More Than a Mistress by Leanne Banks

human beings was about all she had in common with the Pendletons, she supposed. Jarod’s remark only served to emphasize that fact, and Sara abruptly identified where her underlying uneasiness originated. She’d thought she was uncomfortable around the Pendletons because she wasn’t a member of their family, but that was only part of it.
    The truth of the matter was that among these connected, loving people, Sara Jean Kingston felt like a complete fraud.
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    One more try, Sara thought, as she stirred the simmering beef tips. She wore the same pink sweater, same winter-white slacks as last time. At five fifty-five the doorbell rang. Pavi barked from behind the laundry-room door. Sara ignored him. She refused to dodge his puddles during this meal!
    She opened the front door, and Daniel’s tension rolled over her like a wave. He wore a suit and a wary, careful expression on his face. He tentatively offered the bunch of violets in his hand. “These okay?”
    Her heart turned a flip. Despite a jab of embarrassment over her reaction when he’d given her a rose, Sara smiled and accepted the gift. He was uncomfortable, and if there was one thing she’d learned, it was how to put a man at ease. For once she knew what to do with Daniel Pendleton. “Violets are wonderful.” She took his hand and pulled him into the room. “And you look great.”
    â€œI’m overdressed,” he grumbled, wishing he’d worn something more casual.
    â€œI like your tie.”
    â€œYou can have it.” He tugged it loose and followed her into the kitchen, appreciating the sight of her great rear end. He wondered how long he could watch and refrain from touching.
    Sara laughed. “Relax. Take off your jacket and shoes. This is just a rain-check dinner with Sara Kingston.”
    Daniel was anything but relaxed. He was wound up so tight from arousal, anticipation and tension, he felt crazed. He shook his head. “This is the beginning of my forbidden affair with a wild woman.”
    Sara stopped in the midst of putting the flowers in a vase. Had he offended her? Then she smiled, an almost taunting smile.
    â€œWe’ll see,” she said noncommittally. “Beer or wine?”
    â€œBeer,” he replied. Her comment ate at him. “What do you mean, ‘we’ll see’?”
    Sara popped the top on the beer and handed it to him. “Just what I said. We’ll see. We’ve got lots to do. You’ve got to drink this beer. Then we’ve got to eat dinner, and you’ll have to tell me how wonderful it was. Then we eat dessert and—”
    â€œLady, give me a break.” Daniel meant it. He knew he was coming across as smooth as a rough ride on a bronco, but he had to know how to gear himself. Every fiber of his male being said skip the food and take the woman.
    Sara gave a sigh. She stepped closer, and Daniel felt his pulse throb in every erogenous zone in his body. She shook her head and pulled off his tie. “You really need to relax. Sit down and let me tell you what I bought today.”
    â€œSara—”
    â€œJust listen.” She pulled out a chair and gave him a nudge. When he didn’t move, she glared at him. Daniel sat down, resigned to be driven straight up the wall.
    She pushed off his jacket. “I went to the new department store today. They have a great cosmetics section.”
    She began to rub his shoulders, and the sensation of her fingers on his tight muscles made the inane conversation more bearable. “Good?” she asked.
    He gave an appreciative groan.
    Sara laughed, and the husky sound was another reminder of another discomfort he wished she’d take care of.
    â€œI don’t suppose you frequent the cosmetics department,” she continued.
    â€œNot lately,” he said dryly.
    â€œCosmetics companies know how to go for the jugular. Women can be tempted by claims of how much all these products can