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Slowly, reluctantly, she awakened to asun,where she was, she tensed, listening There was only silence Where was Rolt? There was a noise outside herSlipping froate

In the drive below she could see Rolt walking toward the corner of the house He was carrying a rod and reel and tackle box She watched him disappear around the house in the direction of the lake She didn't question her good fortune at being left alone, but took advantage of it instead

The chair was moved away from the bathroom door The porcelain tub beckoned to her as she entered A long soak would ease the aching tiredness of herof her senses She turned on the taps and added a generous amount of the bubble bath she found on the shelf, then while the tub was filling ater, she brushed the woolly taste from her mouth and laid out the clothes she would wear on the bed

Later, ied and pampered Frothy bubbles peaked andShe rested her head against the back of the tub and closed her eyes, enjoying the sensations

The door to the second bedroootten to lock it She sat up with a start and just as quickly sank below the concealing bubbles She had forgotten about Rolt She couldn't do that anyat her

"Get out of here!" she hurled indignantly

"Why?" The belitter in his eyes betrayed the bland expression on his face

"I' a bath, that's why," Alanna retorted

"I noticed that" The grooves near his htly

"I would like soether It wouldn't do to lose her temper when she was in such a vulnerable position

"Does it bother you to have me watch?"

"You know it does," she hissed tautly

"That's too bad" Rolt shrugged and folded his arms in front of him

There was an une in his stance that dared her to try to throw hi hungry for breakfast"

"Go and fix your own!" Alanna glared, hating hi her in such an aard position