Catch of the Year by Brenda Hammond

didn’t even think to challenge that airy-fairy notion. “Who knows?”
    And maybe Jade had pissed off the spirit of the lake by laughing at Paul. Whatever, the fish hadn’t taken her bait, and she was left with nothing to show for their time on the water but wet clothing, a disgruntled attitude, and a growing fixation with this man she really should be avoiding. He’d surprised her this evening, not only because of all the fish he’d caught, but also because of the new insights she’d gleaned into his personality.
    Two bedraggled figures struggled up the steep concrete steps. Once inside the house, Jade grabbed a couple of swimming towels from the hooks by the downstairs door and handed one to Paul.
    â€œThanks.” He removed his jacket, then the leggings. “I’m not too wet. Glad I bought all this gear from your father.”
    Stripping off her dripping ice-blue fleece, she managed to suppress a snort.
    â€œI’d like to tell him how much I appreciate all the advice,” Paul added.
    Did he realize they were alone in the house? She hoped not. Or did she hope yes?
    â€œI’ll pass it on for you. Meanwhile, I need to get out of these wet clothes. Take a quick shower.”
    A gleam appeared in his eyes.
    â€œI sure wish I could help.”
    Her breath caught.
    â€œI can manage on my own. I’m a grown girl.”
    His eyes lowered to where the thin, wet fabric of her old, cotton tee shirt clearly revealed her breasts. And no doubt, puckered nipples.
    â€œI can see that.”
    Again, her breath did a funny little hitch. Maybe being inside with Paul would prove more dangerous than the storm. She waved frantically in the direction of the narrow staircase.
    â€œGo upstairs. Make yourself at home — watch TV, grab a beer from the fridge on your way. I won’t be long.”
    He hesitated.
    â€œYou know, I could turn on the shower for you. I’m an expert at getting the temperature just right.”
    She was pretty steamy right now. The way her body was humming and heating reminded her of how very long it was since she’d been with a man. And here was Paul R.G., appealing and sexy and offering to turn her on. Man oh man.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Warm water sluiced over Jade. Her fertile imagination had Paul in the shower with her. Soapy, slippery hands traced the same paths his eyes had taken earlier. They could make love tonight … . Her body reacted to the thought with a shudder. To her regret, common sense took over. All she needed was young Adrian to walk in and find them enjoying each other. No way. The best thing, the wisest, would be to get rid of Paul as quickly as possible. The snag to that plan was that the only “get rid of” methods of transportation available to her were the boat and the bike. At the very least, she and he were stuck here together until the rain stopped and the storm passed.
    The storm outside, that was. Who knew when her body would ever grow calm again?
    She switched off the water.
    Freshly clad in jeans and her new, black tee shirt, Jade made her way down the passage. Voices came from the living room. Paul must have taken up her suggestion about watching TV. Her pace quickened with anticipation. She stepped into the oblong space. There he was, lazing on the recliner and lending a whole new aspect to the brown-and-orange décor of the living room. Around him, the ceiling, the chair backs, and the tabletops were adorned with many results of Marigold’s macramé and crochet projects, which Jade had never cared for. But Paul? He was an accessory she more than approved of.
    Sprawled lengthwise on the couch nearby, chatting happily with him, was her kid brother.
    Like a pierced balloon shriveling to a pathetic, wrinkled heap, all the fizzle went out of her. In its place came panic. How was she going to get Paul out of here without saying a word? If Adrian heard her revert to her old voice, he was sure to say something.