She squinted up at him against the sun. "Could you show me that again - a little to the left. It might take me a while to learn, but I'm sure I'll have it figured out by the time you get the front yard done."

He laughed - a deep sound, much like Dad's voice. An unwelcome feeling of homesickness clutched at her heart. It had only been two days. Four weeks would be a long time.

She accepted the whip and made another unsuccessful swing. She wrinkled her nose and hacked at the grass again. Why did everyone make it look so easy?

He moved so quickly that she didn't have time to protest. "Here." He stepped behind her and reached his arms around her, positioning her hands on the handle. "Like this."

He smelled faintly of cologne - not the cheap kind, either. His warm hands covered hers and she could feel the hardness of his chest muscles on her back as he guided her arms in a smooth swing. Next he was showing her how to raise the weed whip and let it fall. As the whip came across the grass, it lay over neatly, cut sharply by the whip. She glanced up at his face - so close to hers - and her pulse quickened. She tried to cover her confusion with a wry smile and a casual question.

"Where did you learn to do that - on a golf course?"

His smile faltered and he stepped back. "Now try it on your own."

Her first solo swing was surprisingly successful. She gasped her delight and smiled up at him. "By gosh, I think I've got it," she spoke in a poor imitation of British accent.

He watched with an amused expression as she quickly leveled a small area of grass. He probably thought she was dense. How long had it taken him to learn? She glanced up as he plucked a pack of cigarettes from his shirt pocket.

His brows arched. "Mind if I smoke?"

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She leaned on the whip handle and scowled at him. "Yes I mind." At his startled expression, she softened the refusal with an explanation. "I spent three years smelling that stuff against my will. It's nice to finally have the option to vocalize my objection."

He tucked the package back in his pocket and lifted a dark brow. "Only the last three years? An on-the-job complaint or a short marriage?"

Why did he continue the farce when he must realize she had him pegged? She rolled her eyes. "As if you didn't know."

The other brow came up. "Know what?"




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