Chapter Fourteen

Audra felt totally relaxed and in a great mood. She debated going to bed, but it was still early, and she knew she wouldn’t sleep, not after her fitful dozing that afternoon. Studying her reflection in the mirror, she decided she looked respectable enough to visit with Mitch before bed. The long robe flowed around her, keeping the evening mountain chill at bay and flattered with its deep rose color. Her hair was damp around the edges, but would dry soon.

No makeup, she decided laying down the lipstick. She certainly didn’t want Mitch to get the wrong impression.

Taking a breath, she headed downstairs.

“Dinner was wonderful,” he said as she reached the bottom of the steps. He rose from the chair and gestured to the sofa.

It was safer to keep her distance, she thought, crossing to a matching armchair.

“Glad you liked it. It was really good when first done. Did it heat up well? I hope it didn’t dry out.”

“Better than I had a right to expect. I’m sorry I’m late getting back.”

She shrugged. “It’s your time off, spend it as you wish.”

Proud of the casualness of her tone, Audra looked at the fireplace, wishing they’d built a small fire. Flickering flames would give her something to look at. Instead she wanted to look at Mitch. And dared not indulge herself.

“Something unexpected came up.”

“Mmm.”

“Remember I told you I’m going to trial with a case when I return?”

She nodded, facing him.

“We found an unexpected witness, which throws a monkey wrench in the whole works. I’m trying to coordinate the change in strategy from here. I had to talk with the legal assistant, with the opposing attorney and with the arresting officer.”

“Does it weaken your case?” she asked, flattered he’d talk about his work with her. He so rarely had done so before.

“It could.” Mitch talked at some length about the initial strategy and the new plans undertaken. Then he broke off.

“I’m sorry, this must be boring for you.”

“No. I’m fascinated. I thought earlier that I missed something by never coming to see you in action. I wish I had. Maybe I’ll stop by the court one day and watch.”

She almost laughed at his expression. He was obviously taken aback.

“I like the law, but it can get tedious sometimes,” he said.

“You make it sound exciting and worthwhile. I bet you’re great in the courtroom.”

He shrugged. “Tell me when you’re coming and I’ll make sure you have a front row seat.”

“I might just do that.”

They fell silent, their eyes never moving from each other. Audra began to feel that fluttering inside. Her skin heated and awareness shimmered. The baby moved and broke the spell. What was she doing? Considering a divorce, she had no business flirting with Mitch just to pass the time. Yet neither had really brought up the dreaded “D” word. And now was not the time.

“I guess I’ll go up,” she said, standing.

She needed some space, to gain some perspective. Coming downstairs had her dreaming things that could never be. She needed to get over the notion he found her attractive. She was eight months pregnant, for heaven’s sake. Even a man besotted wouldn’t find a woman all that attractive at this stage. And Mitch had never struck her as besotted even on their best day together.

“Tomorrow night, would you have dinner with me at the lodge? I booked a table. They have a nice combo, I heard it tonight from the hall when passing the restaurant. We could stay for the dancing.”

Audra wanted to say yes. The thought almost made her giddy. But something held her back. It wasn’t a date, precisely, just roommates sharing a meal. And maybe a dance or two.

“I don’t know—”

“You have to eat, might as well let someone else do the cooking for one night.”

“Okay, then. Yes, thank you.”

Well that put paid to any thoughts of romantic entanglements. How prosaic could he get? They both had to eat, why not eat at the lodge?

“Good night.”

She passed him on the way to the stairs and for one moment thought he’d reach out and—

“Good night, Audra.”

The next morning when Audra entered the kitchen, Mitch was at the table, a pile of what looked like thick, tangled string in front of him. The delicious aroma of coffee filled the air.

He glanced up. “I made coffee.”

“Smells good. Wish I could have some. What in the world is that?”

“A hammock. Bart dropped by a few minutes ago. He and Patty are heading home today. They got the hammock from the lodge the first day, said it’s great for loafing in the shade.”

“I haven’t been in a hammock for years,” she said as she filled the teakettle. Taking a seat at the table while she waited for the water to heat, she touched the soft strands. “Can you put it up?”

“Yes, Bart showed me where the hooks are.” Mitch looked up. “It’s a double.”

“Oh.”

“I thought I’d mention that in case you had delusions of resting in solitary isolation this afternoon.”

She waved her hand dismissingly. “Not to worry, you’ll be at the office at the lodge. I’ll have it all to myself.”

“Don’t bet the farm on it, lady. I have a hankering to test a hammock. My grandparents had one. Thomas and I used to fight over who got it until they worked out some schedule.”

“We could do that, I suppose,” she said.

“Work out a schedule?”

Nodding, Audra chanced a glance. The dancing amusement in his eyes was mesmerizing. She smiled, raising her eyebrows. “No?”

“Not a chance, sweetheart. Unless you go from nine to midnight.”

“While you take the one to three in the afternoon?”

