Lead Me Home

Lead Me Home Read Free Page B

Book: Lead Me Home Read Free
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson
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that before.”
    She turned, the foil-covered platter in her hand, and stared at him. “You have? I’ve never met anyone who’s eaten it before.”
    “Tell me what’s in it and I’ll know for sure.”
    “Kidneys, liver and bacon on a skewer.”
    Matthew nodded. “That was my guess. Sounds great.”
    “Where did you have it?” Now she was nervous. Maybe the version he’d eaten had been better than what she’d fixed today.
    “A restaurant on the Left Bank.”
    “In Paris? ” Now she was really nervous.
    “Yes. Ever been to France?”
    “No. I’m not really into travel.”
    “You’re not? Why?”
    She shrugged. “I like the comforts of home too much, I guess. Traveling just doesn’t appeal to me.”
    “But you could sample the food cooked by natives.”
    “I’d rather try making it at home myself.” She wished she’d offered him something else, but too late for that now. Transferring several skewers to a baking dish, she flicked on the oven and slid the dish inside to heat. “But since I’ve never tasted the real thing like you have, my version may not be what you’re used to.”
    “I’m sure it’ll be terrific.”
    “I hope so. Reheated won’t be quite the same as when they were first broiled.” She gathered up her cookbooks so he’d have a place to eat. “Go ahead and sit.” Then she had an inspiration. “Would you like some wine? It’s not French, but Sarah always keeps some good California reds on hand.”
    “Only if you’ll have a glass with me.”
    “Well…okay.” She knew Sarah wouldn’t mind. She’d have a little, to be hospitable. “Be right back.” She opened the door to the walk-in pantry and ducked inside. Once there, she dithered over the wine selection, trying to imagine what a man who’d been to Paris would prefer.
    “Want me to pick one?” Matthew walked into the pantry and the space instantly shrank.
    “Um, sure. That makes sense.” She stepped away from the wine rack, but there really wasn’t anywhere to go. Once he moved in front of it, they were practically touching. The small space filled with his scent—a crisp, manly aroma that jacked up her pulse rate.
    She became aware of his steady breathing as he pulled out a couple of bottles, checked the labels and moved on. She was afraid they weren’t to his liking. “I know it’s not a huge selection.”
    “No, it’s great! I just don’t want to drink up the pricey stuff.”
    “But you should! Take the most expensive bottle! From the way everyone’s talked about you, they’d be honored for you to have it.”
    “I don’t know what they’ve said, but the truth of the matter is that I’m an ordinary guy who can drink six-dollar wine and be perfectly happy. Here we go.” He pulled out a bottle and showed it to her. “This will do fine.”
    She took a shaky breath and hoped he couldn’t tell how his nearness affected her. “If you’re sure.”
    “I am.” He gestured toward the pantry door. “After you, mademoiselle.”
    Dear God, he even said it with a French accent. She brushed past him, aware of every point of contact with his solid body. She couldn’t tell if he was attracted to her, too, but it really didn’t matter.
    He was here to train a horse and he’d spend his evenings at the bunkhouse, according to what Sarah had said. Tonight might be the only time she’d be alone with him for the rest of his stay. Considering they were from completely different worlds, that was probably for the best.

2
    S HE WAS DYNAMITE , the ultimate definition of the word hot . Matthew wasn’t sure what he’d expected when he’d walked into the kitchen to meet Aurelia Imogene Smith, but it certainly hadn’t been a blonde with a drop-dead figure and eyes that sparkled like dew on spring leaves.
    He understood immediately why nobody had criticized her food. Besides being great to look at, she was earnest about her job and achingly vulnerable in her need for validation. Telling her that most everyone

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