Free Compromising Positions by Kate Hoffmann Page A

the kitchen was in the house,” Sam explained. “We use it as a guesthouse in the summer, but it only has the fireplace for heat, so it’s empty for most of the rest of the year. Families like it. The inn doesn’t have a lot of space for kids. And it’s...private.”
    Amelia wandered over to the huge hearth that dominated one wall of the fieldstone cottage. Before the advent of sprinkler systems and fire hydrants, the kitchens of Colonial homes, especially inns, were housed in separate buildings to prevent fires in the main living areas.
    â€œThis was the first building built on the property,” Sam said. “The bathroom is through that door. And there’s a small kitchen behind that wall.” He bent over the hearth and lit the kindling that he’d laid in the hearth. Flames consumed the wadded newspaper and then began to crackle around the dry sticks. “If you could keep an eye on this, I’m going to check in with Sarah. I had 9-1-1 on my phone this morning. We’ll unload the bed and set it up later.” Sam slowly stood and wiped his hands on his jeans. “I’ll be right back.”
    â€œCould you bring some coffee?” Amelia asked.
    â€œI’ll do better. I’ll bring you breakfast.” He leaned closer and brushed a kiss across her cheek. But as he stepped away, his gaze fixed on her lips. In the space of a heartbeat, he pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his.
    She should have known the nuances of his kisses by now, but each time their lips touched it was a powerful and unique experience. With this one, he didn’t just press his mouth to hers or tantalize her with his tongue. This kiss was a full-on seduction, with ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys, designed to send her heart racing and her mind spinning.
    As with their earlier encounters, Amelia was left wondering what awaited her beyond a kiss. She’d had a taste this morning when she’d pulled off her sweater. A shiver skittered through her as she recalled the sensation of his hands against her bare skin. If she had a choice in the matter, when he returned they’d pick up exactly where they’d left off.
    â€œI’ll be back in a few minutes,” he murmured. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable?”
    He walked out and Amelia sat on the edge of a chair, watching the fire grow on the grate. She walked across the room and added a few larger logs to the fire, then moved to the door.
    Her SUV was parked just outside with the keys still in the ignition. Her gaze darted to her bag, sitting nearby. There was nothing to stop her from leaving. She’d be back in Boston with the bed before sundown. It would be safely inside the Mapother with its alarms and steel gate and there’d be nothing he could do.
    She’d stopped herself from leaving earlier because she wanted to live her life truthfully, no pretending and no manipulation. But wasn’t she just sitting and waiting for someone to make decisions for her again? What was more important? Honesty or winning on her own terms?
    Amelia took a shaky breath and reached down for her luggage. She chose to win.
    She walked to the door and stepped outside. Her heart pounded so loud, Amelia was sure she could hear it echoing through the leafless trees. She hurried around to the driver’s side and tossed her bags onto the backseat, then slipped behind the wheel.
    She started the Lexus, wincing when the engine roared, and threw the SUV into gear. Thankfully Sam had backed the trailer up to the door, so she had a straight shot out of the driveway and onto the road.
    By the time she reached the outskirts of town, she felt the first pangs of guilt. She didn’t want to leave, but Amelia knew that her motives had changed considerably since she’d arrived in town.
    At first, all she’d cared about was the Washington bed. But over the past few days she’d nearly forgotten her original