nd instant pleasure in the rustic scene； the well…kept
lawn； the scattering of maples and pines； the intermixing of apple trees
with fruit hanging ripe and ready for picking。 The morning mist had
begun to burn off； speared here and there shafts of sunlight。
The scene was exactly what she had hoped to find； so peaceful and quiet；
that she was unprepared for the roar behind her。
〃You used up all the hot water！ Damn it； don't you have a considerate
bone in your body？〃
Mitch stood in the door of the kitchen； dripping wet； wearing nothing
but a towel around his hips。
For a second； she couldn't breathe。 He was incredibly well built。 Arms
and shoulders of granite flanked a chest that was tanned； sinewed； and
matted with fair hair made darker by the water。 His stomach was flat and
firm； his slim hips a solid start for muscled thighs and lower legs。
Swallowing convulsively； Anne forced herself to look away。 〃I'm sorry；〃
she murmured。 〃I didn't realize there would be a shortage。〃
〃Didn't realize？〃 he mocked loudly。 〃Well； next time； realize。 I like my
showers long and hot； too！〃
Annoyed that he was annoyed； since this was her house for the week； she
took a mouthful of coffee and then nearly choked。 〃My God；〃 she cried
when she finally swallowed； 〃this coffee is like mud！ What did you put
in here？ Or should I ask〃…her eyes narrowed…〃how much