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The hot days of summer were bloay by the chill of late Septe with soed to decorate a cake for Alex’s birthday She was pleased with the results, and so was Alex Maybe she could take some of those classes

The weather turned hot, then cold and finally they moved into Indian summer For the first time in her life, she didn’t have to put away suh room in the closets and dresser to keep it all available – which ca Carmen prepared a nice supper and put it on low heat in the oven to keep it hile she dressed The day was sunny and warm, so a lilac colored sundress was her choice It was intended to be an off-the-shoulder style, but she pushed the frilly sleeves up as straps for extra support She had gained enough weight to fill out the bodice co a pair of low sandals, she decided to check on the laate and she couldn’t resist petting it Opening the gate, she went inside and kneeled down, hugging it The la one of her straps down Because her hands were otherwise occupied, she left it there

The la It would make a nice addition to their safari Of course, it wasn’t native to North Aoats and sheep had been in North America for hundreds of years

Ayou, Carasped with surprise and looked up to find Josh standing at the gate watching her with a strange expression His gaze wandered over her and then came back to her eyes "You’re beautiful," he said flatly In all the years she had known him, he had never said that to her – or anyone else in her presence Nor had he ever looked at her that way – with such tenderness

Snapping her sagging jaw up, she pulled the strap up on her shoulder and forced a smile

"Thank you"

He shuffled from one foot to the other and cleared his throat

"When is Alex supposed to get ho a little late tonight, but he should be ho her in that strange way Finally he turned

"Well, I guess I’ll catch him later"

Without another word, he turned and left the barn

Cared Maybe he needed a veterinarian and figured he’d get a discount – or a freebee More than likely he’d get the latter Alex never charged the Reynolds He said he considered theer, unconcerned when both straps fell To her way of thinking, it exposed too much breast, but no one was there to see it Josh wasn’t likely to be back before Alex returned

When a shadow darkened the doorway, she glanced up quickly Alex walked up to the gate and gazed down at her with a soht Josh saw her breasts exposed like that Avoiding an iazed up at him

A slow smile worked its way across his face and into his eyes "I wish I had a cauess it does look kind of silly A groo in the hay with a la a hand out to beckon her "Come here, sweetheart"

His soft deep voice, the sultry look on his face – how could she resist? She stood and brushed the hay from her clothes When she started to pull the straps up, he shook his head

"Leave those alone They aren’t straps, you know"

A warm flush started up her neck "Supper is ready," she said as she ate for her and she went straight to his waiting arht and found his For a long moment they embraced and kissed passionately Finally she drew back

"I aze mocked her as they turned toward the door His arm draped across her shoulder in a tender but possessive way

"Did you? I wonder why?" His voice was soft and suggestive

The warmth in her neck increased

"I love you"

As they reached the door, he allowed her to exit first in his usual chivalrous way She stepped out the door, still adh lines around those delicious eyes, and that cute diave his smile irresistible char arainst his chest

She leaned her head back, closing her eyes and sers caressed his bare forear her pulse

His war it and up her neck until her heart was pounding She ainst his as she kissed hi shut, exposing the figure leaning against the wall Josh eyed theht I should hide ht cry What a silly notion Never in her life had she seen hi Come to think of it, maybe that hy he wanted to talk to Alex

Alex eyed hiuided Car Josh

"Go ahead and set supper out, sweetheart I’ll be there in a minute"

"Sweet talk," Josh said sourly as she walked away Since she didn’t look at hi to her or Alex

"Maybe you should try it sometime," Alex responded "Nohat can I do for you?" He slipped into that professional persona

That was the last she heard of their conversation Maybe Alex would never like Josh In his defense, Josh wasn’tup when she was alone? He could have called But that wasn’t like Josh Everything had to be on his terht It was true, but she had never thought of it before

She was putting the last bowl of food on the table when Alex walked into the kitchen She glanced up at hi his shirtsleeves up "I’ll get washed up"