Courtship of the Recluse

Claudette was a knockout. She had large brown eyes with thick black lashes and matching hair that was stacked becomingly on top of her head. From her long neck to her slender ankles, Claudette was dainty and feminine. Her rosebud mouth curved into a smile that never reached her eyes. She was attached to the arm of good-looking man wearing a business suit.

Cade made the introductions.

"This is Cynthia Turley. I hired her as a housekeeper a few months ago. Cynthia, this is Claudette Lander and her husband Carl."

Cynthia offered a hand to Carl and he accepted it cordially. "Nice to meet you," he said. "I didn't know Russell had a maid."

Claudette glanced around the room. "It's about time he did something with this old house." Finally her gaze came back to Cynthia. "I assume you're the one responsible for the new look. Nice job."

Cade was standing behind Claudette and her husband. He winked and made the OK hand sign. Obviously the room had passed an important inspection. He picked up the luggage.

"I'll show you where you will sleep while Cynthia gets supper on the table."

Supper was ready and the table set. Cindy carefully laid out the food in an attractive manner and retired to the kitchen. A few minutes later Cade popped his head around the door.

"Is everything ready?"

"Yes. It's all on the table. Go ahead and eat. I'll bring desert in after a little while."

He frowned and stepped into the kitchen. "You're not eating? Are you feeling ill?"

"No. I'll eat later."

He shook his head. "No. You'll eat with us."

"But it wouldn't be proper. I'm the hired help."

He scowled at her. "I don't care. You eat with us. That's an order."

"Yes sir."

"And none of that yes sir stuff, either. I want someone who can contribute intelligent conversation, not grovel at my feet."

She raised her brows. "And so you asked me? Don't you think you're setting yourself up for a disappointment?"

His eyes twinkled and he jabbed a thumb at the dining room. "Save the smart talk for later. Get on in there and set yourself a place - or do I have to do that?"

She wrinkled her nose at him as she brushed by and he tugged playfully at her hair. She quirked a brow and made an exaggerated point of putting her hair back in order, tossing her head pertly and smiling up at him.

Claudette and Carl were waiting patiently in the dining room when Cynthia and Cade entered. Sobering, Cynthia addressed them.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I didn't realize I was supposed to dine with you. Go ahead and take a seat while I set another place."