tomorrow； a tiny voice said；
protect yourself； you don't need this pain。 But a louder voice told her
to wait。 Mitch made her feel。 She wanted to be with him。 There was
always hope。
On that optimistic note she fell into a deep sleep； long after all sound
of life from downstairs had ceased。 The rain continued to pound the
windows； but it was the smell of strong coffee that finally woke her up。
Even before she opened her eyes； she knew he was there in her room。 The
weight by her right hip； a distinct depression in the mattress； the
faint hint of after…shave…all told her so。 She opened heavy eyes and
focused on him。 Through a sleepy haze； he looked soft； gentle； and
caring。 Freshly shaven； showered； and dressed； he was powerfully male。
His face was one big tender smile； broken only when he sipped coffee
from the mug he held。
〃Good morning；〃 he said。 〃I'd begun to wonder whether you'd ever wake
up。 A real sleeping beauty。〃
Anne was relieved enough that his mood had improved to muster a smile。
〃I had trouble falling asleep。〃
〃Tell me about it。〃
〃Hmph。 Got a taste of your own medicine？〃 Pushing higher up on the
pillow； she moved her hair off her cheek。
As the quilt fell away； Mitch's eyes lit。 〃What's this？ Bare arms？ A
negligee？ Where'd the long flannel nightgown go？ It's not that warm
yet。〃
Anne scowled。 〃It's not a negligee。 A negligee is something daring。 This
is just a nightgown。〃 Primly； she pulled the quilt to her throat。
〃We're arguing semantics； Annie。 The fact is； you look like a woman
should look first thing in the morning。〃
〃I look awful；〃 she grumbled； picturing ratty hai