The Real Deal by Lucy Monroe

going on, but he wasn’t too tired to toss her out on her ear if Jacob gave lie to her bold claim.
    â€œI may have said something to that effect.”
    She let out the small breath she’d been holding.
    Simon stepped back. “Come in then. Jacob, will you see that Ms. Zachary’s things are put in the guest room?”
    Jacob’s wizened gaze caught hers as she passed him and he winked.
    It surprised her so much that she stumbled and crashed into Simon. Even tired, he had the reflexes of a trained warrior. He caught her and set her back on her feet without taking so much as an extra breath. “You okay?”
    â€œYes. Thanks. I’m clumsy today.”
    Simon covered his mouth and yawned.
    â€œYou need to go to bed, Simon.”
    â€œI’m hungry. I think Jacob’s going to make me something to eat. I don’t remember.” He was so rummy, his words were slurring.
    â€œI made some beef stew. It’s simmering on the stove. Ms. Zachary, you could see the boss gets some while I’m busy with your things.”
    â€œNo problem. Come on, Simon.” She led him to the kitchen where she could smell the savory aroma of simmering stew and recently baked bread.
    Simon sat down at the small kitchen table and she served him in a bowl Jacob had left sitting on the counter. She also sliced and buttered some of the bread.
    Simon ate in silence while she watched over him like a broody hen. He really did look awful. There was no way they were going to have any sort of intelligent conversation before the man had gotten a good night’s rest.
    He finished and laid down the spoon. “Can I get you anything, a glass of wine maybe?” he asked her politely, just as if he wasn’t practically dead on his feet.
    â€œNo, thank you. Go to bed, Simon.”
    He nodded and stood, swaying slightly on his feet.
    She rushed forward and put one arm around his waist. He draped his arm over her shoulder, but didn’t put his whole weight against her. For which she was grateful. He let her lead him out of the kitchen.
    â€œWhich way is your bedroom?”
    He waved his arm to the left. It didn’t take her long to find the stairway. They managed to get up it without mishap, but when they reached Simon’s bedroom he seemed to lose steam all at once. He went tumbling toward the oversize king bed and took her with him. They landed in a tangle of arms and legs with Simon’s body half over hers.
    He didn’t move.
    â€œSimon.”
    Nothing.
    She fought her head clear of his heavy arm and looked up at his face. His eyes were closed. He was asleep.
    No problem. She only had to slide out from under him and he’d never even know she’d been there.
    She levered her arm out from where he had it pinned beneath his chest and pushed against him, trying to scoot backwards at the same time. His eyes opened and she fought between relief and embarrassment.
    â€œUh, Simon . . .”
    He smiled, the beatific smile of a very happy child, said her name and then closed his eyes again.
    Without moving.
    She pressed firmly against his chest. He said something indecipherable and moved, dragging her into his body like the lover she wasn’t. When he was still again, she was wrapped firmly in his arms, his face buried in the curve of her neck and his heavy thigh trapping both her legs.

Chapter 6
    S he should absolutely get up.
    Right this minute.
    But she didn’t want to move. Simon’s breath warmed her throat while the feel of his muscular body wrapped around her gave a sense of warmth and belonging she’d longed for all of her life. It was that sense that had her trying to peel out of Simon’s arms. It was way too dangerous.
    She wasn’t any good at the man-woman thing and if she let herself fall for Simon, she was going to end up hurt.
    Badly.
    When it came to relationships, she always lost.
    Remember the job.
    She was here for the sake of her career, not to put