Page 42 of Temel

CHAPTER 18

Ida hummed contentedly as she went about the now familiar routine of preparing breakfast in the big kitchen. Her body still hummed with satisfaction, a slight, pleasant ache between her legs reminding her of the previous night with every step.

Even thinking about it made her stomach flutter with excitement—the memory of his touch, the hungry look on his face as he kissed her, the incredible sensations as he brought her to climax after climax. And the feelings he’d created inside her were as wonderful as the physical pleasure he’d given her.

As she stirred the oatmeal, her humming turned to singing, and she knew she had a foolish smile on her face. She’d realized over the past week that she had grown to love him, but she hadn’t realized how much that love would enhance their physical connection. She suspected he felt the same way, but she wasn’t as convinced that he would allow himself to admit it yet.

But we have time, she thought with a giddy smile.

Dora appeared in the doorway, gave her a startled look, and shook her head.

“You’re obviously in a good mood this morning.”

She shrugged happily.

“Why shouldn’t I be? Everything is going well. We’re settled here. The town didn’t burn down around our ears yesterday. And Tommy’s still asleep so I had a quiet moment to enjoy my coffee before I started on breakfast.”

Her daughter didn’t respond, just pulled a loaf of bread out of the bread box and started to slice it, and Ida gave her a puzzled look.

“Did something happen yesterday? You’re acting odd.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Dora carefully avoided looking at her as she put the slices of bread in the oven and pulled out the butter. Ida sighed and tried again.

“Did you at least get your letters mailed?”

Dora’s face turned pale, and then she turned and ran out of the room. Ida was trying to decide if she should go after her when Temel appeared in the kitchen. His eyes gleamed as they traveled over her, and even though she was fully dressed, she felt naked under that heated gaze.

“I missed you after you left,” he murmured as he joined her at the stove.

“I missed you too.” She took a deep breath as she began to ladle the oatmeal into bowls. “I was thinking. What if we let Tommyknow I will be sleeping in your room from now on? Then I wouldn’t have to leave.”

She’d expected him to agree immediately. Instead his body went still, and she gave him a worried glance.

“What is it?”

“I am not sure that I am ready for our relationship to become public.”

A sudden pain pierced her chest.

“Why not? Are you ashamed of me?”

“Of course not.” His instant denial made her feel a little better, but her heart sank as he continued. “It’s just—I hoped this farm would provide a sanctuary for my squad.”

“I know.”

“But it doesn’t seem right to seek my own happiness while they are still struggling.”

That wretched sense of duty had reared its ugly head.

“Don’t you think they already know?” she asked, trying to keep her voice calm.

“They may suspect, but it’s not the same as flaunting it in their faces.”

Rage swept over her so fast she felt dizzy.

“Flaunting it? You mean you’d rather treat me like some dirty little secret? Fucking me in your study behind closed doors and ignoring me everywhere else. Unless you need something cooked or cleaned, of course.”

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