Master of the Inn Read Online Free Page A

just happening really fast. I’ve never—“
    “It’s okay.” He moved away from her – not because he was
offended – but because if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be able to give her the space
she wanted. She had asked him to stop and he would respect her boundaries.
    “I don’t want you to think I’m not interested. It’s just –
I’m not usually this impulsive.”
    “I shouldn’t have kissed you like that. I hope you won’t let
that change your mind about staying. I don’t want to do anything you don’t
want.”
     “I just need some time to process what’s going on.”
    “You’ve worked hard all day. You must be exhausted. Why
don’t you go take a bath and I’ll clean up the kitchen.”
    “You don’t have to do that.”
    “I insist.” The distance from her would do him good. He
could be a gentleman if the situation called for it, but having her this close
to him right now was far too tempting and he didn’t want to try to change her
mind. He wanted her to come to him because she wanted to. “Thanks for dinner. I
look forward to seeing what else you come up with.”
    “You’re sure? I don’t mind cleaning up.”
    “I have some plans to look at for the new sunroom. I’ll
finish up in here and then I’ll work on those. Have a good night, Elyse.”
    “You too.” She paused for an awkward moment. “I liked
getting to know you tonight.”
    “Me too.”
    She kissed him on the cheek before scampering out of the
kitchen. Logan smiled as she made her way up the back staircase to the third
floor. Getting to know her was going to be fun. He finished cleaning up before
he retired to his study. He poured himself a two-fingered whiskey, turned on
the gas fireplace, and settled into his comfortable leather recliner, peaceful
in the knowledge that he still had Elyse under his roof.
     
    ***
     
    Elyse tossed and turned for what seemed like hours before
she finally drifted off into a light slumber. She couldn’t get Logan or that
kiss out of her mind. She wanted so much more, but when he’d turned up the
heat, she’d panicked. She remembered Cora’s words form earlier in the day.
    Logan is the town player…
    She heard her say it over and over again. How many Cora’s
did Logan have?
    He likes to play games...
    Elyse had had enough games with Phillip. She wasn’t going to
make the same mistake again – especially not with a man she barely knew. She
had never been much of a risk taker. Two weeks ago she wouldn’t have even
entertained the idea of staying in the same house with a complete stranger; but
there was something about Logan that made her feel – secure.
    The sound of ice jostling against the side of a glass woke
her from her restless sleep. From the corner of her eye she saw him sitting in
the chair by the window; perfectly still except for the clinking of the ice in
his drink. She jolted upright. He dangled his hand toward the floor, holding
what appeared to be scotch or bourbon. She wasn’t sure what his liquor of
choice was, but she remembered that it was hot on his breath the night before.
    “Logan?”
    “You didn’t lock your door.” He took a sip of his drink
never taking his eyes away from her.
    “I didn’t think I needed to.” She got out of bed and walked
toward him… stopping just before her legs touched his knees. “Is something
wrong?”
    “Wrong?” He laughed. “You’re here. What could be wrong?”
    It was clear to Elyse that the drink in his hand wasn’t his
first.
    “I wanted to be close to you.” He wrapped his arm around her
waist and pulled her to him. “That kiss wasn’t enough.”
    His words coursed through her body, filling her with
desperate need. No man had ever shown this much interest in her. She’d been
with Phillip since high school and he wasn’t the most passionate man. She’d had
nothing to compare him to until now. She’d never considered having a fling… but
the opportunity had never presented itself. Maybe she should live by