Read Online It's Only Make Believe by Roseanne Dowell - Free Book Online Page B

in the doorway, wanting to run to him, but restrained herself. “I’m glad you like it. Now if we can get rid of this white carpeting and overstuffed, over-sized furniture...” Her voice dropped to a whisper as he came toward her, reached his hand up, and ran his finger across her lips. She shivered from his touch. Catching a movement out of the corner of her eye, she saw Louise watching them. Before Michele had a chance to speak, the girl disappeared. She turned away from Brad. What was Louise up to? Was she sneaking around and spying on them. Her stomach growled, and she remembered how hungry she was. Brad stiffened at her resistance. “Whatever Anna is cooking smells delicious. I’m starved, let’s eat.” She turned toward the kitchen.
    “Michele...”
    She stopped, turned, and looked into his eyes. “What?”
    “Never mind, let’s eat.” He dropped his hand to his side and followed her.
    He stopped at the entrance to the dining room. “Wow!”
    She smiled, appreciating his approval. She loved the color and once she replaced the furniture, she’d love to eat in here. “I’d like to take up the carpet and replace it with a hard wood floor and area rug.” May as well broach the subject now. Get it over with. “I hate white carpeting, and I’d like to get some new furniture. This set is too heavy and overbearing for this room.” Darn it, she hated that she talked too much and too fast, almost to the point of babbling.
    He pulled her chair out for her and looked around the room. “You’re right this furniture is too heavy. I don’t know why our parents didn’t consult us. Do whatever you want. I trust your judgment.”
    Disappointment washed over her. She had wanted to pick out the furniture with Brad, not by herself. Not sure how to broach the subject, she let it pass.
    Anna fussed like an old mother hen. “Here, Mr. Brad, mashed potatoes, gravy.” She brought the food to the table and set it in front of him.
    Michele laughed, watching the attentiveness. “Careful, Brad, she’ll be feeding it to you next.”
    Brad smiled and seemed to enjoy the attention. There wasn’t much time even for small talk, as Anna hovered nearby.
    Michele sat back while Brad smooth talked Anna, glad now she’d kept the woman on. Louise, on the other hand, bothered her. What was the girl up to? She left without saying good-bye, as usual. Much as she tried, she couldn’t crack Louise’s reserve.
    They ate dinner with Anna hovering nearby, encouraging Brad to eat more. Michele stopped just short of being full, knowing Anna had a fabulous dessert ready. Anna didn’t disappoint, coming out of the kitchen with a Boston cream pie. Brad leaned back in his chair.
    “Does she feed you like this every night?” He patted his stomach.
    “Just about, I’ve even gained some weight.” Michele patted her stomach. “I’m going to have to stop her, or I’ll look like a blimp.”
    “I can see why.” Brad stood and came around to her. He pulled her chair back from the table, but didn’t move away.
    Michele caught the knowing look on Anna’s face as she disappeared into the kitchen. Heat crept into her cheeks. “Brad, I need to talk to you about something.”
    He looked at her, raised his hand to caress her cheek. “It sounds serious.” He took her hand and led her into the living room. He sat next to her on the couch, one arm around her shoulder, the other came up to caress her face. He leaned in and met her lips with his. “Can it wait? I’d like to sit here and just enjoy my wife for a while.
    The suggestion that he might have missed her both flustered and excited her. The very nearness of him caused her heart to skip several beats and sent heat spiraling through her. His kiss did things to her insides. Strange things. Things she’d never experienced with any man but him. She melted against him, all thought of conversation gone from her mind. This man, her husband, desired her, wanted her. Right now, she wanted nothing