“You’re dressed as if you’re going to the gym.” She assessed his body in that slow, sinuous way of hers, as if she were a giant black widow and he were a tasty fly that she might choose to consume. “That’s the cover story, yes? A late-evening workout to blow off some steam?”

“If you must know—yes. And it’s not a ‘cover story.’ It’s the truth. I’m going to the gym.”

“You have a fitness room here, in the basement of this residence. Why not use it?”

“I like to get out of the house, sometimes, not that it’s any business of yours.”

He stepped forward on the staircase. Their bodies were less than a foot apart. Her rosemary fragrance filled his nostrils, and the warmth of her body radiated from her in powerful waves. The combination almost made him dizzy.

“I won’t ask again,” he said in a low voice. “Step aside, Grace.”

“Or you’ll do what?” She glared at him, unblinking. “I’d love to see you try to manhandle me. I’d send you broken and sniveling to your mammy. You aren’t the first man that I’ve had to quite literally whip into shape, and you won’t be the last.”

Christ, I know what she’s doing, he thought. This lady is a real piece of work.

“Are you serious, old girl?” Troy had to laugh. “I honestly can’t believe I’m having this conversation. Stop playing, Grace, and step aside.”

“What’s the magic word?” she asked.

“Please?” he said, unable to suppress a chuckle.

“Better.” She nodded, and raised her arm to allow him to pass. “Although I don’t trust you and know your sleazy game, I’ll permit you to leave. But we’ve got plenty of unfinished business ahead of us, little man, mark my words. You lack discipline and must be taught better.”

“Whatever you say, old girl.”

As he passed by her, she swatted him on the rump with her open palm, hard enough to nearly send him spilling down the remainder of the stairs. His skin burned from the strike. She’d hit him hard.

“Hey, you keep your hands to yourself, dammit,” he said.

“Toughen up, little man.” She winked. “Next time, I may use a belt.”

14

Sometime later that night, Pat exploded out of sleep with a cry on her lips, convinced that someone was trying to suffocate her. Gasping, she batted her hands at the attacker. She hit only empty air.

Only a bad dream. I’m safe.

As the realization washed over her, she collapsed against the bed. She pulled in deep, purifying breaths.

Her heart was racing as if she’d been running a sprint.