Free Two Against the Odds by Joan Kilby Page A

again. Rafe cast another glance out the window but Lexie had gone inside the studio. He pulled up a bentwood chair and lowered himself into it, setting his briefcase on the floor. “Be patient with your husband. It’s only been twenty-four hours.”
    â€œSteve’s a stubborn man. It could be months before he breaks down and admits he still loves me. I need something that works faster. Something to get him interested in me sexually again.”
    Rafe rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the dampness at his hairline. “I’m not a marriage counselor. I have no expertise in this area.”
    â€œBut you understand people.”
    â€œDo I? I don’t understand Lexie.”
    â€œNo one understands Lexie, least of all Lexie.” Hetty waved that away with a flap of the tea towel. “What you said the other day resonated with me. You see, I’ve figured out the subtext of Steve’s anger toward me. While I was away in Queensland he got sick and had to go into the hospital. Then Smedley ran away and got poisoned by eating fox bait. Steve blames me for Smedley almost dying, but I think he’s really blaming me for his getting sick. He interpreted my trip as saying I didn’t care if he lived or died. But of course he can’t say that so he rants and raves about Smedley.”
    Rafe didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. “Who’s Smedley?”
    â€œSteve’s Jack Russell terrier.”
    â€œCute dogs.” Rafe nodded sagely. “Make friends with Smedley, that’s my advice. Go for walks with him and Steve. Show Steve you love him and his dog.”
    Hetty sat back, the tea towel twisted in her hands. “How is that going to get us making love again?”
    Rafe dropped his head in one hand and covered his face. “I’m sorry, Hetty, I haven’t got a clue. If you want tax advice, I’m your man. If you want tips onthe best bait for snapper or ling cod, call on me. But marriage advice? Uh-uh.”
    â€œLexie said you were amazing in bed.”
    Rafe choked and went into a coughing fit. He staggered to his feet and over to the sink. Hetty got there first and ran him a glass of water.
    â€œHere, drink that,” she said.
    Rafe sipped some down. When he was sure he was breathing normally, he said, “She told you that?”
    â€œOh, dear, I shouldn’t have mentioned it. But now that I have,” she went on quickly, “what do you suggest I do to turn Steve on?”
    Rafe took the tea towel from her and used it to mop his forehead. “Please, there must be someone else you can ask.”
    â€œI can’t go to my son or my other daughter’s fiancé. That would be embarrassing for them at family dinners.”
    â€œYou think?” Rafe murmured faintly.
    â€œI’m asking because you’re a man—and virile according to Lexie—and a stranger. Although I do feel oddly comfortable with you. Perhaps we knew each other in a previous life.”
    â€œOkay, well…” He racked his brain trying to think of what to say, then remembered Lexie telling him, “I want to go to bed with you.” That had done it for him. “Be direct with Steve. Maybe he’s not sure you want him. Tell him flat out. You might be surprised at his reaction.”
    â€œIsn’t that a lot of pressure to put on a man?” Hetty asked dubiously.
    â€œNot if he’s at all interested. And for a man that basically means if he has a pulse.” Then doubt assailed him. What did he know about sexual relationships in long-term marriages? He wasn’t even sure if his parents had sex anymore. “Maybe you could have some Viagra on hand.”
    â€œIf I did that he might think I’m saying he’s got erectile dysfunction.” Hetty frowned. “What about sexy lingerie? Do you think that would work?”
    Rafe couldn’t help picturing Lexie in skimpy lace and satin. “It