A Man Apart by Joan Hohl Page A

“Yes.”
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    Later, lying replete and boneless beside him, Hannah silently marveled at the sexual prowess of the man holding her firmly against him. She loved the feel of his warm skin against hers, his breath ruffling her hair, his hands smoothing, soothing her back with long strokes of his hand. She gave a soft, contented sigh. Could she possibly love…
    Don’t go there. Hannah repeated the order she had given herself once before. This was merely fun and games. A few days out of the ordinary.
    Allow yourself a few more days of physical indulgence, then run for home as though your very emotional stability depended on it…for it just might.
    Spurred by her introspection, Hannah rolled out of Justin’s arms, off the bed and grabbed up her robe. “I’m taking a shower,” she announced, making a bee-line for the bathroom.
    â€œHey, wait,” Justin barked, coming after her.
    He was too late. She flipped the lock jut as he reached for the doorknob.
    â€œHannah,” he pleaded with a soft laugh. “Let me in.”
    â€œYou’ve been in,” Hannah dared to playfully remind him. “A lot. And I loved every minute of it,” she conceded, smiling at his exaggerated groan. “Now I want to have a long shower and shampoo my hair. I’ll see you in about a half hour…if you’re lucky.”
    â€œA half hour?” Justin shouted. “What the hell am I going to do for a half hour?”
    â€œI’m sure you’ll figure something out.” She turned the water on full force to drown out any reply he might make.
    Hannah felt wonderfully clean as she stepped from the shower. She also was rather proud of herself, as she had finished five or so minutes faster than she had promised Justin.
    Holding her robe around her, she entered the bedroom. The room was empty, not a half-naked, too-attractive man in sight. To her surprise, not only was the floor clear of their clothes, the bed had been stripped and remade.
    The man in question continued to amaze her. Whoever thought Mr. Philanderer would turn out to be so domesticated?
    Taking advantage of the moment or privacy, Hannah dug in her suitcase for a clean set of clothes. When she was dressed, she stepped into her slippers.
    Feeling warmer, and relatively protected by the clothing, Hannah plugged in her blow dryer and went to work on her hair with a round brush. She was making progress, the long strands no longer dripping, when Justin breezed into the room.
    â€œThe sheets are in the washer. It’ll shut off in about fifteen minutes.” He went to a dresser to remove fresh clothing. “As you’ll note, I remade the bed.”
    â€œAnd now you want applause?”
    He grinned. “No, a kiss will do for a reward.”
    â€œI don’t think so.” She shook her head.
    Up went the eyebrow. “You don’t trust me?”
    â€œNot for a heartbeat.” Trying not to laugh at his sorrowful expression, she grabbed her brush. “You get your shower, while I finish drying my hair.”
    He heaved a deep, noisy sigh. “You’re one tough lady, sweet Hannah. You know that?” Grumbling loudly, Justin strode to the bathroom.
    Never in a million years would Hannah have believed she could have so much fun with a man. She had hardly even laughed with—Well forget that one. He had been much too serious and full of himself, among other things.
    Giggling Hannah decided on the spot that she would stay on, perhaps until the end of the week with Justin. She felt relaxed and happy. Why not enjoy his company, the fun and laughter, if only for a few more days?
    After all, once the few days were over, she’d be flying back to her real life in Philadelphia. Justin would be heading back to his ranch in Montana.
    They’d probably never see each other again.
    The thought was oddly depressing.

Eight
    H annah was home in her apartment in Philadelphia. It was Sunday. She had