As soon as the door closed, Addison looked over at Joanna. Chuckling to see the depth of the woman’s blush, Addison said, “Don’t worry. She doesn’t have a clue.”

“Of course she doesn’t, sweetheart,” Joanna said, reaching over to take the book from Addison’s hand. Turning it right-side up, she handed it back. “That is unless you intended for her to read the book.”

***

Snuggling under the sheets, Addison cradled Joanna against her. “So, what you’re telling me is that they all know.”

“Yes, apparently The Oaks also has a grapevine, and it’s quite healthy.”

Addison scowled. “Not that I care, nor is it any of their business, but how did they handle it?”

“If I’m happy, they’re happy.”

“Oh, so they don’t care about my happiness.”

“They don’t know you. Not the way I do.”

“I would think you would prefer it that way,” Addison said with a laugh.

“You know what I mean. You’ve never been anything but an employer and a tough one, at that.”

“It’s the only way I know how to be.”

“That’s not true,” Joanna said, turning her head to look at Addison. “You should give them a chance. I know they’re just employees to you, but they really are a nice group of people, and they’d do anything for either one of us in a heartbeat.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

Addison drew in a breath, and as she slowly exhaled, she placed a light kiss on the top of Joanna’s head. “I’ll try,” she whispered. “I promise.”

At peace in each other’s arms, for a little while neither said a word until Joanna rolled to her side to look at Addison. “Can I ask you a question?”

“You just did.”

”Ha ha,” Joanna said, giving Addison a playful poke. “How come we always end up in here?”

“Well, since the library was an epic fail, I think this is best. Don’t you?”

“No, silly. I mean, why don’t we ever go to your bedroom? Come to think of it, I’ve never even seen your bedroom.”

Addison lowered her eyes. It was such a simple question, but it pained her to answer it. With a sigh, she looked at Joanna, but the words refused to come.

As soon as Joanna saw Addison’s expression, she knew the answer to her question. “I thought you never had any...um...guests here.”

“They never stayed the night.”

Joanna rolled to her back and stared at the ceiling. “I can’t tell you how much better that would have sounded if you had said she instead of they.”

Propping herself up on her elbow, Addison gazed at Joanna. “If it helps, I’m sorry.”

“A little, I guess.”