Page 23 of Home Team Advantage
Anna realized the cookies were still in her hands. “Oh, uh, yeah. To thank you for helping with the snow yesterday.”
She thrust the cookies out to him. Instead of taking them, however, he stepped back and opened the door wider.
“Come on in.”
She didn’t dare, but she did allow herself a quick eye sweep, mostly to regain the sense of balance he’d knocked completely off-kilter. The place looked even cozier on the inside. A fire blazed in a stone hearth. The furnishings were done in deep jewel tones. The oversize sectional was the kind a person could snuggle down into and stay for days. Oh, and gorgeous framed sketches on the wall that looked like originals.
“I was just making myself some coffee,” he said, breaking into her appraisal. “Join me?”
Her eyes snapped back to his, and she instinctively took a step back. “What? I mean, no, thanks. I need to get back.”
He looked up toward Mrs. Campbell’s house, smiled, and waved. “I don’t think Mrs. C would mind if you came in for a few minutes.”
“Yes, but …” A sudden gust of wind blew through the still-open door, pushing the sides of his open shirt back. She caught a flash of gold.
Holy Madonna. Were those gold rings through his nipples?
More importantly, was that a bandage taped to his side? With a red stain seeping through?
“You’re bleeding.”
The change was subtle, but Matt’s easy, relaxed posture became less so. He pulled the halves of his shirt together and fastened the lowest button, covering the bandage. His smile was still there, though his gray eyes had lost some of their amusement. “It’s nothing.”
“Really? Because it sure looks like something.” She couldn’t believe what was about to come out of her mouth. “Would you, uh, like me to take a look at that for you?”
“Not necessary.”
“I have medical training.” Why was she pushing?
“It’s fine. Really. Thanks for bringing these down, and please thank Mrs. Campbell for making them too.” He held his hand out expectantly.
I made them, she thought, but said nothing. Clearly, the invitation to stay for a cup of coffee had been rescinded.
“Of course,” she said, handing them over. “Enjoy.”
“I’m sure I will.”
With nothing more to say, Anna stepped back and turned to go. She hadn’t made it to the first step before the heavy door closed behind her.
What was that all about?
Elsa gave her a disappointed look when she reentered her house a few short minutes later.
“What’s that look for?” Anna asked. “I gave him the cookies.”
“Didn’t he invite you in?”
“He did. I said no.”
Mrs. Campbell gave an exasperated sigh that sounded a lot like her name. “Don’t you like him?”
Anna narrowed her eyes. Clearly, there had been more behind the baking and taking of cookies than simple appreciation. Time to nip that in the bud.
“I have no feelings for him one way or the other,” she lied.
“Well, for what it’s worth, I think he likes you. I saw the way he looked at you.”
How was he looking at me? Anna bit her tongue to stop the words from passing over her lips. She was trying to make a point. “Then, perhaps we should add an appointment with the optometrist to our schedule.”
