Free Crazy for Lovin’ You by Teresa Southwick

Maggie and I like it, so that’s that.”
    She left the door open and walked to the end of the hall. “These are the last two. They share a bathroom between them. I think it might work out well for families. Kids in one, parents in the other. They can have their privacy and be near the children at the same time.” Her cheeks heated at the intimate picture she’d just painted. But she forced herself to look at him.
    One corner of his mouth tilted up confirming her suspicion that he’d noticed her blush.
    â€œWhere do you want me?” he asked.
    In Kalamazoo, Michigan, she thought. But decided it would be too ungracious to say so. Besides, he couldn’t help it that her hormones responded to his testosterone—in a major way.
    â€œWhy don’t you take your pick?” she suggested.
    He nodded. “This feels like a scene from Goldilocks and the three bears. But I think someone’s already sleeping in that bed,” he said, pointing to it.
    â€œIt’s mine,” she confessed. “But I won’t be there long. There’s a bedroom and bath off the kitchen.”
    â€œMaid’s quarters?”
    â€œOriginally,” she said nodding. “My folks set it up as a guest room. I plan to use it. It’s comfortable and will give me some privacy from the guests while I have access to the kitchen. I didn’t have a chance to move my things yesterday.” She shrugged. “I didn’t expect to have a customer so soon.”
    He walked through the connecting bath to the identical room on the other side. He put his open hand on the floral comforter and pressed down to test the queen-size mattress. Looking around, a thoughtful expression slid across his face.
    He met her gaze. “This one is fine.”
    It had been Jensen’s room before she’d left home. It was where she stayed when she visited. Taylor wondered at the knot in her chest at his choice.
    â€œWouldn’t you be more comfortable in the master bedroom?” She leaned against the doorway and folded her arms across her chest, to take her mind off the ache there. “After all, if you’re going to sing my praises, you should experience the best room in the house.”
    He looked out the window, then turned and shrugged. “This is fine. I can see the arenas from here. And the pool,” he said raising one eyebrow. “Pools have fond memories for me,” he added, a twinkle in his eyes.
    â€œAre you sure?”
    He nodded. “Seems like it will be easier on you.”
    â€œHow do you figure?” she asked, wondering how she would be able to sleep with him so close.
    â€œIf we’re not spread out all over the house, I’d just guess it would be more efficient. Not to mention sharing a bath. Gotta be easier than maintaining two while I’m here.”
    He had a point. She planned to hire some help, but until then she was responsible for upkeep. But cleaning more rooms might be worth it to put some distance between them. Surely he would be more comfortable in the master bedroom on the opposite side of the house. A room so close to hers couldn’t be the appeal, although a tiny glow flickered to life somewhere in the region of her heart.
    With his back to her, he stood looking out the window. “You and your sister must have had quite a time growing up in this house.”
    Instantly the glow sputtered out. And it was so simple she was surprised that she hadn’t seen it immediately. He’d picked this particular room because it used to be Jensen’s.
    Before she could stop it, a pain zigzagged through her. Even though she knew better, she hadn’t been able to prevent it. A testament to the power Mitch Rafferty still held over her. And only one small tile and porcelain room between them. Just what she needed. Another challenge to getting through the next four weeks.
    First priority would be to move to a separate floor and into the