The Private Eye

wintry sunlight that streamed in through the window.
    Maggie forced herself to take a deep, steadying breath as she stepped forward. She was going to be dealing with Josh for the rest of the month, so she had to get used to seeing him in the mornings.
    The thing to do this morning, she decided, was to establish the ground rules. It was clear that Rule Number One was to act as if nothing at all had happened last night. After all, she thought with an odd sense of regret, nothing had happened. He hadn't even attempted to kiss her. He'd just invited her to do a background check on him.
    “Thank you.” Maggie took the cup he held out. “I take it you're an early riser?”
    “Looks like you are, too.” Josh grinned fleetingly, his gaze holding hers over the rim of his cup. “One more thing we have in common, I guess, huh?”
    She shrugged, choosing to ignore the taunting gleam in his eyes. “I'm one of the cooks around here, if you'll recall. I have to get up early, whether I like it or not.”
    “Ah, yes. I'm looking forward to the home-cooked breakfast that was promised in your letter. And the tea and scones mentioned in the brochure, too. Haven't had a scone in years. Do you put raisins in yours?”
    Maggie nearly choked on her coffee. “The tea and scones are only served when the manor is open for guests. I would have thought that was obvious,”
    “Nope. Tea and scones are part of the deal.” Josh's expression was unreadable. “As far as I'm concerned, I signed on for this job based on what was promised in that letter and the brochure that accompanied it. It’s a binding contract.”
    “Oh, for heaven's sake, Josh. I was merely listing the amenities of the manor. Surely you understood that. I didn't mean to imply that you were going to be served as if you were a paying guest.”
    “That's exactly what was implied. And I'm holding you to what was promised.” He ticked the items off on his fingers. “A home-cooked breakfast, tea and scones in the afternoons, and a gourmet dinner.”
    “Is that so? Well, when do I start getting some investigation services in return?”
    “Relax -I've been on the job since the minute I walked through your front door-You're in good hands, lady.”
    “Wonderful. So reassuring to know the future of the manor is in the hands of an investigator who has problems just getting out of bed,” Maggie grumbled - She caught her breath as she realized she had just broken her own rule about not mentioning the previous night. Her gaze flew to Josh's and she knew it was too much to hope that he would ignore the comment.
    “I may have a little trouble getting out of bed, Maggie, but I can guarantee you I know how to get into you.”
    Maggie lifted her chin proudly. “I think I should tell you I do not appreciate that kind of humour. Furthermore, as I am your employer, it is within my rights to set the standards of behaviour I shall expect from you in the future-1 wish to make it very clear that I expect that behaviour to be entirely businesslike and professional in nature. Do you understand?”
    “Got it.” He took a swallow of coffee and smiled again. “Going to make that phone call to McCray today?”
    “No, I am not. I have no reason to make it.”
    “I'll give you a reason,” Josh said softly.
    Before Maggie realized his intentions, he set down his coffee mug on the counter and reached for her.
    “ Josh ,” Maggie looked up at him as tension suddenly rippled through her. She felt herself being tugged gently, inevitably, forward, and for the life of her she swamping her good sense.
    “I wanted to do this last night,” Josh muttered.
    He bent his head and his mouth brushed lightly across hers. The kiss was full of masculine invitation and tantalizing promise. Maggie tasted coffee and an intimate warmth that made her shiver.
    Josh lifted his head almost at once, breaking the contact before she even had time to decide how to react. He watched her with lazy, glittering eyes as she instinctively touched her lips with wondering fingertips.
    The brief embrace had been a hint of possibilities, not a full-blown kiss, she reflected. Still, she had felt it to the soles of her feet. Just as she had known she would.
    Just as he must have known she would.
    “I didn't do it last night because I figured it would be a little too much for you. And a little too soon.” Josh slid his hands slowly up her arms to her shoulders and then wrapped them gently around the nape of her