The Road To Love: Love by Degree / The Rain Sparrow

“Speaking of your true love, here’s your grocery list.”

Derek took it and slowly ran his finger down the items she’d need for his dinner with Michelle. “Is this going to cost more than twenty-five dollars?” He glanced up, his face doubtful.

“The pecans alone will be that much,” she exaggerated.

With only a hint of disappointment, Derek shook his head. “I think maybe Michelle and I should find a nice, cozy, inexpensive restaurant.”

Satisfied that her plan had worked so well, Ellen hid a smile. “Good idea. By the way,” she added, “Reed says he’ll be home Saturday.”

“So soon? He’s just been gone two weeks.”

“Apparently it’s a short job.”

“Apparently,” Derek grumbled. “I don’t have to be here, do I? Michelle wanted me to help her and her sister paint.”

“Derek,” Ellen said. “I didn’t even know you could wield a brush. The upstairs hallway—”

“Forget it,” he told her sharply. “I’m only doing this to help Michelle.”

“Right, but I’m sure Michelle would be willing to help you in exchange.”

“Hey, we’re students, not slaves.”

The following afternoon, the electrician arrived and was in and out of the house within thirty minutes. Ellen felt proud that she’d correctly traced the problem. She could probably have fixed it if Reed hadn’t become so frantic at the thought of her fumbling around with the wiring. Still, recalling his reaction made her smile.

* * *

THAT EVENING, ELLEN had finished loading the dishwasher and had just settled down at the kitchen table to study when the phone rang. Pat, who happened to be walking past it, answered.

“It’s Reed,” he told Ellen. “He wants to talk to you.”

With reflexes that surprised even her, Ellen bounded out of her chair.

“Reed,” she said into the receiver, holding it tightly against her ear. “Hello, how are you?”

“Fine. Did the electrician come?”

“He was here this afternoon.”

“Any problems?”

“No,” she breathed. He sounded wonderfully close, his voice warm and vibrant. “In fact, I was on the right track. I probably could’ve handled it myself.”

“I don’t want you to even think about fixing anything like that. You could end up killing yourself or someone else. I absolutely forbid it.”

“Aye, aye, sir.” His words had the immediate effect of igniting her temper, sending the hot blood roaring through her veins. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Reed since he’d left, but two minutes after picking up the phone, she was ready to argue with him again.

There was a long, awkward silence. Reed was the first to speak, expelling his breath sharply. “I didn’t mean to snap your head off,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you,” she responded, instantly soothed.

“How’s everything else going?”

“Fine.”

“Have the boys talked you into any more of their schemes?”

“They keep trying.”

“They wouldn’t be college kids if they didn’t.”

“I know.” It piqued her a little that Reed assumed she could be manipulated by three teenagers. “Don’t worry about me. I can hold my own with these guys.”

His low sensuous chuckle did funny things to her pulse. “It’s not you I’m concerned about.”

“Just what are you implying?” she asked with mock seriousness.

“I’m going to play this one smart and leave that last comment open-ended.”

“Clever of you, my friend, very clever.”

“I thought as much.”

After a short pause, Ellen quickly asked, “How’s everything with you?” She knew there really wasn’t anything more to say, but she didn’t want the conversation to end. Talking to Reed was almost as good as having him there.

“Much better, thanks. I shouldn’t have any problem getting home by Saturday.”

“Good.”

Another short silence followed.

“Well, I guess that’s all I’ve got to say. If I’m going to be any later than Saturday, I’ll give you a call.”

“Drive carefully.”

“I will. Bye, Ellen.”

“Goodbye, Reed.” Smiling, she replaced the receiver. When she glanced up, all three boys were staring at her, their arms crossed dramatically over their chests.

“I think something’s going on here.” Pat spoke first. “I answered the phone and Reed asked for Ellen. He didn’t even ask for Derek—his own brother.”

“Right.” Derek nodded vigorously.

“I’m wondering,” Monte said, rubbing his chin. “Could we have the makings of a romance on our hands?”

“I think we do,” Pat concurred.

“Stop it.” Ellen did her best to join in the banter, although she felt the color flooding her cheeks. “It makes sense that Reed would want to talk to me. I’m the oldest.”