Breathe by Donna Alward Page A

figured once I did that, I could talk to you about what I can do to pull my weight around here. Surely there’s something you need help with.”
    So this wasn’t about his surliness last night. He wasn’t sure if he was relieved or annoyed. He might know better than to get involved with her again, but it niggled that she had gotten to him more than he’d gotten to her.
    Which was stupid. Her husband had been dead only a few months. Surely the last thing she was thinking about was…
    He stopped the thought in its tracks. Trying to reignite an old flame wasn’t what he wanted. Anna had done enough damage when they were little more than children, turning his world first upside down and then ripping it in two. She was beautiful, no denying it, and it stood to reason that he should be attracted to her. He had been before. More than attracted. She’d been the center of his universe.
    In the space of a moment, a memory surfaced. Of the two of them making love under the sun at the vineyard. The wonder they shared at being together, sharing hearts and bodies after years of being friends. Learning together.
    â€œGood, yes. Thank you.” His mind seemed unable to form sensible words. His mouth was suddenly dry as he tried to chase the memory away. It was impossible to erase completely as his gaze was drawn to the dark cloud of her hair cascading over her shoulders, still so similar to the way it had been then. He swallowed and tried again. “Will you be back for lunch?”
    She looked at him rather speculatively and he realized he sounded like an idiot. Great.
    â€œYou don’t need to take care of me. I intend to do my share. I’m certainly not looking to rely on anyone.”
    He stepped back, relieved she was staying but off-balance by how their relationship had changed and shaken by the immediacy of the memory and his reaction to it. He’d known Anna since she had been a little girl in braids. He’d been closer to her than any other person on the planet, at one time. And now she seemed a stranger, yet not.
    He’d just have to trust they could find their way to some sort of understanding.
    â€œWhy don’t you take some time to rest? There’s no need for you to earn your keep.”
    She dropped her sunglasses down over her eyes, and he didn’t like how he couldn’t read them any longer. “There’s every reason. You don’t need to look after me,” she insisted.
    Look after her was exactly what he wanted to do. But he sensed a fight brewing and didn’t want to argue with her again. They could discuss it later.
    â€œI’ll see you later, then. Let me know if you need anything.”
    â€œI won’t,” she vowed and got back into the car. Before she could drive away, he turned and went into the house.

    Jace was conspicuously absent when Anna returned from town, the trunk of her car laden with items. Despite the isolation of the winery, there was something comforting in the gleam of the natural wood, the coziness of the surrounding evergreens. It was no wonder Jace had been taken with the area. Even though they were far from any big city—it would take the better part of a day to drive to Vancouver—she’d enjoyed the trip into the town.
    In time past, she would have been dismayed at the lack of fine stores, but her perspective had shifted. There were things more important than boutiques. The department store here was nothing fancy, but it stocked all she needed for herself and the children. There were two bags full of gadgets for childproofing a bachelor’s home. She hadn’t been able to resist the ruffled swimsuit for Aurelia either, and she’d picked up a cheap plastic pail and shovel for Matteo.
    Despite their upbringing thus far, the past few months had shown Anna the children cared little what things cost. They simply wanted to play and be loved. Anna knew she should have realized this much sooner.