Seducing the Photographer (At First Sight) by Janet Lane-Walters Page A

I don’t want to arrive at the office wearing shorts. I hadn’t planned to stay this long. Besides, who wants to fight the morning traffic into the city?”
    “There’s a bus that takes you across the river to the train. That’s the way I travel.”
    “And leave my car here?”
    “You could come back.”
    She leaned her elbows on the table. “We’ve had a great weekend but I think we need time to think about where matters between us are headed.”
    He covered her hand with his. “The weekend isn’t over. Go back this evening.” He drained his mug. “Join me in the bedroom.”
    She started to stand. “Do you need help?”
    “None needed. Finish your breakfast. I’ll manage on my own. Since you’re leaving I’ll have to.” He wheeled away. What was wrong with him? He’d known she would leave. If he invited her to return on Friday, would she? When she reached the bedroom he would ask. He couldn’t think of any reason for her to refuse.
     
    * * *
     
    To prolong the time before she joined Steve, Meg cleaned the kitchen. Though she had made a commitment he hadn’t. Oh, he’d whispered words of possession but that hadn’t been what she wanted to hear. She stood at the door to the balcony and finished a mug of coffee. If she was wise she would leave and put this weekend in her memory book.
    Finally she left the kitchen and paused at the door of his bedroom. “Steve.” He didn’t stir. She entered and gathered the clothes they had tossed. She dropped his in the hamper and carried hers to the guestroom. Then she cleaned the bathroom.
    She had to leave. Delaying wouldn’t change the fact this one-sided affair wouldn’t last. She had broken all her rules. She had leaped into his bed. She had told him of her love. All he’d said was he wanted her and the evidence of his desire had been clear. Lust, not love.
    Meg scurried to the guest room, jammed her clothes into the overnight case and the bags of lingerie. Would she ever wear the white sleep shirt without thinking of Steve and sex?
    The doorbell chimed. Meg frowned. Had Steve’s sister come early or had she sent her son? No matter. Meg knew her time here had ended. Though she could stay and make nice conversation she wouldn’t. She needed time to come to grips with the greatest mistake she had ever made.
    When she opened the door she discovered a woman she had no desire to see. “Simone, what are you doing here?”
    “Steve’s sister called and told me about his accident. How is he?” the voluptuous woman asked. “He should have called me. He knows I would do anything for him.”
    “He’s asleep,” Meg said.
    Simone’s dark eyes narrowed. “Have you been here long?”
    Meg shrugged. “Long enough to buy some groceries and do a few other things.”
    “I know your sister has moved downstairs. Why would she call you?”
    “She didn’t. She’s away. Steve’s an employee of the group. We take care of our own.”
    Simone smiled. “I imagine you’ve taken care of most of his needs. Steve’s experienced in knowing what women want.”
    Anger bubbled toward the surface of Meg’s thoughts. “What does that mean?”
    Simone laughed. “Guess you fell for his line. Did he tell you how much he needed you?”
    Meg searched her memories of the past two days. He’d never said those words exactly. That would be begging. Steve had never pleaded. “No.”
    “Your blush gives you away. Looks like you’re leaving. Don’t let me stop you. When I spoke to him yesterday we talked about my arrival this morning. I’m early but I couldn’t wait to see him. I will admit I’m surprised to find you here.”
    “Funny. He never mentioned you. The only woman he spoke about was his sister.” Meg reached for her bags.
    “Knowing what he’s like you never thought there were other women?” Simone brushed past Meg. “You’re a fool. First Ramon betrayed you and now Steve has played you. Though I must admit Steve’s the better lover. I hope you haven’t