Snowbound - Harlequin.com

132 SNOWBOUND
steady, he took out a cutting board and knife. “Trouble
is, going back the second time would be harder.”
Alarm flared on her face. “You won’t be deployed
again?”
“I’ve been discharged,” he said unemotionally. “I’d
be a liability now with this leg.”
“Oh.” Her voice was just above a whisper. “I’m glad.”
His throat felt thick. He couldn’t say anything.
“I can tell you don’t like talking about it. But…thank
you for explaining. The look on your face today…”
She shivered, seemingly unaware that she hugged
herself.
“I’m sorry I scared you.” The apology felt and sounded
inadequate to him, but he didn’t know what he could add.
Generous woman that she was, Fiona offered him a
smile that looked untainted by anything he’d said or
done. “Not to worry. Now, come on, admit it. Surely
you can use some help feeding the crowd.”
She wanted to stay here in the kitchen, with him?
Stunned, John said, “You’re a glutton for punishment.”
Now the smile became merry. “No, if I were a glutton
for punishment, I’d be in the great room with eight
teenagers. Instead I’m hiding out in the kitchen with
you. At least, I’d like to hide out in the kitchen with you.
If you’ll give me an excuse.”
He didn’t know when he’d felt luckier than he did
right now, realizing that Fiona MacPherson was giving
him a second chance.
“You might collect wet clothes and start a load of
laundry. Then you can help me with lunch.”
“Oh, good.” She sounded buoyant, as though he had