The Unknown Twin. Kathryn Shay

was at the dog track last night. Lost my shirt.” He hesitated. “Something happen?”

      “No, it’s okay. Thanks for returning my call.” She hung up and faced Alex.

      “I take it the landlord wasn’t here.”

      “No.”

      “That settles it.”

      “Settles what?”

      “I’m staying the night.”

      “Excuse me?”

      “I’m staying the night.” Alex nodded to the corner of the room. “In that man-size hammock over there.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Unless you have a spare bed.”

      “The other two rooms aren’t furnished yet.”

      “Then it’s me and the hammock.” He arched a brow. “Is it comfortable?”

      “Yes, but it’s not necessary for you to stay tonight.”

      He crossed to the couch and squatted in front of her. He grasped her free hand and cradled it in his. “Humor me, then. I won’t sleep a wink knowing you’re here alone.” He shrugged. “It’s in a firefighter’s genes to protect women, ma’am.”

      Her heart was beating fast. She didn’t know if that was from the news she’d just gotten about James, from the landlord’s call or Alex’s suggestion that he sleep here. “That’s ridiculous. I’ve got a dead bolt, I’ll put it on.”

      “Does the regular key fit the dead bolt?”

      “Yes.”

      “If someone’s been in here, he’d have the key to that lock.”

      “I suppose.”

      “Look, I’ll stay tonight, then call one of my crew who’s a locksmith on the side. He can come out tomorrow and change your locks.”

      She had to smile. “Do you know everybody in town?”

      “Comes from growing up here. Anybody I don’t know, Mom and Dad do.”

      Trying to conceal her concern, she glanced at the door. “I could call Hannah.”

      “Oh, yeah, they’d appreciate that. Imagine what they’re doing right about now.”

      She could. And it caused heat to flush her face. Because she could imagine doing the same thing with the sexy, smart man before her. Who wanted to stay the night.

      As if he read her thoughts, he brushed her hair back, letting his hand rest at her nape in a possessive gesture that made her shiver. “Lauren, you know I’m attracted to you. I want to see you. To date. But the offer to stay tonight doesn’t come with strings.”

      A branch batted against the window, and she jumped.

      His arched eyebrow taunted her. See, you are afraid. “Do you think that I’d take advantage of you? Pressure you in some way?”

      Like he’d have to do that to women. “No, of course not. I just hate to inconvenience you.”

      “You can cook me breakfast in the morning.”

      Smiling, she reached out and squeezed his shoulder. His eyes lit with her touch, and she couldn’t stop herself from caressing the soft silk of his shirt, feeling his muscles flex under her hand. “What do you like for breakfast, Alex?”

      Way to go, girl. Flirt your heart out.

      Lauren smiled.

      Alex smiled.

      “Anything you’re serving.”

      They watched a movie—Backdraft—and Alex explained what was portrayed realistically and picked on some of the Hollywoodisms.

      At one o’clock, she yawned.

      “Time for beddy-bye,” he joked.

      “I’ll get you a pillow and a light blanket.” She pointed toward the back of the house. “Bathroom’s through there.”

      He rose. “I’ve got a gym bag in my car. I’ll go get it.”

      “Keep it on hand for unexpected overnighters?”

      He didn’t take offense. Instead, he drew her up from the couch. Once again she felt dwarfed by him. He rested his hands lightly on her arms, and the weight of them felt good. “Lauren, I like women. I go out. I’ve had some serious involvements—I was almost engaged once—but I’m not promiscuous. Or indiscriminate. Basically, I’m just a normal guy.”