raging creek and assessed the conditions. According to the National Weather Service, the rising waters had finally peaked. With no rain in the forecast and only the melting snow to feed the torrent, the outlook was good. By morning it was possible that the usually placid brook might be near normal levels.
Back at the house, the women had whipped up another batch of mouthwatering food for dinner. Nathaniel was amazed the whole family managed to stay fit and trim. Maybe they burned it off because no one ever sat still.
The evening was devoted to charades and card games. Nathaniel cleaned up at poker but was lousy at charades. Even Angie’s husband, the other outsider, was better at guessing clues than Nathaniel. They all teased him, but it was good-natured.
How could he tell them his focus was shot to hell because he was fixated on the prospect of another night with Dani?
At long last, the day drew to a close. One by one, family members disappeared to shower and get ready for bed. Dani’s father dragged out all the extra bedding and helped make a comfortable sleeping spot for Nathaniel and Peaches. Dani tucked a sheet around the sofa cushions and added a blanket.
“We’ll be fine, Dad. Thanks for everything.”
Nathaniel nodded. “Thank you, sir. It was a great day.”
Was it his imagination, or did Dani’s father give him the stink eye before walking out of the room? Then it dawned on Nathaniel. The den had no door. A double doorway, yes. But no way to secure privacy with lock and key. Hell’s bells.
Dani didn’t bother with the nightwear he had bought for her. She was wearing borrowed sweatpants from her sister, topped with an Atlanta Braves T-shirt. With her hair up in a ponytail, she could have passed for a teenager.
Nathaniel excused himself for a turn in the bathroom. He opted for soft athletic pants and a thin cotton shirt, leaving it unbuttoned in deference to the fact that the fire made the den very toasty. They wouldn’t have to worry about Peaches getting cold.
When he returned, Dani had turned out all the lights. She was tucked into her temporary bed on the sofa with the covers pulled up to her chin. She had taken the rubber band out of her hair, and now the thick, caramel tresses fanned out across her pillow in an appealing tumble. Her eyes were closed, but he’d bet a thousand dollars she was wide awake.
Peaches was asleep in her usual position.
He sat down on the end of the sofa and put Dani’s feet in his lap.
She opened one eye. “I just got comfortable,” she complained. “Shouldn’t we get some sleep if we’re getting up early?”
“It’s ten thirty,” he pointed out. “You and I are usually good for another several hours at this point. You know, when things get cranked up.”
Her gaze was wild. “Nathaniel! Hush! Are you out of your mind? Somebody could be standing outside in the hall listening to us.”
“They’re not. I checked.” He slipped his hand under the covers and played with her ankle bone. “I’ve barely touched you all day.”
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