Chapter 64

“Some of my friends are in town again, spending Valentine’s Day together instead of by themselves elsewhere. Want to join us? There’ll be lots of food and I know you’re hungry. I can hear your stomach complaining all the way over here.”

Since the time I’d been at René’s house, he was constantly inviting me over, and I just as steadfastly refused. I didn’t want to intrude, and I felt I had no place in his world except as someone doing a job he was paying me for. As much as I lusted after the man, I knew my place.

So, reluctantly, I shook my head yet again and focused on the task at hand—getting the floor clean. “Thanks for the invitation, but I know that Woody left some stuff in the oven and I wouldn’t want to hurt his feelings by not eating it.” Weak, as excuses went, but it was all I could think of at the moment.

“You sure that’s the only reason?”