Yesterday's Bride by Susan Tracy

wife and Smitty. There was no big announcement, so don't worry, you won't have to face a lot of awkward questions. As far as everyone around here is concerned, we're newly weds."
    "I didn't mean—oh, what's the use? We're on different wavelengths."
    Leigh had been genuinely concerned about the humiliation he might have suffered at her hands, on returning home without a bride, but he would never accept that. She didn't seem to be able to break through the wall of misconceptions he had formed against her, but maybe it was best not even to try.
    Getting restlessly to her feet, Leigh walked over to the window to gaze without seeing into the darkness outside. The mingled fragrance of sweet spring flowers that wafted in through the half-opened window was an incongruous accompaniment to the tense atmosphere in the room. Leigh reached up and pulled down the sash.
    "Look, Jason," she said, turning around, "I'm here. I've agreed to stay until Jody's parents return. Can't we leave it at that and let the past rest in peace? We'll be getting the annulment soon anyway."
    "Is there a man, Leigh?"
    Somehow Leigh managed to put a coolness into her voice. "I don't think that's any of your business."
    His smile was not a nice one. "That means there probably is. Does he know you're married?"
    Abruptly Leigh pushed away from the window sill. She took a deep breath, reconsidered and decided to try once more.
    "Jason, let's end the war. If we're going to be living together—I mean, sharing the same house—for the next few months, we've got to try to be civil at least. It isn't going to help Jody if we're constantly sniping at one another. Children must be sensitive to atmosphere."
    She paused, searching the cold face in vain for an ounce of understanding.
    "Just what did you have in mind?" he asked suggestively.
    Helpless, Leigh whirled away from his derision. "Oh, what's the use? I'm going to bed."
    She had reached the door of her room when he caught up with her.
    "Leigh, wait." He caught her shoulder. "You're right. I'll bury the hatchet—for Jody's sake."
    She stared at him open-mouthed, his capitulation taking her completely by surprise.
    "Pax?"
    Unnervingly conscious of his closeness, Leigh was suddenly breathless and could only nod. His hand inched up to trail light fingertips across her smooth cheek, his breath stirring a few strands of the silvery hair about her temple.
    Before she was really aware of what he was doing, he leaned over and she felt his lips brush hers. They lingered as their kiss deepened. Her lips parted, and almost involuntarily, she swayed against him. "Good night, my love, sleep well," he said softly. He lifted his head, and for a magic instant, his dark eyes met hers. Then he moved away and went to his room, gently closing the door.
    As in a daze, Leigh went into her bedroom. But once in bed, she found it hard to get to sleep. She tried to tell herself it was the unfamiliar bed, a strange house, her new responsibilities with Jody, but she had to be honest with herself. It was Jason. Her lips still tingled from their kiss. She had to admit that she was still as physically attracted to him as ever. Had he not stopped when he had, God knows where it all would have ended. Just to hear his even breathing next door sent her temperature soaring. When his dark eyes had looked into hers, she had trembled with desire. His rugged features had haunted her dreams for too long. She had longed for too many lonely years for his touch not to be moved by it now.
    And yet she hated him. She must have been out of her mind to agree to end the warfare between them. "Pax," he had said.
Pax
indeed! Being friendly with Jason was like crawling in bed with a tiger. She winced at her own imagery. Yes, she must remember that. He had never loved her. He didn't now. Nothing had changed. That he still found her desirable was due to their proximity. She had always known, even in their few weeks together, that Jason was a passionate man, but passion