Read Online Covert Cravings by Maggie Carpenter - Free Book Online Page A

down at the tea stains on the bedspread.
    “We’ll have to have this dry cleaned right away,” he said, pulling it off the bed.
    “I’m really sorry,” she simpered.
    “Just tell me what’s going on,” he asked, irritated, as he bundled up the coverlet.
    “I wasn’t feeling very well so I left the store early,” she said quietly.
    “Are you getting sick?” he asked.  She looked and sounded perfectly fine.
    “No, I mean – maybe – not really.  I just felt frazzled,” she admitted.
    He stared at her then cast his eyes across the room.  There were a couple of pairs of panties lying on the chair by the fireplace, with some stockings on the floor next to it.  A bra was lying on top of the dresser.  He couldn’t help but think she had become even less tidy – even less reliable – in recent weeks.  Well their sex life wasn’t the only thing that was going to change!
    “Hurry up and get dressed.  I have to get back to the store, but you have some errands to run,” he said firmly.
    “I do?” she asked, feeling a flip in her stomach.
    “Yes, you do.  Meet me downstairs – and bring that cup and saucer with you,” he ordered, then turned and left the room.
    Emily’s heart was in her mouth.  She had never seen Scott so mad.  Her sweet, easy-going guy never barked at her that way.  Not ever.
    This is crazy, she thought, but jeez he’s so sexy when he’s like this.
    She pulled on some jeans and one of her own T-shirts, and slipped her moccasins on her feet.  Grabbing the cup and saucer she raced down the stairs, and found Scott in the kitchen standing next to the sink.  She gulped.  She knew her breakfast dishes were still sitting there.
    “First, you’re going to wash up your dishes and put them away,” he said, staring at her.
    “Sure.  I was going to ––”
“The fact is you didn’t.  You never do!  Now you will.  I’ve had enough, Emily.  From now on when you dirty something you wash it dry it and put it away. Got it?”
    “Yes.  Sure, I will,” she answered, thinking her voice sounded weak and feeble.
    “Next – you know where I buy my shirts at Nordstroms?” he asked. He looked very serious and Emily felt another little flutter in her stomach.  “I always ask for Nigel – the English guy.”
    “Yes.  I know who you mean,” she said softly.
    “You’re going there right now and you’re going to buy me another shirt.  If you want one, you can get one for yourself but my clothes are now off limits. Got it?” he asked, repeating the two words firmly.
    “Yes, Scott.  Sorry,” she said, her face flushing. 
    “Quite honestly I would prefer you not wear floppy T-shirts at all.  There’s nothing feminine or sexy about them,” he finished.
    Emily shifted on her feet.  She was totally embarrassed and Scott suddenly seemed bigger than life. 
    “But before you go to Nordstrom’s you can drop off the bedspread at the cleaners.  I’ve put it in your car already, in a trash bag.  And you’re paying for that as well,” he decreed.
    “Yes.  I should,” she replied, her voice very small.
    “Of course you should.  It’s time you started taking responsibility.”
    “You’re right,” she sighed, unable to look at him.
    “When you get home you’re going to tidy up your stuff.  Put away your clothes and clean up the mess in the bathroom.  I’m not picking up after you anymore,” he announced, his voice calm and controlled, but very serious.   “Got it?”
    “Of course.  I’ve got it.  I’ve got everything,” she simpered, feeling near tears. “I’m sorry I’ve been a bit…”
    “I’m glad you’re sorry but sorry won’t cut it anymore.  Get it together, Emily,” he scolded, moving away from the counter.  “I’ll be home at the usual time.”
    She watched him stride from the kitchen and out the door to his truck.  She wanted to run after him, to beg him for his forgiveness, to feel his amazing, powerful arms around her.  She