“Sounds fair.”

“Ha, in your dreams, Wells. I get first dibs, I’m the pregnant one.”

“And in all good conscience, I couldn’t leave you and the baby alone in this contraption. What if you had difficulty getting up? We know how frequently you need to use the facilities.”

“A low blow!”

“We can try it out after lunch.”

“Maybe.”

The thought of the two of them in the hammock, lying together, almost made her forget breakfast. Grasping that as an excuse to leave the table, Audra went to the refrigerator and began pulling out eggs, spinach and cheese. She’d make an omelet, and not think about sharing a hammock.

“So what do you want to do this morning?” Mitch asked, leaning back to watch her work.

Aware of his eyes on her, she felt nervous. Self-conscious. “I don’t know. Don’t you have things to do?”

“Not today. I’ve put in motion the investigations I need for the trial, now I’m delegating and letting others handle the preliminary work.”

Audra turned in amazement.

“Did I hear you right? You’re going to delegate?”

He nodded. “So how about that paddle wheel? We managed the rowboat fine, we’re ready.”

“Are you sure about this?” Audra asked an hour later as they stood on the dock studying the flimsy-looking paddle boat. Two seats were side by side, pedals on the floor, which propelled the paddles in the rear. One set for each seat.

Mitch scanned the lake. “I’ve seen people using these all week. None have capsized.”

“Getting dumped wouldn’t be my idea of fun,” she said hesitantly. Tossing her head, she grinned. “Let’s do it.”

Carefully stepping in, she took the seat farthest from the dock. A moment later the craft bobbed as Mitch stepped in and sat beside her.

It was a close fit. His hip pressed against hers, his thigh touched hers. His shoulders seemed too big. She held her breath. This was never going to work.

“Okay, we’re on our own,” he said as he tossed the rope onto the dock. Slowly she began to pedal. He shifted, the boat swayed from side to side.

“Watch it!” she squealed, feeling a splash of water.

Draping his arm across her shoulder, he settled in. “It’s too crowded—I think these were designed with smaller people in mind.”

“Still, it’s fun.”

Slowly they moved away from the dock. Sunshine glinted on the water, the tall spruce and pines lining the lake were silhouetted against a pristine blue sky. A light breeze danced across the surface, reducing the sun’s intensity.

When Mitch pedaled faster, the craft went in circles. Audra laughed and tried to keep up, to make her paddle go as fast to straighten out their direction.

The day was perfect, she thought as they began to work in tandem. She laughed at Mitch’s nonsense, and secretly enjoyed the feel of his body against hers, his arm across her shoulders, his leg bumping hers as they pedaled, sometimes furiously, sometimes languidly.

“Thomas and Tessa missed a great vacation,” she said as they turned and began to head for the dock some time later.

“No yearnings for Europe?”

“No, this is more fun. I speak the language, understand the money and don’t have to be packing my bags and moving on every other day. I wish I had even more time. It seems as if the days are flying by.”

“We still have a few days left.”

She nodded. The one cloud on the horizon was knowing this would all come to an end soon.

Would she ever see Mitch once they parted? Would he truly be interested in seeing her and their baby or would they each become caught up in their own lives and never find the time?

It made her sad to think of it.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Sure.” She shook off her mood and smiled. “This is so much fun. I knew it would be.”

When he didn’t respond, she turned at looked at him. His gaze was fixed on her.

“Are you having fun?” she asked softly.

“Yes, Audra, I’m having fun.”

Slowly he leaned closer, his arm tightening on her shoulders. When his lips touched hers, she closed her eyes to better relish the enchanting sensations. They stopped pedaling, and the kiss went on and on.

Audra knew she never wanted it to stop.

Mitch pulled back, his eyes opening, then closing.

“Either you are extraordinary at kicking my senses crazy or I’m having another one of those dammed dizzy attacks.”

He gingerly sat back, holding on to Audra like a lifeline.

“I’d love to take credit but I don’t think so,” she said. “Do you have any medicine on you?”

“No, I haven’t had a problem in a couple of days. I thought I was finally over them.”

“Can you pedal? We have to get back to the dock.”

Gritting his teeth, he opened his eyes a slit and nodded. Slowly they pedaled the boat. As they drew closer, she could see the strain in his face. Reaching the dock wouldn’t solve all their problems, they still had to walk to the cabin.

“We’re almost there. Are you going to be able to get out? Should I run up to get Mr. Carmichael to help?” she asked as they drew near the dock.

“I don’t need help.”

Typical male reaction, she thought. But if she didn’t think he could cope, she’d ignore his reaction and go for help anyway.

Mitch proved he could manage, stepping from the boat while she held it steady. In two seconds she tied it up and stood on the dock beside him.

Taking his arm, she slowly pointed him in the direction of the path.

“I can manage,” he said.

“I know, I’m just here in case you need me.”

His smile was sardonic. “And what can you do if I fall, cushion me?”

