Kay Stockham - Montana Secrets (Harlequin Super Romance Series , #1307)

G RACE K ORBIT FLINCHED when a book slammed against the wall three feet to the right of her head.

Next time I wont miss. Get out.

Gathering her courage, she peered into Seth Rowlands bedroom, unable to see much because of the dark blinds covering the windows. Too bad they didnt block the smell. Musty air and a decidedly unpleasant aroma assailed her.

You gotta hearing problem? None of youve managed to fix me yet and Im sick of waiting for a miracle.

Grace was shocked. This wasnt the Seth she remembered. Taking a deep breath, she ignored his order and went inside, hoping her instincts would protect her from any additional flying objects. Three steps in, her foot landed on something soft and skidded an inch to the left. Eeeew.

But the goo sticking to her foot explained the smell. At least part of it. The pungent odor of a too-ripe banana filled her nostrils. She lifted her shoe, hobbling momentarily and, using the light streaming in from the connecting bedroom, spotted the outline of an overflowing trash can. She shook her foot over the container until she heard a dull thunk.

How about I open the blinds and windows? she asked, her voice husky as she scraped the sole of her shoe over the edge. That done, a steadying breath full of dust and the lingering smell of fruit propelled her quickly through the mess.

How about you go Seth finished his crude suggestion. Grace winced, but shed heard worse.

She trailed her fingers along the wall until they found the drawstring pull of the blind and yanked hard, although she regretted it instantly when the dust flew. She waved one hand in front of her face while unlocking the sash with the other. Cold, crisp air flowed in.

Seths eyes bored a hole into her back as Grace made her way to the second window, thankful the sunlight enabled her to maneuver around the messy room, which looked as though it hadnt been cleaned in weeks.

Mindful of the dust, she raised this blind slower, giving the task more attention than it deserved due to a sudden nervousness. How had she ever convinced herself she could do this? See Seth again? Talk to him, touch him? But in the same vein, how could she have said no?

She stared outside, at the dirt-and-gravel road leading away from the house, and knew this was one window shed better keep closed. Otherwise shed have a hard time fighting the temptation to climb through and make a run for it.

Unable to postpone the inevitable any longer, she turned. Seth, I Grace gasped at the sight of him and hated herself because she wasnt quick enough to squelch the revealing sound. He heard, too, because his gaze narrowed on her and she knew the exact moment he recognized herand she realized in an instant Jake hadnt told Seth his ex-girlfriend was to be his next physical therapist.

Seths eyes widened, then he looked away. But in that moment in between she saw it all. Saw the cold, bitter distance shed created. The anger and upset and breath-stealing pain.

Seths guarded stare reminded her of an injured, cornered animal, fighting back out of instinct, but unsure of whether or not he really wanted to continue the battle.

Oh, Seth.

Lucky for her he appeared as shocked to see her as she was to see him in such a condition. She fell back on six years of training and experience. Lessons hard learned and refined by taking on some of the most difficult cases others had given up on. Like Seth.

Squaring her shoulders, she swallowed. Its good to see you, Seth. Do you throw books at everyone who comes through the door or just me?

Jaw tight, he continued to glare. I thought you were Ah, hell no, he growled as understanding replaced his shock.

She forced herself to move closer with a confidence she didnt feel. Thats right. Im your new therapist.

Grace crossed her arms over her chest, hoping it looked like a gesture of strength, even arrogance, instead of what it really wasan attempt to control her quivering limbs.

He laughed, the sound gruff and low, sending shivers through her.