o fortable
way of my learning your plans。〃
〃Did that bother you？〃
〃No。〃 She didn't look away。 〃I don't want to cope with identities yet。〃
〃Then we agree on that。 No more said。〃
〃No more said。〃 She felt proud of herself； if a little wistful； as she
watched him eat。
When he finished； he ran a napkin over his mouth。 Then he balled it up
in his fist。 〃You can phone from the village later and cancel those
reservations。 But I think you should know that there are two conditions
to your staying here。〃
Conditions？ She arched a brow。
He leaned way back this time； until the chair was on its rear legs。
〃First； we eat together。〃
She had no problem with that。 It pleased her； actually。 She smiled her
agreement。
〃Second；〃 he said； 〃I sleep downstairs。〃
Her smile vanished。 〃Uh； I 。。。 don't think so。 I'm not ready for 。。。
that。〃
His eyes laughed。 〃I'm told that I'm a good lover。 But hey；〃 he
relented； all teasing gone； 〃I'm not ready for 。。。 that； either。 Maybe
soon。 But not yet。 You aren't the only one dealing with ghosts。〃
Startled by that thought； she gathered up the empty dishes and went to
the sink。
He was close behind her。 〃You're a beautiful woman。〃
〃Last time； I was 'plain' and 'scrawny。〃'
〃Last time； I was wet and tired。〃 Strong hands slid around her middle
and drew her back against his body。 His f