The Road To Love: Love by Degree / The Rain Sparrow

“Any one of them could fall in love with you.”

With difficulty, Ellen restrained her laughter. “That’s unlikely. They see me as their mother.”

The corners of his mouth formed deep grooves as he tried—and failed—to suppress a grin. Raising one brow, he did a thorough inspection of her curves.

Hot color flooded her pale cheeks. “All right—a sister. I’m too old for them.”

Monte sauntered into the kitchen, followed closely by Pat who muttered, “I thought I smelled breakfast.”

“I was just about to call you,” she told them and hurried from the room, wanting to avoid a head-on collision with Reed. And that was where this conversation was going.

Fifteen minutes later, Ellen returned to the kitchen. She was dressed in cords and an Irish cable-knit sweater; soft dark curls framed her small oval face. Ellen had no illusions about her looks. Men on the street weren’t going to stop and stare, but she knew she was reasonably attractive. With her short, dark hair and deep brown eyes, she considered herself average. Ordinary. Far too ordinary for a man like Reed Morgan. One look at Ellen, and Danielle would feel completely reassured. Angry at the self-pitying thought, she grabbed a pen and tore out a sheet of notebook paper.

Intent on making the shopping list, Ellen was halfway into the kitchen before she noticed Reed standing at the sink, wiping the frying pan dry. The table had been cleared and the dishes were stacked on the counter, ready for the dishwasher.

“Oh,” she said, a little startled. “I would’ve done that.”

“While I’m here, I’ll do my share.” He said it without looking at her, his eyes avoiding hers.

“But this is your home. I certainly don’t mind—”

“I wouldn’t be comfortable otherwise. Haven’t you got a class this morning?” He sounded anxious to be rid of her.

“Not until eleven.”

“What’s your major?” He’d turned around, leaning against the sink and crossing his arms. He was the picture of nonchalance, but Ellen wasn’t fooled. She knew very well that he wasn’t pleased about her living in his home, and she felt he’d given his permission reluctantly. She suspected he was even looking for ways to dislike her. Ellen understood that. Reed was bound to face some awkward questions once Danielle discovered there was a woman living in his house. Especially a woman who slept in his bed and took charge of his kitchen. But that would change this afternoon—at least the sleeping in his bed part.

“I’m majoring in education.”

“That’s the mother in you coming out again.”

Ellen hadn’t thought of it that way. Reed simply felt more comfortable seeing her in that light—as a maternal, even matronly figure—she decided. She’d let him, if it meant he’d be willing to accept her arrangement with Derek and the others.

“I suppose you’re right,” she murmured as she began opening and closing cupboard doors, checking the contents on each shelf, and scribbling down several items she’d need the following week.

“What are you doing now?”

Mentally, Ellen counted to ten before answering. She resented his overbearing tone, and despite her earlier resolve to humor him, she snapped, “I’m making a grocery list. Do you have a problem with that?”

“No,” he answered gruffly.

“I’ll be out of here in just a minute,” she said, trying hard to maintain her patience.

“You aren’t in my way.”

“And while we’re on the subject of being in someone’s way, I want you to know I plan to move my things out of your room this afternoon.”

“Don’t. I won’t be here long enough to make it worth your while.”

CHAPTER TWO (#uf7b8ab33-98c7-58ae-8584-8fcd71c58a23)

SO REED WAS LEAVING. Ellen felt guilty and relieved at the same time. Derek had told her Reed would probably be sent on another job soon, but she hadn’t expected it to be quite this soon.

“There’s a project Boeing is sending me on. California this time—the Monterey area.”

Resuming her task, Ellen added several more items to the grocery list. “I’ve heard that’s a lovely part of the state.”

“It is beautiful.” But his voice held no enthusiasm.

Ellen couldn’t help feeling a twinge of disappointment for Reed. One look convinced her that he didn’t want to leave again. After all, he’d just returned from several months in the Middle East and already he had another assignment in California. If he was dreading this latest job, Ellen could well imagine how Danielle must feel.

“Nonetheless, I think it’s important to give you back your room. I’ll move my things this afternoon.” She’d ask the boys to help and it wouldn’t take long.

With his arms crossed, Reed lounged against the doorjamb, watching her.

“And if you feel that my being here is a problem,” she went on, thinking of Danielle, “I’ll look for another place. The only thing I ask is that you give me a couple of weeks to find something.”

He hesitated as though he was considering the offer, then shook his head, grinning slightly. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”

“I don’t mind telling you I’m relieved to hear it, but I’m prepared to move if necessary.”

His left brow rose a fraction of an inch as the grin spread across his face. “Having you here does have certain advantages.”

“Such as?”

“You’re an excellent cook, the house hasn’t been this clean in months and Derek’s mother says you’re a good influence on these boys.”

Ellen had briefly met Mary Morgan, Derek’s mother, a few weeks before. “Thank you.”

He sauntered over to the coffeepot and poured himself a cup. “And for that matter, Derek’s right. This house is too big to sit empty. I’m often out of town, but there’s no reason others shouldn’t use it. Especially with someone as...domestically inclined as you around to keep things running smoothly.”

So he viewed her as little more than a live-in housekeeper and cook! Ellen felt a flush of anger. Before she could say something she’d regret, she turned quickly and fled out the back door on her way to the local grocery store. Actually, Reed Morgan had interpreted the situation correctly, but it somehow bothered her that he saw her in such an unflattering light.

* * *

ELLEN DIDN’T SEE Reed again until late that night. Friday evenings were lazy ones for her. She’d dated Charlie Hanson, a fellow student, a couple of times but usually preferred the company of a good book. With her heavy class schedule, most of Ellen’s free time was devoted to her studies. Particularly algebra. This one class was getting her down. It didn’t matter how hard she hit the books, she couldn’t seem to grasp the theory.

Dressed in her housecoat and a pair of bright purple knee socks, she sat at the kitchen table, her legs propped on the chair across from her. Holding a paperback novel open with one hand, she dipped chocolate-chip cookies in a tall glass of milk with the other. At the unexpected sound of the back door opening, she looked curiously up from her book.

Reed seemed surprised to see her. He frowned as his eyes darted past her to the clock above the stove. “You’re up late.”

“On weekends my mommy doesn’t make me go to bed until midnight,” she said sarcastically, doing her best to ignore him. Reed managed to look fantastic without even trying. He didn’t need her gawking at him to tell him that. If his expensive sports jacket was anything to judge by, he’d spent the evening with Danielle.

“You’ve got that look,” he grumbled.

“What look?”

“The same one you said I have—wanting to say something and unsure if you should.”