Free Embezzled Love by Ginger Simpson Page B

haunted her. If only she could be as casual with her nudity.
    He snaked his arm across and pulled her close. "Boy, howdy, that was some good lovin'."
    She pulled one hand from beneath the blanket and caressed his arm. "Yes, it was. You wore me out, cowboy."
    Definitely more energized than she, he sprang up and sat on the edge of the bed. "Let's do some planning."
    "For what?"
    He pulled down her covers. "C'mon, get up. Let's talk about our new business."
    "Oh, not now," she whined, tugging the blanket beneath her chin and turning her back to him. "I'm exhausted." The last thing she wanted was conversation that would likely lead to her meeting with Frank and Alaine. If she slept, perhaps she'd wake up and discover the things her siblings found were just a nightmare.
    Wearing only a broad smile, Evan stood and dragged her by her arm to the end of the bed. "Nope, can't wait. The sooner we get things organized, the quicker we can start rakin' in the bucks."
    Goosebumps peppering her skin, she peered up at his naked form. "Can we at least get dressed?"
    While she wrapped herself in her terrycloth robe, Evan donned his Levi's. She grimaced at the thought of wearing denim without underwear, but he habitually did.
    His fly buttoned, he plopped next to her on the bed. His bare toes curled into the carpet. His excited banter about advertising, business names and financial backing only harkened back the nasty accusations she'd heard from her siblings. No matter how many times she told herself not to believe them, she harbored growing doubts that needed resolution. But how?
    "Are you listening to me?"
    His voice yanked her thoughts back to the moment. "Uh, y-yes. Of course." She stood and secured her bathrobe sash. "I need some coffee. Would you like some?"
    He stood and gathered her into a hug. "That'd be nice, but, first, I'm gonna take a shower."
    Spent and despondent, Cassie slogged downstairs. She should be on Cloud Nine, but instead she was under a black one.
    In the kitchen, she filled the brewing basket with coffee grounds, still unable to get the nasty allegations out of her mind, let alone think of a way to present them to Evan without alienating him. She washed the few dirty dishes in the sink, dried, and put them away. She stood, peering out the window, when Evan walked up behind her, put his arms around her and pulled her close. They didn't speak.
    The aromatic smell of apple dishwashing detergent still hung in the air even though the soapy water had disappeared down the drain. His warmth permeated her robe and brought a secure feeling that dispelled his presumed past.
    "Cat got your tongue, baby girl?" His toasty breath drifted across her neck. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"
    She stiffened. Her heart pounding like a bass drum, she tossed the dishtowel she clutched onto the counter, wishing she had the courage to turn and confront him with her siblings' findings. Surely, he'd convince her what they said was all a pack of lies. A little voice niggled in her mind, what if they're right?
    She clenched her eyes shut against doubt. What was she thinking? Evan loved her and she had no right to doubt him.
    Evan dropped her arms from around her waist, and spun her gently to face him. "Is something wrong? You seem awfully preoccupied." Now fully dressed, his brow furrowed.
    Cassie smiled and shrugged. "I-I'm fine."
    "Are you sure? If something's buggin' you, spit it out."
    "No," she lied. "Nothing's wrong. I just need to pay some bills and get some housework done. That'll make me feel better, I promise." Her lips grazed his.
    "What about that coffee?" He stepped back, ran his fingers through dampened hair, and scanned the counter.
    She glanced at the empty pot. "Oh, I'm such an idiot. I got busy doing something else and forgot to turn on the switch." She pushed the brew button.
    "That's okay, I'll have some orange juice." He tipped the plastic container from the fridge and filled his glass. "We still need to