Rochelle, Judith The Hired Wife

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Reno looked at her, his expression kind. Sarah, whatever the arrangement is between
us, I m well aware that we need to establish as normal a routine as possible. Of course I want
to see your parents. It s natural for them to expect it. I d be amazed if they hadn t asked. Why
don t we take them out for dinner tomorrow night?
Judith Rochelle 34
Actually, I d like to invite them to the house, if that s okay. I haven t had time to
search for baby sitters yet. If we eat late enough, Lexie will be down for the night and we
won t be disturbed.
Why did she feel he resisted having company at home? Had it been like that when
Maggie was alive? Did it have to do with Lexie?
At last he tipped his head once, a clipped movement. Fine. Make whatever
arrangements you want. He was silent for a minute. Will we be having dinner at the same
time tonight?
She knew he was asking about more than the dinner hour. The unspoken question
hung in the air. Will Lexie be put to bed and out of sight?
Eight seems to be a good time for us to eat, unless you have a meeting, or something.
You re usually home by seven and that gives you an hour to unwind while I finish up with
Lexie. Does that sound all right with you?
That s fine. Thank you. I ll see you this evening, then.
Sarah wondered if they d ever get to a point where they weren t so stiff and formal with
each other.
*****
With Lexie in bed early, Sarah had more than enough time before Reno came
home. She took advantage of the opportunity to wander through the house before showering
and changing. Although well designed and beautifully decorated, the atmosphere had a
sterile quality. No personal objects of any kind anywhere, no hint that a child lived within its
walls, or even a memory of Maggie. The house was wiped clean of her existence.
Sarah frowned, wondering if she could find a way to ask Reno about this. She had no
idea yet what topic was forbidden and what wasn t.
Upstairs she paused to peek into Reno s room, noting the bed had not been made, and
she chastised herself for it. Of course she should have checked this morning. Tomorrow she
would remember to take care of it.
She was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on dinner when she heard Reno
come in through the utility room.
He stopped to survey the scene, much as he had done the night before. I guess I
wanted to make sure I wasn t imagining things, he smiled. Everything seems
so...organized.
Sarah flushed with pleasure at his words. Having a routine is nice, she agreed. But
you still haven t told me what you like to eat. I want to be sure to fix foods that appeal to
you.
I ll eat just about anything that I can chew, he told her. Please, just fix what you
like. He paused, noting the trim slacks and soft, tailored blouse she wore. You look very
nice this evening, but the jeans and t-shirt were great, too.
Was it all right to compliment her? Would she read something else into it? And
would his hard-on ever go away?
Thank you. I was taking inventory for tomorrow night and noticed that your liquor
cabinet is empty. Would you like me to restock it?
No. He bit off the word, his tone vicious.
Sarah was shocked. She wanted to ask him why, but at the look on his face she kept her
The Hired Wife 35
mouth shut. She was walking through a minefield here and would need to step very carefully.
And then she almost stepped on one more.
I apologize for not straightening your room today. I guess I was just too busy with
everything else. I ll do it tomorrow, though.
Reno put his fork down carefully, and squared his glass with his plate. You do not
need to do anything with my bedroom. There s no reason for you to go in there. You don t
need to clean house, anyway. Call a crew to come in. They can change the sheets and towels.
What was wrong with her going into his room? Was there some secret she wasn't
allowed to know? Sighing internally, she switched to a different topic, trying to diffuse the
situation.
My parents said they d love to come for dinner tomorrow night. This should be a safe
enough topic. I told them about eight. That seems to be a good time for us to eat.
With Lexie safely out of sight.
Yes, that s fine. When there s something I object to, I ll let you know. He was abrupt,
almost rude. We could have wine with dinner, if you like. He softened his tone a little, as if
realizing how harsh he d sounded.
Yes, I can be sure of that, she thought. Like tonight. All right. Thank you. I had a
chance to really look at the house today. It s beautiful. Your wife had excellent taste. She
could have bitten her tongue. Maggie was a closed subject one of the rigid rules set down.
My wife had nothing to do with it, he said, the edge of bitterness back in his voice.
It was done before we were married.
Things were getting more complicated by the minute. Sarah wondered if she would
ever know the whole story, or if she d just keep falling into black holes.
She didn t know if he expected her to stay downstairs and talk to him, or just make
herself scarce. She was still struggling to adjust to a Reno completely unfamiliar to her.
In twenty-four hours she d discovered she was living with a man who was
uncomfortable in his own house and who couldn t interact with his own daughter. And who
hid painful secrets that laid traps she seemed to keep falling into.
But there was a need here so great there was no way she could turn away from it. If
there s nothing else, I ll go upstairs now, she told him, giving the counter a last wipe.
As if he sensed what she was thinking, he smiled gently. Don t worry. We ll figure it
out as we go along. This is still very new for both of us. I have some reports to read, anyway.
I ll be leaving early in the morning again, but please call the office during the day if you need
anything. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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