Excerpt of Maybe It's You by Kathy L Wheeler

Ash exerted immense effort keeping his face free of a grin. He didn't dare meet Joanna's sharp observation. After the best sleep he'd had in months, the sticker shock of waking up with Lorianne solidly encased in his arms did not bother him near as much as he'd thought it would. In fact, he had every intention of repeating the actions, starting with tonight. Granted, the odds in his favor lowered, if she were staying with Joanna. But there were ways around obstacles.

Her agitation couldn't have dented his euphoria if an atom bomb went off. Really, he would almost swear an atom bomb did go off. Right in her tiny bedroom, on her cheap cotton sheets.

Such a shame Joanna had made it down the stairs already. He could have used an opportunity to remind the little spitfire how good she should be feeling too. She needed reminding, if furrowed brows were anything to go by. Doubts—they'd get you every time.

All she needed could be found in a sweet burning kiss and solid hands. Igniting her passion was fast becoming his specialty. One look would set her ablaze.

He knew with certainty it would always be there. He'd been an idiot to back away from her. That tough little girl act she put on was no shield.

"Furious?" Ash kept mild tone, observing Lorianne through hooded eyes. She remained intensely interested in her heart–healthy oatmeal. When no one answered, he moved on to another subject. "What time is your appointment?"

"Eleven."

A suspicious snort sounded from the other side of the table. Ash cast his glance that way, but her concentrated perusal on her bowl, though he could swear she hadn't taken one bite since he'd sat down.

"So what were you up to last night, Mr. Turner? You look like the cat that swallowed the canary," Joanna shot at him.

Bam. Right in the heart. He swallowed.

And using the word swallow. Bad choice, that word. "Old business." The spoon across from him paused, midstream, white knuckling its hold. Her lips were probably compressed too, but he didn't dare risk a direct inspection.

"Is something wrong, dear?" Joanna directed to Lorianne.

A dainty clearing of her throat. "No...no." With Joanna's attention on Lorianne, Ash lifted his head and shot her wicked smile.

Dropping her spoon with a clatter, she shoved her chair from the table, a loud scrape on the wood floor. He winced. Bennett would not be happy about that. In a somewhat loud and awkward declaration she announced, "If you'll excuse me, I need to finish getting dressed for work." She made a hasty retreat, stranding him with the one person who did not need to be asking questions.

Ash flicked a quick glance around for the Bennett who caught his eye, and winked?

Ah. A worthy ally. Life was good. And, not one question passed Joanna's lips. Her smile said plenty.