“I’m majoring in education.”
“That’s the mother in you coming out again.”
Ellen hadn’t thought of it that way. Reed simply felt more comfortable seeing her in that light—as a maternal, even matronly figure—she decided. She’d let him, if it meant he’d be willing to accept her arrangement with Derek and the others.
“I suppose you’re right,” she murmured as she began opening and closing cupboard doors, checking the contents on each shelf, and scribbling down several items she’d need the following week.
“What are you doing now?”
Mentally, Ellen counted to ten before answering. She resented his overbearing tone, and despite her earlier resolve to humor him, she snapped, “I’m making a grocery list. Do you have a problem with that?”
“No,” he answered gruffly.
“I’ll be out of here in just a minute,” she said, trying hard to maintain her patience.
“You aren’t in my way.”
“And while we’re on the subject of being in someone’s way, I want you to know I plan to move my things out of your room this afternoon.”
“Don’t. I won’t be here long enough to make it worth your while.”
SO REED WAS LEAVING. Ellen felt guilty and relieved at the same time. Derek had told her Reed would probably be sent on another job soon, but she hadn’t expected it to be quite this soon.
“There’s a project Boeing is sending me on. California this time—the Monterey area.”
Resuming her task, Ellen added several more items to the grocery list. “I’ve heard that’s a lovely part of the state.”
“It is beautiful.” But his voice held no enthusiasm.
Ellen couldn’t help feeling a twinge of disappointment for Reed. One look convinced her that he didn’t want to leave again. After all, he’d just returned from several months in the Middle East and already he had another assignment in California. If he was dreading this latest job, Ellen could well imagine how Danielle must feel.
“Nonetheless, I think it’s important to give you back your room. I’ll move my things this afternoon.” She’d ask the boys to help and it wouldn’t take long.
With his arms crossed, Reed lounged against the doorjamb, watching her.
“And if you feel that my being here is a problem,” she went on, thinking of Danielle, “I’ll look for another place. The only thing I ask is that you give me a couple of weeks to find something.”
He hesitated as though he was considering the offer, then shook his head, grinning slightly. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”
“I don’t mind telling you I’m relieved to hear it, but I’m prepared to move if necessary.”
His left brow rose a fraction of an inch as the grin spread across his face. “Having you here does have certain advantages.”
“Such as?”
“You’re an excellent cook, the house hasn’t been this clean in months and Derek’s mother says you’re a good influence on these boys.”
Ellen had briefly met Mary Morgan, Derek’s mother, a few weeks before. “Thank you.”
He sauntered over to the coffeepot and poured himself a cup. “And for that matter, Derek’s right. This house is too big to sit empty. I’m often out of town, but there’s no reason others shouldn’t use it. Especially with someone as...domestically inclined as you around to keep things running smoothly.”
So he viewed her as little more than a live-in housekeeper and cook! Ellen felt a flush of anger. Before she could say something she’d regret, she turned quickly and fled out the back door on her way to the local grocery store. Actually, Reed Morgan had interpreted the situation correctly, but it somehow bothered her that he saw her in such an unflattering light.
* * *
ELLEN DIDN’T SEE Reed again until late that night. Friday evenings were lazy ones for her. She’d dated Charlie Hanson, a fellow student, a couple of times but usually preferred the company of a good book. With her heavy class schedule, most of Ellen’s free time was devoted to her studies. Particularly algebra. This one class was getting her down. It didn’t matter how hard she hit the books, she couldn’t seem to grasp the theory.
Dressed in her housecoat and a pair of bright purple knee socks, she sat at the kitchen table, her legs propped on the chair across from her. Holding a paperback novel open with one hand, she dipped chocolate-chip cookies in a tall glass of milk with the other. At the unexpected sound of the back door opening, she looked curiously up from her book.
Reed seemed surprised to see her. He frowned as his eyes darted past her to the clock above the stove. “You’re up late.”
“On weekends my mommy doesn’t make me go to bed until midnight,” she said sarcastically, doing her best to ignore him. Reed managed to look fantastic without even trying. He didn’t need her gawking at him to tell him that. If his expensive sports jacket was anything to judge by, he’d spent the evening with Danielle.
“You’ve got that look,” he grumbled.
“What look?”
“The same one you said I have—wanting to say something and unsure if you should.”
“Oh.” She couldn’t very well deny it.
“And what did you want to tell me?”
“Only that you look good.” She paused, wondering how much she should say. “You even smell expensive.”
His gaze slid over her. “From the way you’re dressed, you look to me as though you’d smell of cotton candy.”
“Thank you, but actually it’s chocolate chip.” She pushed the package of cookies in his direction. “Here. Save me from myself.”
“No, thanks,” Reed murmured and headed toward the living room.
“Don’t go in there,” Ellen cried, swinging her legs off the chair and coming abruptly to her feet.
Reed’s hand was on the kitchen door, ready to open it. “Don’t go into the living room?”
“Derek’s got a girl in there.”
Reed continued to stare at her blankly. “So?”
“So. He’s with Michelle Tanner. The Michelle Tanner. The girl he’s been crazy about for the last six weeks. She finally agreed to a date with him. They rented a movie.”
“That doesn’t explain why I can’t go in there.”
“Yes, it does,” Ellen whispered. “The last time I peeked, Derek was getting ready to make his move. You’ll ruin everything if you barge in there now.”
“His move?” Reed didn’t seem to like the sound of this. “What do you mean, ‘his move’? The kid’s barely nineteen.”
Ellen smiled. “Honestly, Reed, you must’ve been young once. Don’t you remember what it’s like to have a crush on a girl? All Derek’s doing is plotting that first kiss.”
Reed dropped his hand as he stared at Ellen. He seemed to focus on her mouth. Then the glittering green eyes skimmed hers, and Ellen’s breath caught somewhere between her throat and her lungs as she struggled