Page 20 of An Accidental Love Affair

“I don’t snore,” she huffed.

“All right, snuffling.”

“I don’t snuffle either.”

He grunted in reply, taking their bags out of the back of the car and leading her toward a door. He rapped twice, entering the house before anyone answered.

Nicole was close on his heels but backed out when a brown-haired woman entered the room, saw Reece, and began to yell at the top of her lungs.

“Master Colin! What on earth are you doing coming in through here when there’s a perfectly good front door? And who do you have with you?”

Nicole blushed as she stepped into what was obviously the kitchen.

“Maggie, this is my friend, Nicole.” He turned to her. “And Nicole, this is Maggie, the only woman I will truly love.”

“And that’s only because I fed you cookies when you were growing up.” She smiled over at Nicole. “It’s very nice to meet you, Miss.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Maggie.”

The woman waved them into the room. “Please have a seat. I’m sure you’re tired after your drive.”

“In truth, Maggie, I don’t believe Nicole’s tired at all. She slept the whole way here.”

The woman poured them both a drink and then sat down across the table from them. “Well, it can be a bit of a stretch when you’re not used to it.” She waited for them to speak, but she continued when no more conversation was forthcoming. “Well, Master Colin, to what do I owe this honor?”

Reece rolled his eyes. “Maggie, stop all the ‘Master’ crap. My parents aren’t here, are they?”

“No, but we have a guest.”

“We do, and you know how I feel. I’m just Colin.” He shot a glance at his guest.

Nicole sat there, quiet and confused, and unsure what was happening. Why was Maggie calling him Colin?

Maggie dusted her hands off and stood. “I expect you’re peckish. Colin,” she said pointedly, “why don’t you show your guest to her room, and I’ll throw something together for us to eat.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’m a bit knackered, and I’m sure Nicole wouldn’t mind more of a kip. We’ll come see you when we wake.” Reece stood, grabbing their bags and leading Nicole out the door and down the hall. As they entered the great hall, walking toward the stairs, she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

“Is there something you’d like to tell me?” she asked as they began to climb them.

His shoulders stiffened. “What do you mean?”

“Why does Maggie call you Colin?”

He shrugged. “Ummm, can I tell you that later?” He led her down the hall to a room, holding the door open for her as she passed.

She laughed. “Look who’s procrastinating now.” Nicole stepped around him, stopping in midstride and gaping in amazement. She felt like she’d just entered a royal palace. This room was three times the size of her bedroom at home, and she had to share that with her sister. “Okay, where have you taken me now?”

“This is your room while we’re here.”

She scoffed as she stepped forward. “Yeah, this isn’t a room; it’s a freakin’ apartment. No, it’s bigger than an apartment. It’s a condo.”

He set down her bag, raking his hand through his hair. He was hoping she wouldn’t have this reaction. “No, it’s a guest bedroom.”

She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Reece, I just need a bed to sleep in. You could put me in the attic, and I’d be happy. I don’t need much.”

“Well, you’ll just have to suffer through it. The attic’s full.” There was an edge to his voice.

She frowned. “I wasn’t trying to make you uncomfortable, Reece. I like this room. It’s beautiful. I’m afraid to touch anything, though. It all looks like it belongs in a museum. I wouldn’t want to break anything.”

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