Unnatural Relations (Lust and Lies Series, Book 1) by Marilyn Campbell

question. "That's Dusty. The boy I grew up with. I told you about him." He reluctantly handed her the phone, then sat down in the chair across from her.
    "Hi, sweetie! I've been thinking of calling you for weeks, but I was afraid you were up to your ears in finals."
    "All finished. I'm home now." He paused for an audible breath. "It sure is good to hear your voice, Barbie. The truth is, I'm calling because your mom told me what's been going on in your life. She said you probably weren't coming home to visit for a while."
    She'd forgotten all about her promise to spend time with Dusty while he was on vacation. "I'm sorry. I was really looking forward to seeing you but it's just impossible right now. See, there's this, um, audition coming up that I have a really good shot at. It could be the break I've been waiting for. I'd have you come here but between that and work and school..."
    "Sure, I understand. Maybe later this summer something will open up. I guess that means your two-year plan has been amended."
    She made herself laugh as if it were no big deal. "Hey, even the Constitution has amendments. So tell me, did you ace all your finals or what?"
    While Dusty filled her in, she had to work at ignoring Russ. He just sat there, scowling at her as if she'd committed some terrible offense. The instant she said good-bye, Russ grabbed the phone from her and slammed it into its cradle.
    "What is your problem?" she asked incredulously.
    "My problem?" he shouted. His hands balled into fists as he loomed over her. "The only problem I've got here is you." He turned and marched over to the kitchenette. One after another he opened and slammed cupboard doors.
    "What are you looking for?"
    "Something to drink. There's not one goddamned thing a man can drink in this fucking place."
    "Russ, I've asked you not to use that language—"
    "Fuck you, Miss Bitch. I'll use any goddamned language I want to." His glare challenged her to reprimand him again. "I'm going out."
    She flinched as the front door slammed behind him. Russ had shown her small glimpses of his bad temper before. This time, however, he had seemed truly enraged yet she hadn't the slightest idea what had set him off.
    He had been relaxed and pleasant during dinner. The abrupt mood swing seemed to hit him while she was talking to Dusty. Had she said something that upset him? She replayed her end of the conversation in her mind and was positive she hadn't mentioned Russ at all.
    Was that it? Could he be angry because she didn't tell Dusty about him? That line of thinking took her straight to the only possible answer. Russ was jealous.
    Though she'd been careful not to lead him on, she knew he was still hoping she'd have a change of heart. Perhaps he really was in love with her and doing his best to hide it.
    There were times when she wished she could fall in love with him. It would certainly solve all her problems. But that deep, intense feeling was absent and she wasn't certain she even wanted to feel that way again. She never wanted to give another man the kind of power over her that she had so freely given to Howard. It wasn't worth the pain.
    Recalling what had happened the last time he'd yelled at her and stormed out, she wanted to stay awake until he was back and calmed down. But after three hours crept by and he hadn't returned, she switched off the light.
    She had barely drifted off when she heard a key being turned in the lock. The night-light in the bathroom allowed her to see Russ's clumsy entrance without his knowing she was awake. She could also see him take a long swallow out of a bottle before he placed it on the table. As he headed toward the bathroom, he bumped into the end table and almost knocked over the lamp.
    Catching it, he whispered. "Sh-sh-sh. You'll wake Sleeping Beauty."
    He was obviously too drunk for her to question his temper tantrum tonight. While he was in the bathroom, she turned on her side, facing the wall, and determined to feign sleep and avoid