“I didn’t have enough for a full load,” he said, anticipating her possible tirade, she supposed. “Seemed like a waste of water and energy not to do yours at the same time.”
Her full hamper had been sitting beside the washer. He couldn’t have missed it.
But he could’ve ignored it.
“I hung your…delicates on the line out back. Figured you probably didn’t put them in the dryer. Most women don’t, anyway.”
He was laughing at her. Oh, yes, he was having a great time at her expense.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said, finally finding her voice.
“Thank you?” He passed her a glass of merlot and kept his voice low. “You’re welcome, Double-D. I hope you’re going to invest in something a little more…lacy for the vacation.”
So, he’d even looked at the tag on her bra. “Not every man needs a crutch to arouse him,” she whispered, moving past him to where Riley was tearing up lettuce leaves and adding them to the salad bowl.
“Every man likes a woman who’s confident enough to want to please,” Daniel said. “We appreciate…effort.”
“That looks like a very good salad,” Maureen said to Riley. “Do you need any help?”
“I have everything under control,” he said, like a little adult, which made her smile.
“But if your grandma would like to set the table,” Daniel said, “that would be good.”
Maureen gathered plates, silverware and napkins. She stopped next to Daniel as she headed toward the dining room table. “You’re leaving right after dinner, right?”
“Of course.” He grinned, obviously liking the corner he’d backed her into. “Your boyfriend should be here any moment.”
“My boyfriend has a name, you know.”
“Yeah. But it’s more fun this way.”
She grabbed the plates a little tighter. “I thought we’d called a truce.”
“Are we arguing? I wasn’t arguing. I was being friendly.”
Her hands shook as she set the table. Why was she letting him get to her? She shouldn’t give him that kind of power, but just ignore him, or tease him back.
However, six years of antagonism couldn’t be erased in a day.
The doorbell rang. Grateful for the distraction, she hurried down the hall and opened the door.
“If I had my own key,” Ted said, “you wouldn’t have to—”
She flung herself into his arms, stopping any discussion about house keys. She had enough on her plate already.
“Well,” he said, kissing her hello. “I missed you, too.”
She wondered if he thought her underwear boring. Sex was fine between them. She had no complaints. Nor had he complained about the long T-shirt she wore to bed at night.
“This is nice,” Ted said, “having you home so early. I’ll bet Riley’s happy.”
Was that a subtle dig at her for not doing the same for him?
“It does feel good,” she said. “Although you know I’ve got a few hours of work ahead after he goes to sleep.”
“You don’t have to remind me. I’m aware of what’s expected.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know this is hard on you.”
“I’m doing my best to be patient,” he said.
Her conversation with Cherie the night before flashed in her mind. Did she defer to him? How would he react if she didn’t?
And why did she, anyway? She liked to get along with people, but defer?
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