Someone Else's Conflict by Alison Layland Read Free Book Online Page B

unable to come and help sooner.
    â€˜I see you’ve managed admirably, though,’ he said, nodding towards the jeep.
    â€˜It wasn’t as bad as it looked.’ She found herself somehow unwilling to mention the help she’d had, or reveal to Richard her impulsiveness in inviting a stranger to stay the night. If there was a wrong impression to get, he’d probably get it. ‘The car started, thank goodness, so I’ve got a lifeline. There’s still a lot of work to do though.’
    Despite the rain and deepening dusk, he insisted they walked up the hillside to inspect the slip. He knew this land far better than she or Jay did and she was reassured when he confirmed their verdict that it was probably safe from further movement.
    â€˜Dot said to tell you you’re welcome to come over and stay with us while the electric’s off, love.’
    â€˜Thanks, but I’ll be fine. I’ve got far too much to do; I should stay here. There’s the cat to think of as well.’
    â€˜I’m afraid I can’t really come up and help you for a few days. I promised to take Dot over to her mother’s tomorrow. She’s not well. Tom’ll be keeping an eye on the farm, so we’ll be away till the end of the week. I could drop her off and come back, though, and—’
    â€˜Don’t feel you have do anything of the sort. I can manage. If the phone’s still off next weekend I’ll pop down and see you so you know I’m still here.’
    â€˜I have to admire your independence, love.’ He laughed, but sounded relieved.
    She watched his tail lights disappear down the lane through the trees, went indoors and began to think about cooking. Her guest eventually emerged from the bathroom in a cloud of steam, Matt’s clothes looking slightly big on him. He appeared to have made a real effort.
    â€˜Sorry to have been so long. Dozed off.’ He grinned sheepishly and with brushed damp hair, neatly-trimmed beard and clean face seemed quite at home. He glanced over to his own clothes in the sink. ‘It occurred to me, your washing machine won’t be working. I can’t believe you made an offer like that.’
    â€˜I’ve been thinking the same thing myself.’
    She left him with instructions to prepare the vegetables he’d brought and went to enjoy the luxury of a hot bath. A short time later she returned to a scene of candlelit domesticity, the table laid, a row of clothes strung up and steaming above the Rayburn, the occasional spitting hiss as a drip hit the hob, lidded pans bubbling away. A bottle of wine was open on the table; she was looking at it as Jay came through from lighting the living room fire.
    â€˜Hope you don’t mind,’ he said, waving a hand towards her wine rack. ‘I know as a dinner guest I should’ve brought something, but…’ he gave her another of his disarming smiles, ‘I wasn’t sure where the nearest off-licence was. I’ll make up for it tomorrow.’
    â€˜Um, don’t worry, I’d have opened one anyway,’ she lied as he picked up the bottle and poured two glasses with a flourish.
    â€˜Here’s to good old-fashioned hospitality,’ he said, raising a glass.
    She chinked hers against it and as she sipped heard heavy rain battering against the window. A wind had risen. She felt vindicated; she’d never have forgiven herself for turning anyone out on a night like this. She went to the stove and gave the casserole a final stir.
    â€˜I really appreciate this,’ he said as he sat to the table. ‘You don’t want to know how long it is since I had a hot bath. And a square meal, let alone a dinner half as good as this.’
    â€˜You haven’t tasted it yet.’ She brought the pot over to the table.
    â€˜A proper roof over my head,’ he continued, ‘and a pretty woman for company.’
    â€˜Less of the sweet talk,’ she said,