Free Secret Passions by Jill Sanders

sore. I have a large bruise across my hip.”
     
    He frowned at that and she realized when he did so, a small crease formed between his eyebrows.
     
    “We should have iced it last night. I bet you’re hungry.”
     
    She nodded her head. “I could use a quart of coffee at this point, too.” He chuckled.
     
    “Do you think you can maneuver the stairs yourself? Or do you want me to carry you again?”
     
    She blushed, remembering how she had sighed and laid her head on his shoulder as he carried her upstairs last night. It had been the stuff of dreams, being held by his strong arms, her head resting against his chest. She desperately wanted it to happen again, but she was too afraid he’d realize her thoughts.
     
    Shaking her head, she started walking towards the stairs, holding onto the wood railing tightly. By the time she made it to the bottom, she was breathing hard and a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. He was beside her the entire trip down, his hands out just in case she started to topple.
     
    “You’re staying on that couch all day.” He was frowning at her when she looked up, and she could see the worry in his eyes.
     
    She nodded in agreement and started walking towards the living area. He scooped her up and carried her the ten feet to the couch. When he set her down gently, she wished the room was larger so he’d have to hold onto her longer.
     
    “I’ll get you that coffee and an ice pack.” He turned and walked out of the room. Reaching over, she grabbed the remote and turned on the television and was shocked to see her face on the set again.
     
    “…apparently was involved in an altercation yesterday. Police aren’t saying where the young woman is now, just that she is uninjured and under protection.”
     
    The end of the report was all she needed. She flipped off the set and tossed the remote down.
     
    If her cousin or father asked enough questions, they would be able to find her connection to Mitchell and her safe haven would be exposed. She needed to move on. Her mind worked frantically as she heard Mitch making her coffee in the kitchen. She knew he wouldn’t let her go on her own, so she started making plans on how she would sneak away and where she would go.
     
    Maybe back at the shelter was the best place for her at this time? Regardless, she needed to make a choice on what she was going to do and act on it soon. She doubted she had a week before her cousin and father would find the connection.
     
    “What are you scheming?” Mitch walked in balancing a tray holding a cup of coffee, a bowl of fruit, and some toast on a plate. He set the tray on the coffee table and sat across from her.
     
    “What?” She tried to look innocent. Apparently it wasn’t working.
     
    “You have something on your mind. You might as well spill it. I’m known for getting my way.” The smile he gave her almost stopped her heart.
     
    How could she hide anything from him? She tried to start talking about what had happened yesterday, but he stopped her.
     
    “Sandi, I know there is something else on your mind. You get a small crease here.” He reached up and touched her forehead. Almost the same place she’d noticed his earlier. “Don’t tell me you are just thinking about what happened to Mrs. Bernstein. You know she’s safe at her son's.”
     
    She closed her eyes and sighed. “I was thinking of leaving.”
     
    “Where do you think you could go that you’d be safer than here? Or is it just me you are trying to get away from?” He leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.
     
    Her eyes flew open. “No!” She was shocked that he would think that about her. “Of course not. It’s just that you’ve done so much for me. You’ve helped me more than I could ever repay.”
     
    “Helped you?” He looked disgusted. “I’ve done nothing but put you in the direct path of danger since the night I first talked to you. I wish I would have never gotten involved. You’d be