horde of private ghosts。 If only she had never seen Ross again。 To be
free； once more； of this gnawing at mind and body。
But she had seen him again and； if he stuck to his plan； would see more
of him before he left。 There was only one solution； as she saw it。
Indifference。 What man would put up with that for long？ Indifference。 It
would turn him off； wouldn't it？ Surely then he would leave her in
peace。
She awoke the next morning on an optimistic note； showered； dressed； and
sailed downstairs for breakfast。 It was with momentary dismay that she
found her kitchen in use…until she recalled the night's resolve； tilted
up her chin； and advanced。
〃Ah；〃 she said as she helped herself to a cup of the coffee he had
brewed； 〃 you've made yourself at home。〃
His grin was as bright as the morning sun that slanted across the porch
beyond the screen。 〃It's a luxury。 I'm enjoying it。 It's not every day
that I get to putter around a cozy kitchen； much less wait on a
princess。〃
〃Flattery will get you nowhere。〃 She hoped； prayed it was so。 By way of
diversion； she eyed the stove。 〃Bacon； eggs； home fries？ You're going to
eat all that？〃
〃With your help。〃
〃Ohhhh； no。 After a breakfast like that I'd barely be able to keep my
eyes open。 I have too many things to do…〃
〃…for which you need energy。 And； anyway；〃 he called over his shoulder
as he turned the bacon； 〃if you don't eat breakfasts like this； why such
a full stock of goodies？ Lee's refrigerator was bare。〃
〃So that's it； huh？〃 she asked； eyes narrowing。 〃You're starved and my
old buddy Lee couldn't help you out？〃 She chuckled。 〃Lee eats out。 A