make-up.” He moved closer to her. “Your lips look so kissable.” He murmured as he leaned in close.

She backed away. “No. Just because we spent the night together doesn’t mean you can try to take advantage of the situation.”

“Wait. Let me get this straight. We spent the night together, actually slept together, and I don’t get a good morning kiss?”

“Sleptbeing the operative word.”

“In all my thirty-three years, I’ve never had that happen.”

Lucinda let out a gasp and put her hand over her heart.

“Oh, my God! That’s amazing. I’m the first woman to turn you down?”

“Smartass.”

“Wait. You’re thirty-three?”

“Yes. Why? You don’t like older men?”

“You’re only three years older than I am.”

“You’re thirty? Damn, I thought, maybe mid-twenties. You look good.”

“You’re sweet.”

“You’re not going to say I look good?” He folded his arms.

Lucinda laughed. “Why should I? You already know you do. What would you like for breakfast?”

Rhett shook his head. “Sorry, darlin’, but I have to get home. I have horses and cattle to take care of. I’m sure my boss is wondering where I am.” He walked to the living room, with her following him. He put his hat and coat on, moved toward the door, and smiled at her. “It’s been fun. Let’s do it again sometime.”

Chapter Three

Lucinda worked on the books, trying to concentrate, but Rhett kept slipping into her mind. He was constantly popping in and out of it. She heard someone knock on the back door, so she headed to the kitchen and opened the door to see Dan Flanagan on the stoop with an armful of chopped wood. Dan worked as a maintenance man around the property. He’d been here since her grandmother owned the place.

“Come in, Dan. What’s up?”

Dan smiled at her. “Just wanted to let you know it’s snowing. It would help if you made a fire in the hearth. Sleep in there if the electricity goes out.”

“I sure hope not, but it wouldn’t be the first time. I appreciate it, Dan.”

Dan nodded and walked to the sitting room, and she followed him. After he started the fire for her, he brought more logs in. She hugged him, making him laugh.

“You didn’t have to do that. I can make a fire, but I appreciate it so much.”

“You can call me if you need me. You have my cellphone and home numbers.” He tipped his hat and then headed back to the kitchen.

“You need to get home, Dan. I’m sure Ruth is eager for you to get home.”

“Yes, ma’am. I just wanted to let you know and bring in firewood. Stay inside where it’s warm, Ms. Lucinda. Call if you need me.” He walked out the door.

Lucinda headed to her room to get a blanket, pillow, and laptop. She would work as long as she could. Maybe the electricity wouldn’t go out, and she could answer emails.

Tossing the pillow and blanket onto the sofa, she plopped onto it, and opened her laptop.

Two hours later, she set the computer down, got to her feet, stretched, and walked to the kitchen. She looked out the window in the door and let out a gasp. The snow was falling and covering everything. She needed to check on the dogs. She put on her coat and hat, walked out the back door along the path, and entered the kennel.

After ensuring they were all good, she reentered the house and made tea. She was on her way to the living room when the lights flickered. She stood still. They came back on, and she let out a relieved sigh.

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