Free Magnificent Folly by Iris Johansen Page B

perceive it. Once you get used to anything it becomes homey and comfortable.” He looked down into the depths of his coffee. “Sedikhan is a good place to live. You’d like it there.”
    Lily stiffened. “Would I?”
    “Quenby does. It took her a little while to get used to it, but she wouldn’t live anyplace else now.”
    “I’m glad she has a happy life there.”
    Gunner sipped his coffee. “So am I. My job is in Sedikhan, and I’d hate to have to leave it.”
    Lily turned to look at him. “Would you really give up your career for her?”
    “Of course. I couldn’t be happy if Quenby weren’t happy.”
    “You must have an extraordinary relationship,” Lily said thoughtfully.
    “Quenby is an extraordinary woman.” Gunner’s face softened as his gaze traveled to his wife. “She’s warm, loving, honest, and absolutely reliable.”
    “I can see how she must have been a wonderful nanny for Andrew. Cassie’s already crazy about her.”
    He nodded. “As I said, she’s extraordinary.” His gaze shifted to Lily’s face. “And so is Andrew.”
    “Henry said he was remarkable.” Lily made a face. “But he’s certainly evasive. I don’t even know what he does for a living. He says he fixes things.”
    Gunner smiled. “He certainly does.”
    “But he has so much time off.”
    “Actually, every day since he’s been here he’s worked all morning at that small hospital down the coast. Andrew usually tries to help out wherever he can, and heaven knows there are enough people who need him. Didn’t he tell you?”
    “Hospital?” She frowned. “No, he didn’t.”
    “I’m not surprised. Andrew doesn’t talk about his work.”
    Lily threw up her hands. “Now you’re being as mysterious as Andrew. I’m beginning to think you’re both CIA or something.”
    Gunner laughed in genuine amusement. “I guarantee you’re wrong on that score. Neither one of us has anything to do with an undercover agency.” His smile faded. “However, Andrew’s work can be very dangerous on occasion, and he needs all the support we can offer him.”
    A chill gripped Lily. “What kind of danger are you talking about?”
    “I shouldn’t be talking to you at all.” He drained his cup. “It’s Andrew’s place to tell you about his work.” He met her gaze directly. “But I’d like to say that there are a great many people who have put their lives and more than their lives into Andrew’s hands, and he’s never failed them.”
    “More than their lives?”
    He nodded gravely. “Trust him, Lily. He cares a great deal for you.”
    “Did he ask you to speak to me?”
    “Andrew fights his own battles.” He grinned. “And now I have to pry my wife away from your daughter and take her home before she decides to kidnap Cassie. Just look at them together.”
    Lily’s gaze went to Quenby Nilsen, whose face was illuminated with joy and affection as she laughed at Cassie. “I hope you and Quenby will come again soon,” she said impulsively. “I work in the mornings, but most afternoons we come down to the beach.”
    “We’d like that,” Gunner said. “Andrew’s been keeping the two of you to himself for far too long.” He lifted his hand in farewell as he started across the beach toward Andrew, Quenby, and Cassie.
    Their lovemaking that night was wild, erotic, and nearly brutal in its intensity.
    Andrew couldn’t seem to get enough of her, and Lily found herself responding on an equally primitive level. They came together time after time, until exhaustion finally overtook them andthey could only lay clinging to each other, breathing in short, harsh gasps.
    “Why?” she asked when she’d gained enough breath to speak. “Something’s … different.”
    He didn’t look at her as he rolled away from her and began to dress. “Did I hurt you?”
    “No.” She slowly sat up. “Did you mean to hurt me?”
    “No!” He turned to look at her in horror. “Lord, no, I’d never want to hurt you.