Free Sheltered by the Millionaire by Catherine Mann

cinnamon-scented moment.
    The memory of that instant with her had him hard and wanting her now. But from the steely set of her jaw and straight spine, another kiss wasn’t welcome. He had some serious backpedaling to do.
    He steered the plane into the appointed parking spot. His employees converged outside to service the plane, unload the luggage and all the empty animal crates. He opened the hatch and lowered the steps while Megan unbuckled her napping daughter. Megan hefted Evie up into her arms and paused by Whit, her eyes scrubbed free of any emotion.
    “Thank you for everything,” she said with a careful smile.
    He touched her elbow. “It was a good weekend.”
    “I should get home to relieve the pet sitter. Evie and I need to tackle washing before Monday hits.” She nibbled her bottom lip, anger flickering in her eyes.
    Well, hell. That cleared up any questions. He didn’t have to wonder if he’d upset her by giving her time and space. And in the process, he’d denied them both an incredible night together for no reason at all. He needed to let her know he wasn’t rejecting her, just...giving her time to adjust to the change in their relationship. “Do you need help with anything? I’ll have the crates delivered back to the shelter.”
    “Thank you,” she said tightly, then looked away for a second, adjusting her hold on her daughter before meeting his gaze head-on again. “Listen, about last night when I kissed you—”
    He tapped her lips. “Would you like to spend Thanksgiving together?”
    Her eyes went wide with shock. “What?”
    “Let’s spend Thanksgiving together.” He hadn’t planned on that particular offer, per se, but it made perfect sense now as a way to show her he was serious. “Last night wasn’t a game to me. Your place or mine, whichever you want. I don’t expect you to cook for me.”
    “What is going on with you? You’re giving me whiplash.” She cupped Evie’s head. “You plan to make the meal?” She laughed skeptically.
    “If you don’t mind ptomaine poisoning.” He scratched the back of his neck. “Actually, I have a cooking service and they’ll cater Thanksgiving. Unless I got a better offer from you and Evie.”
    “No.” She shook her head without hesitation. “I’m sorry. But no. Spending the holiday together would give Evie the false expectations about the two of us.”
    She was turning him down?
    Okay, now he was truly confused. “We just spent the weekend together. How is an afternoon of turkey a problem?”
    “You didn’t hear me. It’s Thanksgiving. A holiday. That’s for families.” Her throat bobbed with a quick swallow. “Last night, I, uh, I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression with that kiss.”
    “What impression was I supposed to get?” He braced a hand on the open doorway, trying to get a read on her. She’d kissed him, made it clear she was ready for sex but didn’t want anything—close. Damn. She’d wanted a quickie with him and nothing more.
    Now he was mad.
    “Whit, you don’t have to worry about me throwing myself at you anymore.”
    “Seriously?” he said, unable to believe he’d so misread this woman. “You expect us to go back to avoiding each other after the weekend we just spent together?”
    “Not at all. I can behave maturely as I trust you can too. We both have to live in this town.” Without another word, she descended the stairs and stepped out into the sunshine. The rays streamed over her hair, turning it into a beacon, and he couldn’t peel his eyes away.
    Damn, she was hot when she was all fired up. Of course she was hot any time. And while he’d misjudged her intent with the kiss Saturday, he hadn’t misread her interest. For some reason she thought a one-night stand would suffice, but she was wrong.
    He would give her some space for now. Holidays were tough. He got that. But after Thanksgiving?
    They would not be ignoring each other.
    * * *
    Monday morning, Megan carried her sleepy