Out of Exile by Carla Cassidy Page A

her eyes, she looked up from the magazine she’d been reading and smiled at him.
    â€œDid you get your business taken care of?” she asked as he sat in the chair next to hers.
    He nodded, trying not to notice the familiar scent of her, fighting against a visceral response. He knew now that the scent she wore was strongest between her breasts and just beneath each of her ears. “Has anyone said how much longer Clara is going to be?” he asked.
    â€œNo, but it shouldn’t be too much longer.”
    He stared at the door through which Clara would come, aware of Lilly’s gaze lingering on him. This was the first time they’d been alone since making love. He’d gone out of his way the past four days to make sure they didn’t have any time alone.
    â€œYou’ve been avoiding me,” she said softly.
    â€œI’ve been busy,” he replied, not looking at her.
    â€œNo, it’s more than that.” She closed the magazine and set it on the coffee table in front of them. “You don’t have to worry, Matthew. Just because we made love doesn’t mean I’m going to somehow turn into a sappy, clinging woman desperate for a relationship with you. I know you don’t want to get married, and you know I don’t want to, either.”
    â€œI don’t want to discuss it,” he replied stiffly.
    â€œTough,” she shot back.
    He turned to look at her then. Her eyes sparked with irritation, and her chin was thrust upward likea pugnacious fighter. “I told you that it was a mistake.”
    â€œFine, it was a mistake, but you don’t have to punish me forever.”
    â€œI’m not punishing you,” he scoffed. “I told you, I’ve been busy.”
    â€œToo busy to share a simple meal with me? You’ve missed dinner every night this week.” She leaned toward him, enveloping him with her scent, enflaming him with her nearness. “What are you afraid of, Matthew? Afraid you might just want to repeat our mistake?”
    He was saved from having to reply by Clara and Dr. Johnny Howerton exiting the examining rooms. As they entered, both Lilly and Matthew stood. Matthew offered his hand to the doctor.
    â€œJohnny, good to see you again,” he said.
    â€œYou, too, Matthew.” They shook hands. “Well, she appears to be in pretty good health,” he said. “We did everything we could do here in the office, but I’ve scheduled some additional tests for next week at the hospital.”
    â€œWhat kind of tests?” Lilly asked, a worry wrinkle creasing her forehead.
    â€œI’d like to get an electrocardiogram and an echo-cardiogram on her. Neither test takes long, but at her age and with the little ‘spells’ she’s told me she’s had, I’d like the tests done just to be on the safe side.”
    â€œA bunch of nonsense,” Clara said a moment later as they left the doctor’s office. “I’m perfectly healthy,” she exclaimed. “I just get a little dizzyevery now and then. I’ve always been a little dizzy.”
    â€œWe’re still going to see to it that you get those tests,” Lilly said as she placed an arm around the old woman’s shoulders.
    Clara nodded, then looked at Matthew. “Matthew, dear, would you mind stopping at the grocery store before we head back to the ranch? There are a few things I’d like to pick up.”
    â€œYou know you’re welcome to anything that is at the ranch. We have freezers full of meat and pantries filled with canned goods.”
    She nodded. “And I thank you for that, but it’s enough that you’re allowing me to stay in the cottage rent-free. I insist on buying my own food.” Pride stiffened her back. “I like to think I’m taking care of myself at least a little bit.”
    â€œFine, we’ll stop by the grocery store,” he said curtly. What he wanted more than anything