Mary and the Bear by Zena Wynn Page A

breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back against it. Whew, that was close! A few more minutes and he'd have taken her, and then there would be hell to pay. Alex would have killed him. He was supposed to be protecting her, not raping her. And he hadn't given any thought to the men working in the diner. They could have come back at any time. What was happening to his control?
    On the other side of the door, Mary Elizabeth stood looking around blankly. What happened? She remembered being angry and arguing with Hugh, something she rarely did with anyone. Then he'd kissed her. Actually, it was more than a kiss. It was a claiming, like something out of a romance novel.
    Before her mind could wrap around the fact that this was taciturn Hugh kissing her, he'd literally shoved her out of the door and slammed it in her face. He'd said something at the time. She caught an apology but not much else. His words ran together, not making any sense. She leaned against the door with her lips tingling and her body throbbing. Why had he stopped? Things were just getting interesting.
    Climbing the stairs on legs that shook, she told herself to be grateful that he'd come to his senses when he had. Hugh was a complication she didn't need in her life right now. It didn't matter how intense the attraction was between them, or how much she enjoyed arguing with him. The man was her landlord. Nothing good could come of it. Yes, it was a good thing he'd stopped when he did. Now if she could only convince her body.
    * * * *
    The rest of the week passed quickly. Mary Elizabeth avoided Hugh, only going into the diner in the mornings when she knew he wouldn't be there. She smiled as she remembered her conversation with Anne that next morning.
    "I gave those brownies to the customers and they were a big hit. You should make more and sell them in the diner. It'd be a nice little side income for you. The guys are already asking for them. Good thing I didn't tell them who made them or they'd be knocking on your door, day and night, begging you to make extra."
    "I like baking, but it's just a hobby of mine; something I do to relax. I'm not interested in turning it into a business venture."
    "You should really think about it. If the rest of the stuff you make is good as those brownies must have been, you could make a killing."
    Mary Elizabeth just laughed it off and there was nothing Anne could say to convince her otherwise.
    On Tuesday, Mary Elizabeth shopped for an outfit for Friday's party. Since she was shopping, she purchased a lot of new outfits in colors and styles that flattered her full-figure. She thought about what Kiesha said and realized that this was the perfect time to create her new look. She also had her hair cut and styled. It now fell in a silky waterfall to her shoulders in a style that suited her heart-shaped face. The perfect outfit in hand, she was ready for Friday.
    On Wednesday, she walked to the store to see how things were progressing and met Shannon. They immediately clicked. She had no doubt that they were going to be great friends.
    Finally, Friday arrived and it was time to prepare for the party. She dressed carefully, paying particular attention to her makeup. Finished, she took one final look in the mirror. Completely satisfied with her appearance, she picked up her things and headed for the door. Kiesha hadn't asked her to bring anything but her mother taught her to bring a gift for the host, especially if this was your first visiting their home.
    Her hand was on the doorknob when the phone rang. She groaned. Not Kiesha again . She'd swear that woman was more nervous about tonight than she was. “Yes, ma'am?"
    "Miss me, darling? I've missed you."
    Damn, I mean darn! I have got to get caller I.D . “How are you, Charles?” She forced herself to be polite.
    "You didn't answer my question. Do you miss me? Aren't you lonely, ready to come back home?"
    "Charles, I spoke to you yesterday, and the day before that. In fact, you call