Michelle sat straight up in startled shock.
“What are you doing here?” she cried. Snatching the washrag, she held it in front of her. It wasn't big enough. Heat seeped through her that had nothing to do with the water.
“I live here,” he said with amusement.
“I thought you were going to be gone all night.”
She was conscious of his gaze moving across her. Shifting the washcloth, she tried to vainly cover more of her bare skin.
“And this is how you indulge yourself when I’m gone?” he said, a slow smile lighting his face as he let his gaze trail over her.
“Get out, Josh.”
“I’m not really in, just standing here in the doorway.”
“Close the door—with you on the outside,” she snapped, feeling twice as hot under his eyes.
Why hadn’t she used bubble bath so she could sink beneath the bubbles and at least maintain a modicum of modesty? Or closed the door and taken the chance Penny wouldn’t wake?
Or just take a quick shower for all that?
Instead of doing as she ordered, Josh stepped into the dimly lit room. Squatting beside the tub, he leaned over and kissed her soft lips.
“You are so beautiful,” he said softly, kissing her again.
Despite common sense arguing against it, Michelle reached up one hand to his neck and held on while Josh deepened the kiss.
“You shouldn't be here,” she whispered a minute later when he pulled back and gazed into her eyes. Her heart raced. She could scarcely breathe.
“I told you, I live here.”
“What happened to the stakeout?”
He laughed and stood up. “The guy blew it. Some friend drove up in this fancy car and the man just about did a jig looking it over. I have almost an entire roll of film showing him with no apparent impediment to normal living. More than enough for the insurance company. So I came home. I didn’t notice that you left the door open when you bathed before.”
“I did it to hear Penny if she woke. Would you please let me have a bit of privacy so I can get out and dressed?”
He shrugged. “If you insist.”
“I do!”
He sauntered to the door, and glanced over his shoulder. “I could help,” he said audaciously.
“Get out!”
Laughing, Josh complied, pulling the door shut behind him.
“Come and sit with me while I eat,” he called.
Michelle wanted to sink beneath the water and hide, but knew that was a vain thought. She couldn’t stay in the bathroom forever.
But relaxation was a lost hope. She felt tight as a drawn bowstring.
Rising quickly, she dried off and donned her light gown and robe. Blowing out the candles, she brushed her hair and debated what to do. She had to face the man sometime. Might as well get it over with. Taking a deep breath, she headed reluctantly for the kitchen.
She refused to be embarrassed. They were married. He’d been married before and had seen it all, she was sure. Yet she couldn’t help feel flustered when she stepped inside and Josh turned and smiled wickedly at her.
“Next time, maybe I’ll join you.”
Chapter Eight
Michelle ignored the suggestive comment and crossed to the refrigerator. If she could hide her embarrassment, maybe he wouldn’t tease her.
“Shall I make you something hot to eat or would a sandwich and salad do?”
“Anything. I got a burger late this afternoon, but I'm hungry now. How did it go with Penny?”
“Fine.”
She quickly prepared him a roast beef sandwich, and tossed a small green salad. Setting both before him at the small breakfast table, she returned to the counter to put away the food.
“Stop fussing and come sit with me,” Josh said around a mouthful of sandwich.
Michelle looked at him, drawn like a moth to the flame. She loved being with him, enjoyed hearing him talk. Found his way of thinking fascinating. She’d never spent so much time with a man before. She liked it.
She pulled out a chair and sat. Not too close, but near enough she could reach out and touch him if she dared.
“Tell me about the case. Did the man know you saw him? Did you get enough proof?”
“He never knew I was there. I need to make sure the prints come out clearly before confronting him. But I’m sure the scam will end tomorrow. This will save the insurance company a ton of money.”
“Which means a healthy fee for you, right?”
“Healthy enough.”
He took another bite of the sandwich. “This is good, but you look good enough to eat,” he said with a grin.
Flustered, Michelle sought to change the topic. “Caroline called tonight. She and Brandon offered to watch Penny this weekend.”
“Why?”
Michelle hesitated. This topic could lead back to the one she'd been trying to avoid.
“Actually, she said it was to get some practice. For when her baby comes.”
Josh bit into the sandwich again and studied her. “There's more.”
She wrinkled her nose. “No wonder you're good at your job. You never take anything at face value. Actually,” Michelle hesitated, then rushed into speech, “she thought it would give us a weekend alone. To go to dinner or something.”
Slowly his eyes lit up. Then he smiled.
Michelle didn’t trust that smile.
“What?” she blurted out.
“I think Caroline’s offer is brilliant. I’m sure Penny will love visiting them. Tell them I appreciate the offer.”
“We don’t have to go out to dinner, that was just an idea.”
“And a good one. Dinner and dancing. Though not with bare feet like at Talmadge Hall, maybe.” Josh finished his sandwich. “And with Penny gone, we don’t have to worry about making noise in the night, or getting up early. We could sleep in as long as we wanted.”
“Making noise in the night?”
Josh leaned over and drew Michelle from her chair, into his lap. His hands held her loosely, but Michelle suspected that if she made a move to leave, he’d clamp down.
His gaze caught hers and he leaned closer. “Sometimes when people make love they make noise. Have you thought about what I asked on our
