Housebound by Anne Stuart

must.” Noah slid down to sit on the floor, his long legs stretched out in front of him, and Anne could only be thankful he didn’t choose the bed. “But I’d guess Ashley would know that better than anyone else. They’ve been off somewhere all day.” His blue eyes surveyed the twilit room before coming to rest on her. “I like your studio.”
    â€œSo do I. It’s a great place to escape to when my family’s demands get overwhelming.”
    â€œI can imagine so. Your family seems to be the type to get overwhelming quite frequently. This does look a little unfurnished for a bedroom, though.”
    â€œOh, this isn’t usually my bedroom,” she said blithely, then her unruly tongue ground to a halt.
    â€œI didn’t think so. You usually sleep next door to Holly, don’t you?” He grinned at her.
    â€œDid you go through my drawers?” she questioned curtly, unable to hide her discomfort.
    â€œDidn’t think of it. Though that’s a good idea. No, I can recognize that delicious smell of roses that permeates the room. And I can recognize your taste. No one else in this house would have such a strange collection of books. Your mind fascinates me.”
    â€œWhy? Because I like steamy romances and Doris Lessing?”
    â€œNot to mention Dick Francis, Dorothy L. Sayers and Charles Dickens.”
    â€œAcquit me of the last!” she begged. “Dickens found his way up there while I was looking up something. I disapprove of him heartily—he’s tedious and sexist.”
    â€œSo was almost everyone back then.” He took a sip of his own coffee. “He has things to recommend him, though. You ought to try him again.”
    â€œForget it. He had his chance and he blew it with A Tale of Two Cities . Did you say you had a message for me?” She tried to keep her mind off his lovely long legs, the sensual curve of his mouth, that mop of thick black curls, and how much she liked having him stretched out comfortably in her inner sanctum, arguing about Dickens.
    â€œWilson’s car is broken down.”
    â€œNo!” She was immediately panic-stricken. Noah Grant was already playing havoc with her fantasies—she needed Wilson around to make her see some sense, or heaven only knew what might happen. She hadn’t been prey to this kind of nervous schoolgirl passion since she was seventeen.
    â€œDon’t worry, he’ll be there to protect you from me,” Noahsaid with a grin. “Holly went to fetch him, which explains why I’m momentarily free. Did you tell her to cling to me like a burr all day, or was that her idea?”
    â€œShe didn’t need much encouragement, I’m afraid. I’m sorry, has she been intolerable?” Anne knew still another pang of guilt.
    â€œAlmost. I know I have myself to blame as much as anyone. I realized what I was getting into.” His clear blue eyes caught hers for a long, silent moment, and Anne was suddenly, belatedly aware of the encroaching winter night. The sun had set, and the room was filled with blue shadows reflecting off the snow. There was a bright sliver of moon already in evidence, casting eerie shadows of bare limbs onto the wide oak floor, across Noah’s face, reaching out ghostly fingers to touch Anne’s restless body.
    â€œI should start dinner,” she said, not moving, and her voice came out low and breathless.
    He ignored her inane comment. “Are you afraid of me, Annie love?” His voice was low and beguiling. “I wouldn’t hurt you, you know.”
    â€œWouldn’t you?” she found herself saying caustically, then gave herself a mental and physical shake. “And why should you? This is an entirely ridiculous conversation, Noah. You’re not in a position to hurt me.”
    â€œAren’t I?”
    â€œNo!” Her voice was stubborn and a little too loud in the quiet room. “And I think