The Road To Love: Love by Degree / The Rain Sparrow. Debbie Macomber

fumbling around with the wiring. Still, recalling his reaction made her smile.

      * * *

      THAT EVENING, ELLEN had finished loading the dishwasher and had just settled down at the kitchen table to study when the phone rang. Pat, who happened to be walking past it, answered.

      “It’s Reed,” he told Ellen. “He wants to talk to you.”

      With reflexes that surprised even her, Ellen bounded out of her chair.

      “Reed,” she said into the receiver, holding it tightly against her ear. “Hello, how are you?”

      “Fine. Did the electrician come?”

      “He was here this afternoon.”

      “Any problems?”

      “No,” she breathed. He sounded wonderfully close, his voice warm and vibrant. “In fact, I was on the right track. I probably could’ve handled it myself.”

      “I don’t want you to even think about fixing anything like that. You could end up killing yourself or someone else. I absolutely forbid it.”

      “Aye, aye, sir.” His words had the immediate effect of igniting her temper, sending the hot blood roaring through her veins. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Reed since he’d left, but two minutes after picking up the phone, she was ready to argue with him again.

      There was a long, awkward silence. Reed was the first to speak, expelling his breath sharply. “I didn’t mean to snap your head off,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

      “Thank you,” she responded, instantly soothed.

      “How’s everything else going?”

      “Fine.”

      “Have the boys talked you into any more of their schemes?”

      “They keep trying.”

      “They wouldn’t be college kids if they didn’t.”

      “I know.” It piqued her a little that Reed assumed she could be manipulated by three teenagers. “Don’t worry about me. I can hold my own with these guys.”

      His low sensuous chuckle did funny things to her pulse. “It’s not you I’m concerned about.”

      “Just what are you implying?” she asked with mock seriousness.

      “I’m going to play this one smart and leave that last comment open-ended.”

      “Clever of you, my friend, very clever.”

      “I thought as much.”

      After a short pause, Ellen quickly asked, “How’s everything with you?” She knew there really wasn’t anything more to say, but she didn’t want the conversation to end. Talking to Reed was almost as good as having him there.

      “Much better, thanks. I shouldn’t have any problem getting home by Saturday.”

      “Good.”

      Another short silence followed.

      “Well, I guess that’s all I’ve got to say. If I’m going to be any later than Saturday, I’ll give you a call.”

      “Drive carefully.”

      “I will. Bye, Ellen.”

      “Goodbye, Reed.” Smiling, she replaced the receiver. When she glanced up, all three boys were staring at her, their arms crossed dramatically over their chests.

      “I think something’s going on here.” Pat spoke first. “I answered the phone and Reed asked for Ellen. He didn’t even ask for Derek—his own brother.”

      “Right.” Derek nodded vigorously.

      “I’m wondering,” Monte said, rubbing his chin. “Could we have the makings of a romance on our hands?”

      “I think we do,” Pat concurred.

      “Stop it.” Ellen did her best to join in the banter, although she felt the color flooding her cheeks. “It makes sense that Reed would want to talk to me. I’m the oldest.”

      “But I’m his brother,” Derek countered.

      “I refuse to listen to any of this,” she said with a small laugh and turned back to the kitchen. “You three are being ridiculous. Reed’s dating Danielle.”

      All three followed her. “He could have married Danielle months ago if he was really interested,” Derek informed the small gathering.

      “Be still, my beating heart,” Monte joked, melodramatically folding both hands over his chest and pretending to swoon.

      Not to be outdone, Pat rested the back of his hand against his forehead and rolled his eyes. “Ah, love.”

      “I’m out of here.” Before anyone could argue, Ellen ran up the back stairs to her room, laughing as she went. She had to admit she’d found the boys’ little performances quite funny. But if they pulled any of their pranks around Reed, it would be extremely embarrassing. Ellen resolved to say something to them when the time seemed appropriate.

      * * *

      FRIDAY AFTERNOON, ELLEN walked into the kitchen, her book bag clutched tightly to her chest.

      “What’s the matter? You’re as pale as a ghost,” Monte remarked, cramming a chocolate-chip cookie in his mouth.

      Derek and Pat turned toward her, their faces revealing concern.

      “I got my algebra paper back today.”

      “And?” Derek prompted.

      “I don’t know. I haven’t looked.”

      “Why not?”

      “Because I know how tough Engstrom was on the others. The girl who wrote about solving that oddball conjecture got a C-minus and the guy who was so enthusiastic about Mathematics in World War II got a D. With impressive subjects like that getting low grades, I’m doomed.”

      “But you worked hard on that paper.” Loyally, Derek defended her and placed a consoling arm around her shoulders. “You found out a whole bunch of interesting facts about the number nine.”

      “You did your paper on that?” Pat asked, his smooth brow wrinkling with amusement.

      “Don’t laugh.” She already felt enough of a fool.

      “It isn’t going to do any good to worry,” Monte insisted, pulling the folded assignment from between her fingers.

      Ellen watched his expression intently as he looked at the paper, then handed it to Derek who raised his brows and gave it to Pat.

      “Well?”

      “You got a B-minus,” Pat said in obvious surprise. “I don’t believe it.”

      “Me neither.” Ellen reveled in the delicious feeling of relief. She sank luxuriously into a chair. “I’m calling Charlie.” Almost immediately she jumped up again and dashed to the phone. “This is too exciting! I’m celebrating.”

      The other three had drifted into the living room and two minutes later, she joined them there. “Charlie’s out, but his roommate said he’d give him the message.” Too happy to contain her excitement, she added, “But I’m not sitting home alone. How about if we go out for pizza tonight? My treat.”

      “Sorry, Ellen.” Derek looked up with a frown. “I’ve already made plans with Michelle.”

      “I’m getting together with a bunch of guys at the gym,” Pat informed her. “Throw a few baskets.”

      “And I told my mom I’d be home for dinner.”

      Some of the excitement drained from her, but she put on a brave front. “No problem. We’ll do it another night.”