Under other circumstances, he could have appreciated the changes, but not with her. Not with the promises he’d made.

“Obviously you received the letter from the lawyer or you wouldn’t be here,” she said. “You’re required to stay for a month. At the end of that time, there will be a brief but meaningful ceremony deeding the house to the town, handing over the keys and the money. You and the other Samurai are free to mingle and catch up, then you’re free to go.” She glanced at the single suitcase and computer bag. “You travel light.”

“Makes it easier to move around.”

“But it doesn’t give you many choices for that unexpected costume party.”

“Is there going to be one?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Then I’m good.”

She tilted her head slightly, a gesture he remembered. Funny how he could still see the girl in the woman. He’d always liked the girl. He didn’t plan to get to know the woman.

He looked her over, then frowned. Was it just him or were her shorts way too short? Not that he didn’t appreciate the display of leg, but this was Meredith-Hunter’s baby sister. And should her shirt really be that…revealing?

“I’m staying here, too.”

Her voice was low and sexy, and had she been anyone else, he would have welcomed the distraction.

“Why?” he asked bluntly.

“I’m the housekeeper. The one you were promised. I’m here to make your life…easier.”

There was almost a challenge in the statement. “I don’t need a housekeeper.”

“You’re not being given a choice. I come with the property.”

“That’s ridiculous,” he said flatly. He happened to know she worked for a D.C. think tank and was currently on loan to JPL and some private company, helping them develop a better solid rocket fuel.

“Such language,” she scolded gently, then smiled. “It’s what Hunter wanted. We’re both here because of him.”

He frowned. He didn’t buy her story. Why would Hunter want his sister at the house for a month? But then, he’d asked all his friends to spend time here, so it was possible. Besides, it wasn’t as if Meri would want to be in the same house as him. Not after what had happened on her seventeenth birthday.