Gregory
cleared his throat. "I, uh, want you to know, although
it goes without saying...I mean, you don't have to wory that
I'll, ahem, take advantage of our situation."
"What
do you mean?" Melissa turned to face him, soapy water
dripping from her hands.
"You're
a young attractive woman living in a house with a single man-"
"Oh,
that!" Melissa said, astonished. "I never imagined
that you and I... Why you're too ol-"
Old!
He raised his dark eyebrows. "I'm too what?"
"O-old-fashioned,"
she stammered. "I mean that in the nicest sense possible.
You're a gentleman." She took a deep breath. "Besides,
you've made it quite clear you think I'm a loon."
He
smiled tightly, still stinging from her assessment. He wanted
to tell her that younger women than her had given him the
eye. "Loon might be a little harsh."
