When He Was Bad... by Anne Oliver Page A

cross the room, brush his hand over her hair and enjoy its texture. To skim her cheek, lay his lips on hers and reacquaint himself with her taste.
    He imagined her waking to his touch. Amethyst eyes blinking up at him, turning dark as he slid his palms between flannel and warm skin. Then he’d soothe that innate caution she seemed to have with soft words, softer kisses. His fingers itched and his mouth watered.
    He dragged his gaze away from the bed to the darkened window while his thoughts drifted back to yesterday. She wasn’t as carefree and irresponsible as she’d initially have had him believe. And perhaps she wasn’t the type of woman he could easily walk away from without it playing on his conscience.
    He’d need to make it clear that there was no chance of anything serious developing between them. He didn’t do long-term. He’d been unable to give Angela the happy-ever-aftermarriage and children because long-term commitment didn’t work—he’d been witness to that too many times to count. He knew Belle’s heart had been broken when the man she’d loved had walked away, even though she’d never discussed the details.
    And the innocent kids when two people decided they’d had enough—where the hell did that leave them? Ellie’s father. His own mother. He didn’t want to hurt Ellie the same way.
    Didn’t mean he wanted her in his bed any less. As soon as she’d recovered, he told himself.
    Â 
    The following morning Matt stood at the kitchen window watching the rain while he scooped up cereal, racking his brains for a reason other than gardening to keep Ellie here for the day. Assuming she was well enough. Hoping she was recovered because having her sleep so near that he could practically hear her breathing was playing havoc with his libido.
    Ellie appeared in the doorway, already showered and dressed in her tracksuit. Her complexion was pale, her nose still red, but other than that, she looked…like Ellie.
    He couldn’t believe the way her presence lifted the kitchen’s ambience. And his mood. ‘Good morning.’ He hefted the coffeepot. ‘You’d be feeling like a coffee, I imagine?’
    â€˜Hi. Yes. Please.’ She walked a few steps, hesitated. ‘I didn’t mean to sleep all night. Sorry if I inconvenienced you in any way. I intended going home.’
    â€˜I hardly knew you were here.’ Yeah, right. He’d not been able to think of anything else. For most of the night he’d been uncomfortably awake and aware that she’d been a few quick steps down the hall. He set a mug of coffee on the kitchen table. ‘How are you feeling this morning?’
    â€˜Much better, thanks.’
    â€˜I’ll let you know now, I don’t expect you to work in the rain.’
    â€˜Oh. Good.’ She picked up the mug but remained standing. ‘So, I…’
    â€˜So, I…’
    Both spoke at the same time. She raised her mug at him. ‘Yes?’
    â€˜I was going to say if you’d like to work today and you’re feeling up to it, I’ve got an indoor job for you.’
    â€˜Oh?’ Relief crossed her expression. ‘Great. I could do with the extra money.’
    â€˜The downstairs windows could do with a wash. I’m sure Belle would appreciate it.’
    She smiled. ‘Just show me where the gear is, point me in the right direction and I’ll get started.’
    â€˜No rush. Finish your coffee while I make you some breakfast.’
    â€˜You don’t have to go to all that trouble, the caffeine hit’s fine.’
    â€˜Belle would skin me alive if I forced you to work on an empty stomach. How does scrambled egg sound?’
    â€˜Wonderful, but I can do it if you need to be somewhere….’
    â€˜I’ve got a luncheon appointment but that’s hours away. Why don’t you find what you need in the laundry and set up while I