Forbidden Heat

The tears now welling from Suzie’s eyes touched Danielle, and, hesitantly, she opened her arms to Trey’s sister. She could feel Trey’s gaze from the hallway.

Suzie wrapped her arms around Danielle in a tight embrace, and Danielle accepted it. And returned it.

“It’s okay. It was good for me to talk about it.”

It felt warm and comforting in Suzie’s arms. She would miss this taste of being part of a family. Of having a sister.

And a man who loved her.

Suzie glanced at the suitcase. “You’re not leaving because of me are you?”

“No, I had something come up. There’s some work I have to get done. I’m sorry I can’t stay for the rest of your visit.”

She hugged Suzie again, then left without another word.

Eighteen

Jake heard the doorbell ring as he stepped out of the shower. He scrubbed his hair with a towel, then tugged on his blue terry robe and tied it as he strode across the living room to the entrance.

He pulled open the door. There stood Danielle.

What a great way to start the day.

“Well, good morning.” He smiled but she did not return it. He glanced behind her but couldn’t see Trey or his sisters.

“Sorry to catch you in the shower. I . . . should have called first.”

“Nonsense. Come in.”

She nodded and stepped inside. He closed the door and followed her into the living room.

“Would you like some coffee?”

“That would be lovely. Thanks.”

She sat on the couch as he headed to the kitchen. The automatic coffeemaker had brewed two cups. He filled two mugs and added cream and sugar to the glass mug Danielle liked so much and just sugar to his. He set up the coffeemaker for another few cups, then carried the steaming mugs into the living room.

He handed her the glass mug and sat down beside her on the couch. She did not smile, and he could sense the tension in her.

“So you look pretty glum this morning. Want to talk about it?”

She sipped her coffee, then set the mug down on the table.

“Last night, Trey told me he loved me.”

Jake’s gut clenched. Damn it. Trey loved her? And he’d told her? Where the hell did that leave Jake?

One glance at Danielle’s unhappy face put things into perspective.

“I take it you don’t love him?”

Her fists clenched in her lap and her face turned away from him. Her body trembled. Was she hiding tears?

“Danielle? Do you love him?”

“I . . . yes . . .” She shook her head. “I mean . . . no.”

His stomach clenched. “You don’t sound too sure.”