At last, it was over, and Sarah busied herself with clearing the table. Becky offered to help and between them, they managed to do the dishes in record time.
“You’ll have to excuse the two of them,” Becky murmured as she put the last of the dishes away. “They’ve been this way as long as I’ve known them, arguing and bickering. I know you think Matt goes too far, but he’s only trying to help.”
“Luke doesn’t need Matt’s help. He’s doing just fine on his own.”
Becky shook her head. “Oh, Sarah, you don’t know. You can’t imagine how it was. After he lost his foot, he laid in his bed for months, refusing to move, barely eating, and staring up at the ceiling like he was already dead.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Sarah replied, refusing to listen to anymore. “He’s changed. He’s doing fine. All he needs is a friend, and that’s what I intend to be.”
“You’re much too involved to stop with mere friendship.” Becky laughed and hung up the dishtowel. “I’ve seen the way you look at him. More importantly, I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
“How does he look at me?” Sarah asked, unable to help herself.
“He stares at you as though you’re the center of his world.”
Sarah glanced over at her new friend, startled. “Really?”
Becky grinned. “Absolutely.”
* * * * *
“SO. HAVE YOU PROPOSEDyet?” Matt’s dark eyes snapped with annoyance as he lit one of his expensive cigars and took a seat in the parlor. “It’s almost been a week.”
Luke poured himself a drink, realizing as he did so that it was the first time he’d felt the need since Sarah arrived. Matt was being a bastard, and he hadn’t the faintest idea why.
“It’s only been a few days. We’re still getting to know each other.”
Matt shot him a piercing look. “I think you’ve gotten toknowher quite well.”
Luke downed his shot and ignored his brother’s comment. He hated that knowing glance, hated the fact that Matt was right. He never should have made love to Sarah before he’d given her the protection of his name.
He was saved from further comment by soft, feminine laughter coming down the hall. Becky and Sarah brightened the room immediately. Luke couldn’t tear his gaze away from the woman who had turned his life upside down.
Becky cuddled up next to Matt on the sofa. Luke couldn’t bear to watch the obvious love between them for even one more minute. Sarah lingered by the door, as though she didn’t want to endure the pleasantries any more than he did.
“Would you like to go for a walk?” The question was out before he could call it back, but when he saw the pleasure in Sarah’s green eyes, he found he’d meant it.
“I’d like that very much.”
Luke glanced at his guests. “Do you mind?”
Matt raised one eyebrow, his gaze warning Luke to be careful.
Luke ignored him and walked slowly, painfully, toward Sarah. His leg already ached. He’d overdone it today, but to get out of this house he’d gladly walk until his stump bled. When he reached Sarah, he offered his arm, and she took it, letting him lean on her just a bit until they reached the front porch.
“I don’t really feel like walking. Let’s just sit here on the swing for a while.”
He glared at her, knowing she’d sensed his weakness. “Don’t make allowances for me, Sarah. I can’t stand it. If you want to walk, we’ll walk.”
She touched his face and made him look at her. “Let’s go down to the river then. I’ve been meaning to explore it.”
“Good idea,” he muttered, feeling like an idiot. It wasn’t far, just over a quarter of a mile, but before they were even halfway there, he was in agony.
Damn his foolish pride. Sarah had offered him a graceful way out of this, but he’d refused it, and now he must pay the price.
They walked down the path in silence, and Luke concentrated on keeping his balance and ignoring the pain. When they arrived at the river’s edge, he lowered himself gratefully to the ground, stretching his poor abused leg out in front of him.
Sarah sat down beside him, twining her hand in his. “We really should have remained on the porch,” she chided. “But it’s very peaceful here. I’m glad you brought me.”
