Passion's Law by Ruth Langan

had probably cost what he earned in a day. Yet she seemed oblivious to the fact that they would be sweaty and wrinkled when she relinquished her hold on his little girl. The same was true of her silk blouse. It bore the evidence of berry stains and tiny hand smudges. Yet, if the smile on her face was any indication, she didn’t seem to mind in the least.
    As he watched the way the woman and child were breathing in a slow, steady rhythm, he felt the strangest ache around his heart.
    At that moment Heather awoke. For the space of a single moment she looked confused. Then she glanced over at the little girl in her arms and smiled at him.
    â€œI was reading her a story.”
    â€œYeah.” Needing something to do, he pretended that he’d been retrieving the book. He looked at the cover. “Goldilocks and the Three Bears?”
    Heather chuckled. “It was the only one I couldfind in Teddy’s room that was suitable for a little girl.”
    At the sound of their voices Brittany stretched and yawned, then reached out her arms toward her father.
    He picked her up and hugged her to his chest. “Did you have fun with Heather?”
    â€œUh-huh.” She hugged him back, then said, “She was reading me a story, Daddy. It was called Ravenlocks and the Three Bears.”
    He glanced over her head to Heather. “Ravenlocks?”
    Brittany answered. “Uh-huh. And she said the bears are cousins of my teddy bear. They’re really nice bears, Daddy. And tonight I’m going to leave some honey on the table for them, in case they want to visit our house.”
    Thad couldn’t keep the laughter from his voice. “You’re leaving honey out for the bears? Are you sure you want them to visit?”
    â€œOnly if they’re polite. Heather said polite bears always say please and thank you.”
    â€œHeather is absolutely right.” He stepped back as Heather got to her feet. “Well, since Brittany and I don’t want to be outdone by the bears, we’d like to say thank you, too.” He held out his hand. “I really appreciate this, Heather.”
    She accepted his handshake and absorbed the joltto her system. There was no denying that his touch always had this effect on her.
    As he started across the courtyard she called, “What will you do with Brittany tomorrow?”
    He shrugged. “I’ll start making some phone calls as soon as I get home. There are several day-care centers in town.”
    â€œI…wouldn’t mind taking her for the next couple of days.”
    He shot her a look of surprise. “What about your work?”
    â€œUncle Joe said there wouldn’t be much for me to do for the next couple of days.”
    â€œYeah. Well, I’m sure you’d rather be riding or shopping or…”
    She was already shaking her head. “Really, Thad. We had such a good time together. I never realized just how much fun it could be. Why not let her come with you and let me take care of her? That way you can see her often during the day and decide whether or not I’m doing a good job. Isn’t that better than leaving her with strangers?”
    â€œYou’re serious, aren’t you?” He studied her for the longest time before nodding his head. “Okay. Let’s give it a try. But if you decide you’ve had enough, I’ll expect you to be honest with me.” He held out his hand. “Is it a deal?”
    â€œDeal.” This time she was ready for the jolt.
    As he walked away she realized she was still vibrating from his touch. And wishing for more.
    She ran across the courtyard and called, “Bye, Brittany. See you tomorrow.” Under her breath she added, “And your big bad doting daddy, too.”

Eight
    â€œI ’m not happy with these sensors. They’re not picking up the right signals. Let’s try moving them to the right.” Thad motioned to a workman standing on a ladder,