Charon's Crossing

Kathryn blanched. "I know it looks a bit shabby."

"Shabby's hardly the right word."

It was true. Charon's Crossing needed a lot more than soap and water to make it presentable. So why did it irritate her to hear Jason say what she already knew?

"I admit, it's not the Plaza," she said with a tight smile, "but it's the best I can offer."

Matthew chuckled. "He's probably worried about the rats."

Kathryn gave him a murderous glare. "Don't be ridiculous."

"I don't think it's ridiculous at all," Jason said stiffly. "Maybe it sounds foolish to you, Kathryn, but—"

"No! I mean, I wasn't..." Kathryn chewed on her lip. This was impossible. "Look, why don't you put your stuff away while I go down and make us some lunch?"

The expression on Jason's face changed. "I have a better idea." He reached out and pulled her into his arms. "Why don't we say a proper hello and then I'll take you out for lunch?"

"It's a nice thought," she said, slipping out of his embrace, "but I'm not even sure there are any decent restaurants on the island."

"You could always take him down to the cove," Matthew said thoughtfully. "Pack a picnic lunch, sit in the sand. This hour of the day, there's bound to be a couple of dozen sand crabs scuttling about. A man who loves the sight of rats will probably love the sight of sand crabs."

Jason's hand stroked up and down her spine. "So we'll skip lunch," he murmured.

"But I already skipped breakfast," Kathryn said, lying through her teeth. "Besides, don't you want to find out whether or not I can cook?"

"I'd rather find out other things."

"Jason." She put her hands lightly against his chest. "What's the rush? We have the whole weekend ahead of us."

Jason sighed and leaned his forehead against hers.

"You're right. I didn't mean to come on to you the minute I saw you, darling, it's just that you look so gorgeous and I've missed you so much..." He sighed again. "You go put up that coffee while I unpack, okay?"

Kathryn smiled. "Okay."

Jason let go of her and began unbuttoning his shirt. "I could use a shower, too, if that's all right."

"Sure. It's right down the hall, and you'll find clean towels in the linen closet next door."

"Terrific." He began shrugging off his shirt, revealing a hairless chest. It was a nice chest, as chests went, but compared to Matthew's...

Kathryn blushed, flashed Jason a quick smile, and fled.

* * *

She had driven into town early that morning, to lay in groceries for Jason's weekend visit. And it was a good thing she had. At least the refrigerator and pantry were stocked.

That was something to be grateful for.

She had the kitchen to herself, too. Matthew wasn't lurking in any of the corners.

That was another thing to be grateful for.

Kathryn raised her eyes to the ceiling. On the other hand, that only meant Matthew was probably still in the bedroom. What was he doing up there? Spying on Jason? Making the bed levitate?

The idea was preposterous. He'd never pulled any tricks like that on her. Still, she couldn't help smiling.

Poor Jason, she thought as she opened the refrigerator and took out a head of lettuce and some tomatoes. He was upset already, what with the condition of the house and her offhand remark about rats. Her smile broadened as she sliced the end off one of the tomatoes and popped it into her mouth.