One in a Million

“Let's move on.'

“Okay. So how did a guy with a twin brother and close friends learn to disconnect emotionally while he was growing up?' she asked.

He shook his head. 'Easier than you might think. My mom married a guy when Kevin and I were twelve. Howard and I never got along.' That surprised her. 'Still? But he and your mother are expected the day after tomorrow. Is that going to be a problem?' She frowned. 'Why on earth did you want them staying here if you two aren't speaking?'

“We're speaking. And we get along.' The words sounded right, but she wasn't sure she believed them. 'You're not going to be yelling at each other in the foyer, are you?'

“No. If there's any yelling, we'll do it outside where it belongs.' She smiled. 'Fair enough. So is this emotional detachment you're so fond of the reason you haven't gotten involved with anyone else since your wife's death?'

“No. I've avoided relationships because I loved Tina and I can't ever love anyone else again.' Stephanie stared at him for several heartbeats, then burst out. laughing. 'Oh, come on. That's ridiculous. You can't love again? Did we move from real life to a TV soap? Are you saying the human heart is capable of only loving once? What about my three kids? Should I send the twins back because I already loved Brett when they arrived?' Nash looked as shocked as if she'd pulled a gun on him. The charged silence between them made her wonder if she'd gone too far. He couldn't be serious about not loving again-people didn't work like that. But did he believe it? Had she just insulted him big-time? She waited anxiously as he stared at her. She couldn't read his expression…not until one corner of his mouth twitched.

“You're not buying my best line?' he asked at last.

Relief swept through her. 'Not for a second. Who has?'

“Everyone but you.'

“I see. Are these `everyones' women?'

“For the most part.'

“Then you need to start dating women with slightly higher IQs.' He laughed and grabbed her around the waist, then hauled her onto his lap. 'I prefer my women to have a little more respect than you do, Missy.' She settled her hands on his shoulders and brushed his mouth with hers. 'That so isn't going to happen as long as you talk like an idiot.'

“Idiot, huh? I'm one idiot you can't resist.' She leaned in to kiss him again. 'You're right about that,' she whispered and gave herself up to him.

Chapter Twelve

“Batter up,' Brett called, as he tossed the baseball in the air and caught it. 'Adam, it's your turn.' Adam walked to the square marked on the grass in front of the house and clutched his bat. From what Nash could tell, Adam might be the quieter twin, but he was the better athlete. So far he'd been the one to hit the ball every time Brett pitched it.

Brett pitched a slow ball and Adam swung. There was a crack as the bat connected, then the ball flew directly back to Brett who had to jump to catch it.

“Good hit,' he called to his brother.

Nash stood at the end of the porch, leaning against the house. The boys were playing in the side yard to, as Stephanie put it, 'Avoid as many windows as possible.' The late-morning was warm and clear-the perfect weather for the start of summer vacation.

The boys had tumbled out of bed surprisingly early, apparently too excited by the thought of no school to sleep late. Stephanie had predicted their behavior, which meant she'd left his bed around four in the morning. He'd slept until he'd heard not-soquiet footsteps on the stairs about quarter to seven. He was tired and his eyes felt gritty, but lack of sleep was a small price to pay for spending the night with a woman who defined female beauty and sexuality.

He quickly checked his thoughts, knowing that if he dwelled on all they'd done together while in bed, he would end up in a very uncomfortable state. It didn't seem to matter how many times they made love; he always wanted her more. Last night had been no different.

He heard the front door open, then the sound of footsteps on the porch.

“They should be here any minute,' Stephanie said as she stopped beside him and leaned against the railing. She glanced at him. 'Are you sure you're going to be okay with your mom and stepfather staying here?' He smiled. 'I'm more than fine. I'm actually looking forward to their visit.' She didn't look convinced. 'I would buy that a lot more easily if you hadn't told me you and your stepfather didn't get along.'

“The problem's all on my side,' Nash admitted, for the first time feeling comfortable with the truth. 'Don't worry.'

“I'll try not to.' She turned toward the street, as if watching for cars. 'If they're going to be staying here, we're going to have to be more careful about our sneaking around.'

“Good point.' One he hadn't considered.

She turned back to smile at him. 'It will make things more exciting.'

“I don't think that's possible. Not without one of us having a heart attack from the stress.' Her smile broadened. 'Are you saying your affair with me is stressful?'

“I'm saying it's already more exciting than I thought possible. More excitement could be dangerous.'

“But you're a big tough guy. Don't you live for danger?' Her teasing words produced a predictable reaction. He ignored the sense of heat and heaviness flooding south. Good thing, too, because about eight seconds later a four- door sedan pulled up behind his rental car.

“They're here,' he said.

Stephanie straightened. The humor faded from her eyes, replaced by worry. 'Do I look okay?' Despite the potential for an interested onlooker, he leaned forward and dropped a kiss on her mouth. 'You look perfect.' Her expression cleared. 'Excellent answer.' They walked to the porch steps, then onto the pathway. As they approached, the car doors opened. Nash's mother, Vivian, stepped out onto the sidewalk and smiled.

“What a lovely town. It's so charming. Nash, I swear, you're still getting taller.' He chuckled at the familiar claim, then folded her into his arms. 'Hey, Mom. How was the trip?'

“Great.' She kissed his cheek, then smoothed back his hair and rested her hands on his shoulders. 'How are you?' The question was about more than his state of being that day. He knew she wanted him to move on with his life, to let go of the past. To find someone else and settle down. He figured it was a 'mom' thing.

“I'm good.'

“Really?' Her gaze searched his face. 'I hope so.' The car door slammed and she turned toward her husband. 'Doesn't Nash look taller, Howard?'

“Viv, I'm going to guess our boy stopped growing a few years back,' Howard said affectionately. He circled around the car and offered Nash his hand. As they shook, he patted Nash on the shoulder. 'Good to see you. Life treating you well?'

“Always.' Nash stepped back and introduced Stephanie. 'She owns Serenity House,' he said. 'You haven't lived until you've had her breakfasts.'

“Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon,' she said. 'I hope you'll enjoy your stay.'

“Please call us Vivian and Howard,' his mother said.

“Thank you.' There were a couple of yells from around the side of the house. Stephanie glanced in that direction. 'I have three sons you'll meet later. While we live on the floor above your room, please don't worry. We're not directly overhead.'

“We're going to have a lovely time,' Vivian said, then tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. 'How long have you had the bed and breakfast?' she asked.

“Almost four years. Would you like to see your room?'

“That would be nice.' Vivian turned to her husband. 'Do you need me to carry anything in? I don't want you