“You’re not going to fall. Come on, once we get back to the cottage you can lie down and take those pills.”

“I hate this!” he ground out.

“I’m sure you do.”

Anything that slowed him down had to be despised. Mitch liked to be in charge, in control. Yet he was human and needed to let his body recover at its own rate.

He walked as if drunk, weaving and staggering once or twice despite his arm draped around Audra’s shoulder. She was glad she was with him. He remained silent on the short walk to the cabin, but she suspected he resented needing her help. And heaven help him if he had an attack at the lodge. He’d remain forever in the guest services office rather than ask for assistance.

Leaving him on the sofa when they reached the cabin, Audra ran lightly up the stairs to his room to find the pills. Satisfied a few minutes later that he’d recover with some rest, she headed for the kitchen. She’d prepare a light lunch and see if Mitch felt like eating. She was ravenous after the morning on the paddle boat, and her legs were pleasantly tired from all the pedalling.

Mitch insisted on sitting at the table for lunch. Worried, Audra watched him closely as he ate, until he snapped at her.

“I’m fine. I don’t need a nursemaid.”

“What you probably need is more rest. You can have first turn on the hammock.”

“I don’t need first turn. You’re the one who takes naps in the afternoons, you take it.”

“I can lie down later or if I get tired, I can use my bed.”

He shook his head impatiently, then stopped, looking at her with narrowed eyes.

“It’s a double.”

“And we’d get a lot of rest sharing, I’m sure.”

She hadn’t forgotten a single one of their kisses.

What would it be like to lie down and sleep beside Mitch again? Would he put his arm around her like they used to sleep? Snuggle close? Or turn his back and snore?

She almost giggled at that scenario. He’d never snored. He’d be much more likely to draw her into his arms and kiss her, let his hands roam over the changed contours of her body—

The thoughts jumbled in her head and she tried to ignore them. He was still recovering from a serious accident, and she did get tired in the afternoon. Splurging on naps was the height of luxury. After the baby was born and she returned to work, there’d be no more napping.

“Okay, I guess,” she said slowly. “But only if we rest.”

“What else would we do?”

She almost told him, but the amusement dancing in his eyes let her know he knew exactly what she meant. Firmly closing her mouth, she concentrated on her food. After a minute, she realized he hadn’t agreed to the rest only edict. Responding with a question was a neat ploy. Should she make him promise?

That would make it seem a bigger deal than it was. She’d take her chances. Anticipation hummed.

They strung up the hammock between the two trees where Bart had showed Mitch. It was a wide, lacy net hammock and once in position rested several feet above the ground. Audra eyed it dubiously.

“I don’t know.”

“I’ll go first.” He eased back on the woven surface, sitting in the middle, then leaned back and lifted his legs. Scooting slowly, carefully, to one side, he patted the place beside him as the hammock swayed gently.

The surface was big. There was room enough for both with space on either side. Dappled shade sheltered them and the scent of pine wafted in the warm afternoon air.

Nothing ventured, Audra thought as she moved to sit gingerly on the edge.

“Not so close to the edge, scoot back,” Mitch warned.

But she wasn’t as agile as she normally was and plopped on the very edge, throwing the hammock off balance, sliding down on the ground with a thump and dumping Mitch practically on top of her.

Surprised, she stared at his stunned expression, then burst out laughing.

“Think that’s funny, do you?” he asked, pushing her gently back on the pine needles and coming down to kiss her senseless.

Audra reached up and encircled his neck with her arms, pulling him off balance until he sprawled half across her and half on the ground. She kissed him back with all the pent-up desire she possessed.

Suddenly she knew why the day was perfect—Mitch was with her. She was falling in love all over again. Being with him made everything brighter, more enjoyable.

When he shifted slightly, she opened her eyes, and gazed deeply into his. Neither spoke, but words weren’t necessary. She wanted to capture the moment, hold on to it, keep it safe from all outside influences.

Why couldn’t they stay in a world of two forever?

“Are you all right?” he asked.

She nodded, slowly pulling her hands away. “I’m sorry you fell. It didn’t jar your arm did it?”

He shook his head.

“There’s a technique to hammocks.”

He rose in one lithe motion and reached down to pull her up.

“When you sit, make sure you are far enough back from the edge that you don’t throw off the center of gravity.”

She nodded, wondering how he could talk. Her heart raced, her skin tingled, blood rushed through her at warp speed, and the heat that enveloped her matched that of the sun. And he talked as if nothing had happened.

Then she noticed his breathing was almost as rapid as hers. Satisfaction swept through her. He might look impervious, but that kiss had affected him, too. There was some justice in the world after all.

Following his firm instructions, Audra managed to get on the hammock without incident. She lay next to Mitch and gazed up at the sky through the trees. She was far too aware of the man next to her to feel sleepy. How was she supposed to get any rest in his proximity?

Yet, in only a few moments her eyes closed and she drifted off.