Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [51]
All the books and manuals she’d read about sex had page upon page of description. Although none of the so-called experts had come right out and said it, the implication was there, plain as day. The authors seemed to imply that sex was overrated. Not in Margaret’s opinion.
Perhaps because she hadn’t had many expectations, she’d been pleasantly surprised by how much she liked it. Apparently Matt did, too, because he was as eager for her as she was for him. He often told her she was a fast learner. Margaret was convinced she’d taught him a thing or two herself, although he probably wouldn’t admit that.
Her husband might not have married her for love, but she was determined to win his heart. Every day she grew more and more encouraged. Eventually he would love her; she was sure of it.
The phone pealed and Margaret automatically reached for the receiver on her desk.
“Hello,” she said in her usual no-nonsense tone.
Sadie picked up at the same time. “Hello.”
“I’m calling for Matt Eilers.” The voice on the other end of the line was decidedly female. Decidedly sexy.
“I’ve got it,” Sadie said gruffly.
Margaret was about to replace the receiver, but hesitated, listening for a moment longer while Sadie informed the woman that Matt was out for the day. Lately, she noted, the housekeeper made a mad dash for the phone any time it rang. Now Margaret wondered if there was a reason she knew nothing about.
“Have you given Matt my messages?” the other woman asked, her voice defiant and angry.
“I have.” This came from Sadie.
“But I have to talk to him!”
“I told Mr. Eilers about your calls and he said he didn’t want to speak to you. He asked that you not phone here again.”
“Then you tell him that either he gets in touch with me soon or he’ll live to regret it.”
Margaret had already listened to more than she should have. Quietly putting down the receiver, she kept her hand poised over the phone. She should be pleased Matt didn’t want to talk to another woman but she wasn’t. She wanted to know more.
Before doing anything rash, she tried to reason out her feelings, sorting through the days for any evidence that her husband had been unfaithful. She knew for a fact that he hadn’t been with anyone else since their wedding. There hadn’t been a day in which they weren’t together almost every hour.
Jealousy burned in her. Margaret had never thought of herself as the suspicious type, but she couldn’t just ignore this. Her father had taught her to go to the source and that was exactly what she intended to do.
Margaret got up and retrieved her hat and coat from the hallway, then marched outside.
Matt had pulled his truck into one of the outbuildings and was bent over the side, working on the engine. He didn’t hear her approach or if he did, he was too involved in what he was doing to acknowledge her.
“Who’s the woman who keeps phoning the house asking for you?” Margaret demanded.
Matt straightened and reached for a rag to wipe the grease from his hands. “I thought you were clearing your desk.”
“I did, but the phone rang.”
“Oh.” The red in his ears wasn’t from the cold; Margaret would have wagered money on that.
“You’d better tell me.” Her eyes hardened and she refused to release his. Anger settled in the pit of her stomach. She knew what people said about her marriage. She didn’t want to look any more of a fool than she already did.
“Maybe we should wait and discuss this later,” Matt suggested.
Margaret shook her head. “We’ll talk about it now.”
He stared at her a moment, then a slow, sexy grin widened his mouth. He was obviously about to say something.
She didn’t give him a chance. “Nor am I willing to be sidetracked.”
Matt sighed. “Dammit, Margaret, there’s nothing for you to get upset about.”
“I’m not upset.” She crossed her arms, disliking this unpleasant feeling that came over her.
“She isn’t important—”
“Does she have a name?”
Matt met her gaze straight on. “It’s Sheryl, but I swear to you I haven’t seen her in weeks.”
The uncomfortable tightness in