Secrets & Seductions by Pamela Toth

instead.
    â€œCan I do anything to help?” he asked.
    â€œNope.” She set down their mugs of tea and the brownie that she had cut in two. “I hope you don’t mind.” She added a pair of candles. “No point in wasting propane.”
    She turned off the lanterns, leaving the rest of the kitchen in shadows. Before Morgan could get to his feet, she’d plopped herself in the chair opposite him, apparently oblivious to the sense of intimacy the candlelight created.
    â€œWhat a day,” she said, spooning sugar into her tea. “How about you?”
    He was amazed by the ease he felt, as though ending their day together had become a comfortable routine despite the awareness between them.
    This was what a relationship should be, he thought suddenly. It took an effort for Morgan to drag himself away from places he had no business being.
    As she sipped her tea, Emma watched him over the brim of her mug.
    â€œHeavy thoughts?” she prodded, breaking the silence between them.
    â€œJust the usual.” He fiddled with his teabag. “Reviewing tomorrow’s schedule in my head.”
    She nodded without speaking.
    â€œYou’re a good listener,” he realized aloud. “Without meaning to sound sexist because I’m really not referring only to women, I have to say that’s a rare commodity. So many people are only at ease with noise.”
    â€œThank you, I think.”
    Her answering smile drew his attention back to her full lips. Unwelcome awareness shot through him.
    He glanced out the window. Except for their small circle of light, the rest of the camp was dark and quiet. After lights-out, flashlights were allowed only for nocturnal trips to the privy.
    â€œI think this is my favorite time of the day,” he admitted as he stared down at his tea.
    â€œWhy is that?” Emma broke off a piece of the divided brownie and ate it.
    A good listener could draw out secrets that a person never meant to reveal, as could a few well-chosen questions. Morgan had used that strategy himself, both at work and in his personal life. He weighed each word carefully.
    â€œEvery day’s a challenge. By nightfall, I know how well it’s been met.”
    â€œWhy do you do all this?” She made a sweeping gesture with her hand. “Don’t get me wrong. Bringing these kids here every year is a fabulous thing to do, but it’s got to be a huge commitment of your time and effort. Do you ever think about quitting and letting someone else take over?”
    He leaned forward. “You’re good,” he said appreciatively. “I can’t imagine why your school district let you go.”
    She straightened away from him, looking offended. “I don’t know what you mean.”
    â€œIt was a compliment, Emma. You have the gift of making someone feel important. You make me want to tell you things I don’t normally share.” He stirred his cooling tea. “I’ve watched you with the kids here at camp. They open up to you. With some of them, it’s not easy to gain their trust, but you seem to manage.”
    â€œI’m only doing my job,” she murmured.
    â€œAnd I’ll write you a great recommendation,” he replied. “I’m sure you’ll find something soon.”
    She sighed and pushed the brownie plate toward him. “Thank you.”
    â€œHow are things with your family?” he asked carefully.
    Her rueful smile faded, her gaze turning blank. “Nothing’s changed. I’m still adopted and they still kept it from me.”
    â€œHave you tried talking to them again?” he persisted.
    She shook her head, staring down at her hands.
    He ignored the urge to push back his chair and get to his feet, to pull her up with him and wrap her in his arms. The desire to offer comfort was tangled with the craving to feel her body pressed tightly against him.
    â€œI’m sure they love you,” he