Page 108 of The Shop on Hidden Lane

“I did some housekeeping,” Sophy said. “But you know how it is with that kind of stain. You can’t scrub it out entirely.”

Fifty-Nine

Back in the room Sophyyanked the new nightgown out of the shopping bag and forced herself to walk—not run—to the bathroom.

When she emerged some time later she was securely wrapped in a hotel robe. Luke brushed past her.

“I’ll be out in a few,” he said.

He vanished into the bathroom and closed the door. Firmly.

Sophy looked at Bruce, who was curled up on one of the beds.

“This is starting to feel very awkward,” she said.

Bruce yawned and went to sleep.

She selected the bed that he was not using, slipped off the robe, turned out the lights, and settled under the covers—careful to stay on her side of the bed. Leaving the opposite side open. Available. Just in case Luke wanted to climb in on that side.

There was a heavy thump and the mattress sagged as Bruce took her up on the offer.

“Not you,” she whispered. “You’ve got a whole bed to yourself. You don’t need this one.”

Bruce blinked his amber eyes a couple of times, curled up, and went back to sleep.

The bathroom door opened a short time later. Luke went to the window and drew the curtains aside. A wide swatch of silver moonlight slanted into the room. Sophy half closed her eyes and watched Luke shed his robe. She held her breath.

“Move, Bruce,” he muttered softly.

Bruce got to his feet, turned around a couple of times, and resettled on the foot of the bed. Luke got in beside Sophy and pulled up the covers. She was intensely aware of the weight and heat of his body. He was so close.

A deep thrill stirred her senses. Anticipation tingled through her. She waited for him to say something or to reach out for her.

Nothing happened. After a moment she levered herself up on one elbow and looked down at him.

His eyes were closed and he was already breathing slowly and steadily.

She flopped back down on the pillows and gazed up at the deep shadows overhead. Probably for the best, she thought. They were at a crossroads. They had not even had a real date. Sex at this point would complicate things even more than they already were. Sex would be a really big mistake.

Total mistake. Especially in front of the dog.

“We need to sleep,” Luke said without opening his eyes. “At least, I need sleep. However, if at some point you wake up and decide to suck my vital essences, let me know. I wouldn’t want to miss the experience.”

“That is not funny.”

“CEOs are not known for their sense of humor.”

“In that case, you are certainly qualified for the job.” She blinked and then propped herself up on her elbow again. “Wait. Does that mean you’ve decided to take control of Wells, Inc.?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“You convinced me that the rest of the family is right. I need to accept my mistakes, learn from them, and move forward.”

“Like a shark?”

“What?”