Free Desiring the Enemy by Niecy Lavelle Page A

family owned horses and I would spend the days riding. It’s one of my fondest childhood memories.”
         “Maybe we can go riding one day?”
         “I would really enjoy that.”
         They finished eating and when the bill came she tried to pay her share.
         “I’m sorry, but around these parts a gentleman does not allow a lady to pay for her meal.”
         “I can’t let you pay, you’re doing enough for me already, letting me stay at your house free of charge.”
         “I’m sorry but that’s just the way we do things. Now put your money away.”
         He said it with such finality that she decided to obey. When in Rome...
         They walked out of the café and continued on their way, strolling through the pretty streets and not stopping until early evening when they headed for home. Gretchen had made dinner and to Jenna’s surprise he ate at the dining room table with her. He’d definitely relaxed.
    ***
         That night as he was getting ready for bed Wade pondered what had transpired that afternoon. He felt relieved that she wasn’t seeing his uncle anymore, and not just because of his loyalty to Aunt Rose, he had to admit. He felt relieved because now he didn’t feel as guilty about his feelings toward her. Something was happening to him, and he wasn’t sure he liked it. He was getting more and more drawn to her and lacked the control to stop himself. She just didn’t fit the mold of the seductress, he thought, as he remembered her childlike excitement that afternoon. She seemed sweet and soft and he couldn’t help recalling how she had felt in his arms. But what if he tried pursuing a relationship with her, how would his uncle take it? He put the thought out of his mind as he went to bed.
    ***
         The next morning he found her in the kitchen with Gretchen.
         “Good morning ladies,” he said with a big grin.
         Jenna felt her heart skip a beat. His broad smile made him look more handsome than ever. Before, his face had looked constantly angry, the permanent frown making him look harder, older than his thirty-three years. Now he looked sweet and approachable.
         “Good morning,” Jenna said, returning the smile.
         “Where’s Marla?” He was surprised that she wasn’t up yet.
         “She left early this morning. Said she was going to spend the day at a friend’s and not to expect her for dinner,” Gretchen said. “Will you and Jenna be having breakfast together?” She asked expectantly. She had a bit of the matchmaker in her too.  
         “Sure, if that’s okay with Jenna.”
         “Of course it is.” Jenna wondered why he felt the need to ask her permission, it was his house after all.
         “Great. I’ll set the table.” Gretchen went into the dining room to set up.
         He wasn’t sure how to proceed. He was attracted to Jenna, that much was certain, and he thought she was attracted to him. But she had been his uncle’s mistress, how would it look for him to start seeing her now?
         Gretchen served them their breakfast and left the room. They began eating, the silence making them both feel self-conscious.
         “Did you sleep well?” he finally asked.
         “Like a baby.” Jenna answered. She hadn’t come to this house looking for romance, but when she looked at him she couldn’t help her body’s reaction. Should she even consider starting a relationship with him after going through such a bad breakup? Rebound relationships rarely worked. 
         “I know you’ve been cooped up here with nothing to do and I was wondering if you’d like to go to the movies later?”
         “I’d like that very much,” she said, surprised that he would ask her out again so soon.  
         “Okay then, can you be ready around five? I’m thinking we can have an early dinner then head to the movie.”
         “Sounds great. I’ll be ready.” Jenna