Part 278 (2/2)

walked back to ball the dough together and roll it again. It felt good

to do something with her hands, to feel competent. In charge. ”It's

probably good for me to get away. I don't want to get too involved too

quickly.”

”Katherine says you're making wonderful progress.”

”I think I am. I'm grateful to her for staying on with me in L.A. for

the last couple of months. I wasn't always,” she added with a smile.

”But talking things out helped.”

”You're still having nightmares.”

”Not as often. And I'm getting back to work, finally pus.h.i.+ng through

with the book.” She paused with a cookie cutter in her hand. ”A year

ago, Christmas was a nightmare. This year, it's almost perfect.” She

glanced over as the kitchen door swung open. The cookie cutter

clattered to the floor. ”Michael?”

”The housekeeper said I should just come back.”

She didn't think. She didn't need to. With a cry'of pleasure, she

raced into his arms. Before he could speak again, her mouth was on his.

”I can't believe you're here.” She pulled back, laughed, and began to

dust him off. ”I've got flour all over you.”

”I'm sure I can find a dozen things to do.” Bev wiped her hands on a

cloth and slipped out the door.

”You said you couldn't come,” Emma began.

”I had a change in schedule.” He drew her close again, wanting another

taste. Desire rippled through him as her mouth moved warm under his.

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