Pregnant by the Texan(5)

                “I’m still staying here at the inn until the repairs are done on my town house,” she said.

                “I’m staying here, too, so I’ll see you often,” he said. She had a faint smile, but he had the feeling that she had put up a barrier. Was she trying to avoid the attraction that had boiled between them the last time they were together? Whatever it was, he wanted to be with her tonight for a time. “Unless you have other plans, since we’re both staying here, then, by all means, have dinner with me.”

                There was a slight hesitation before she nodded. “Thank you,” she replied. Even though she accepted his invitation, she had a touch of reluctance in her reply and he had the feeling she was not eager to eat with him.

                “Is this headquarters for you?” he asked, his thoughts more on her actions than her words.

                “Not at all. I’m not in charge—just another administrative assistant from town hall helping like the others.”

                “Not quite just another administrative assistant,” he said, looking at her big blue eyes and remembering her passionate responses. For one night she had made him forget loss and loneliness. “Should your town house be on our list of places to help with reconstruction?” he asked her.

                “Thank you, no. The damage wasn’t that extensive, but I was pretty far down on the priorities list. I finally have the work scheduled and some of it has already started. I’m supposed to be back in my place in about a week. Thank goodness. I want to be there before Christmas.”

                “Good, although I’m glad you’re staying here in the hotel because that means we can see each other easily,” he said, deciding he would get his suite moved to whatever floor she was on. “They’re setting up for tonight and I need to wash up before dinner. Want to meet again in an hour?” he asked her.

                “That’s a good idea. I’ve been busy since seven this morning and I’d welcome a chance to freshen up.”

                As they walked out of the restaurant, he turned to her. “What floor are you on?”

                “The sixth floor. I have a suite.”

                “The same floor I’m on,” he said, smiling at her.

                “That’s quite a coincidence,” she said in a skeptical voice.

                “It will be when I get my suite moved to the sixth floor, after seeing you to your suite.”

                She laughed. “I can find my own way to my suite. You go try to finagle a suite on the sixth floor. I don’t think you can. It’s hopeless. Every available space has been taken because of so many homeless folks having their houses repaired after the storm. People reserved every nook and cranny available in Royal and all the surrounding little towns. Some had to go to Midland, Amarillo and Lubbock. We’re packed, so I don’t think I’ll see you on my floor.”

                “So you approve if I can get a suite,” he said.

                “I figure it won’t happen,” she answered, looking at him intently.

                “Not if you don’t approve,” he said.

                “I don’t want more complications in my life and you’re a wicked influence, Aaron,” she said mischievously, for the first time sounding as if she had let down her guard with him.

                “Wicked is more fun and you know you agree,” he said softly, standing close in front of her. “I’ll show you tonight when we’re together.”