Zack snickered softly. “Joe?” His voice was louder. “Do you have a fireplace that Whitney and I couldcuddlenext to? That’s something we haven’t done yet.”
Embarrassment filled her, and she jabbed her elbow into his side, but Zack didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he took it as an invitation to hold her closer.
She grumbled under her breath. She’d really messed up this time. It would have been better to tell Joe the truth, but she didn’t want him to worry about her. She was a grown woman and could handle her own problems.
At least she would try.
Of course, presently, her biggest problem was the gorgeous man holding her like he never wanted to let go.
It surprised her how close they’d been to the main house. A few outdoor lights were around the front wrap-around porch, and even the main barn. Even in the darkness, she noticed the new paint job on the two buildings.
Just as they entered the front door, off to the left was a mini coat closet. This was where everyone removed their muddy boots. Once they had removed them, they followed Joe into the house. The large fireplace in the middle of the house had a roaring fire. A different kind of warmth spread through her this time, and a peace of beinghomesettled in her heart.
Her mother had only been married to Joe for six years, and yet, there was only one home for Whitney.Home is where the heart is.Immediately, she moved her gaze to the sign hanging above the fireplace. This home was certainly where her heart had been.
“Are you hungry?” Joe asked as he stirred the burning logs with a poker. “I had the cook make up a big pot of chili earlier.”
Joe still looked good, even at his age. His dark brown hair had more streaks of gray than the last time she’d seen him, but he was just as lean and tall as she remembered.
“We ate in town,” Whitney explained.
“Now why did you do that?” Joe’s shoulders wilted. “Don’t you remember how much I love to feed you?”
She laughed. “Yes, I do remember, but both Zack and I had been driving all day and we needed a break.”
“I’ll forgive you this time.”
Joe’s housekeeper, a jolly – and round – woman with curly black hair, hustled into the front room. Her cheeks were rosy, and her smile stretched across her chubby cheeks.
“Oh, Miss Whitney, look at you.” Gladys opened her arms wide.
Whitney laughed and gave the older woman a hug. “It’s sure good to see you again.”
“It’s always good to see you, Miss Whitney.” The woman’s gaze jumped to Zack, and her eyes widened. “Oh, my... Who do we have here?”
“Gladys, this is Zack—”
“I’m Whitney’s main squeeze,” Zack said, stepping behind her as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to his body.
Even as uncomfortable as the situation was, being held by this gorgeous man wasn’t unpleasant in the least.
Whitney chuckled, trying to act as if she was in love with him. This part of the playacting was difficult. She’d only been in love once, and she never wanted to go through that pain again. “Yes, he’s the man in my life.”
“I’m the maninyour life?” He tilted his head and looked into her eyes. “I thought I was yourwholelife.”
She smiled and stroked the beard that was coming in quite nicely. “You are definitely one in a million.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “The price has gone down? Just the other day you told me I was one in abillion.”
She laughed and nodded. “That’s right. You are!”
He hugged her tightly and buried his face in her neck. His lips moved across her skin, stirring awakenings inside of her that weren’t entirely unwanted – even though they should have been. Goosebumps rose all over her, and yet the warmth blending into her body created comfort instead of coldness.
“Oh,” Gladys giggled, “you two are so cute together.”
Whitney groaned, not knowing if it came from the desire Zack stirred inside of her or if it was because she already regretted lying to her family. She’d known Gladys since she was a young girl, so really, Gladys was family.
“I have your rooms prepared.” Gladys motioned toward the stairs. “So let me know when you’re ready to retire for the night.”
