“Maybe,” he said. “But I did use it as an excuse to give up.”

  “I don’t think so, Sean,” she said gently. “I think that maybe it was more like a reason for you to come home.”

  “Thank you, Leah,” he said. “You always make me see a different side of things.”

  She dropped her head onto his chest and shuddered, and he held her tighter, absorbing the warmth of her through to his bones. Finally she lifted her head and turned her face upward. “Sean,” she said, speaking clearly. “Would you make love to me?”

  His body clenched with a heavy ache. “I’ve been wanting to do that all day.”

  They walked up the stairs and then inside, and without another word they headed for his bedroom. It was almost cathartic the way they removed one another’s clothes, and her touch was like a tonic. Every stroke, each gentle touch of her fingertips was calming and created an almost cosmic shift in his soul. He kissed her deeply and she kissed him back. He caressed her with a kind of reverence he’d never experienced before, but was so caught up in the moment, in the passion they shared, he didn’t dare to wonder why her touch was like no other. She came apart in his arms, saying his name over and over like a chant, and once birth control was in place, Sean rolled onto his back and took her with him, placing his hands on her hips, urging her into a primal, erotic rhythm that shattered his control and made him groan with pleasure. There was something almost pagan about the way she looked as she ground her hips against him, her beautiful wanton hair tumbling over her shoulders, her head thrown back, exposing her long smooth neck. Her nipples were hard peaks and he longed to put his mouth there, to tease the pebbled pink flesh with his tongue, and the mental image undid him. He matched her rhythm, grinding against her, feeling her body shudder, taking him on a wild ride that was mind-blowing in its intensity as release claimed him. He couldn’t think. Couldn’t do anything other than feel. He’d had great sex in the past—but nothing like this. He wasn’t used to losing his mind. She collapsed against him, kissing him long and hard, her tongue in his mouth even though they were both panting and breathless. But he didn’t care. He didn’t want the feeling to end. Didn’t want to lose the connection and unbridled intimacy of their joining.

  “Holy Mother of God,” he muttered against her mouth before she moved her lips and began kissing his neck. “That was incredible.”

  She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “We do seem to get this right.”

  “I’m not exaggerating,” he said and ran his hands down her hips and thighs and then back up, looping them around her waist. “My brain is addled. I always thought that it was a myth.”

  “What was a myth?”

  “The perfect moment,” he replied, kissing her shoulder. “You know, truly sensational sex.”

  “Well, you have more to compare it to than me,” she said and smiled.

  “Not as many as you might think,” he said and touched her face. “So, like I said,” he whispered, trailing his mouth up her collarbone. “Perfect.”

  They stayed in bed for a while, touching and making out, talking about nothing in particular and avoiding discussing the day they’d had. He knew she was unhappy, knew she’d somehow had a bad day and needed something from him. Solace, he thought vaguely, feeling the passion return as she trailed kisses down his chest and belly. Perhaps that’s what they were to one another? Maybe that’s why they had connected. Even though she did things to his libido he hadn’t imagined possible, there was some other connection that drew them together. Kinship. Friendship. Soulship—if there was such a thing.

  It was after nine when they dragged themselves from bed, had a shower and afterward snuggled on the couch and watched television. She wore a baggy pair of his sweats, the hems rolled up to her ankles and wrists, and looked as sexy as hell.

  “Want to tell me about it?” he asked, tracing his fingertips along one bare foot.

  “About my crappy day?” she remarked, looking at him. “Not really. And it wasn’t so bad...just a lot people in one place who think they know me and can tell me how to live my life.”

  “Ah,” he said and smiled. “I take it big brother had something to say?”

  She shrugged. “David was simply being David. Overprotective and opinionated. Although he was surprised when I told him about the art show. I’m sure he believed I’d never do it again after the last time.”

  “You’ll be fine,” he assured her, seeing doubt cloud her expression. “And I’m certain it will be successful.”

  Her gaze narrowed. “But how can you be sure?”

  “Instinct,” he replied. “Experience. You’re in good hands.”

  She grabbed his fingers and squeezed them. “I know.”

  Something uncurled in his chest, a feeling he wasn’t accustomed to. “Leah, you know I like the time we spend together.” He saw her nod, and also saw the uncertainty in her expression. “But I’m not ready for anything serious—like a relationship.”

  “I know that.”

  Guilt pitched in his chest. She was so damned agreeable. He should have been reassured, but wasn’t. “It’s only that we’ve talked about this...you know...about us. You know I’m not looking for anything permanent right now.”

  She pulled her hand away. “Are you truly that egotistical?”

  He stilled. “It’s not ego, it’s honesty.”

  “You mean it’s okay to be hurtful if you’re doing it with the best intentions?”

  “I don’t mean to hurt you,” he insisted and swung his legs off the couch. “If I have, then I’m sorry. But I thought you understood what this was about.”

  “I do,” she said hotly. “But your constant need to remind me is a little tiring, and frankly unnecessary. I know what you want, Sean. I know you’re not interested in commitment or a relationship. I know you want to keep this casual. So then keep it casual,” she said and got to her feet. “And stop implying that I want something else.”

  “Don’t you?” he asked bluntly.

  “What I want isn’t the issue,” she replied. “You know what I think—I think you keep bringing this up because it gives you an easy escape clause. Well, you don’t need one. If you want to end this, then end it.”

  His insides lurched. “I don’t want to end it, Leah. I just don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Then don’t,” she said. “I’m not fragile, Sean. I’ve been hurt in the past and managed to pull through it. I’m not about to fall apart at the idea of breaking up with you—since we’re not really dating anyway. Friends with benefits, remember?”

  He didn’t like the way that sounded. Stupid. Some modern, meaningless term for a connection that went deeper than friendship. But he wasn’t about to admit such a thing. It was better she believed he was disinterested in anything more, just as she was. Anyhow, that was the truth. He wasn’t the relationship kind of guy. Never had been. But he’d never been with a woman like Leah, either. He was drawn to her lack of artifice; the way she wore her jeans and flowing tops; the way she swayed when she walked; to her luscious mouth and the lovely colors of her hair; and the way it felt so damned good threaded between his fingers or trailing over his chest.

  “Did you want to know why I came here this afternoon?” she asked, her voice quiet, but oddly, he could hear every word. “Because I wanted a friend, not only a lover. And not a boyfriend, Sean, if that’s what’s worrying you.”

  But he was worried. For her. For them. And for himself.

  * * *

  Leah wasn’t sure how she found the strength to stay with him on Thanksgiving night. But staying seemed the lesser of two evils. If she left, he would have more questions, more attempts at pacifying her with words about not wanting to hurt her, or platitudes about what he couldn’t give her. In the end, she headed back to his bedroom and went to sleep. Or at least pretended to. He didn’t join her until well after midnight, and by then she was lying on her side, controlling her breathing, trying to look as though she was sleeping. He didn’t disturb her, didn’t try to hold her, didn’t do anything other than roll over, plump out a pillow and let out a long sigh.

  She got up early, dressed quickly and left without saying goodbye to him as he was still dozing. She headed home, and as always, the dogs were waiting for her by the back door and her father was already in the kitchen.

  “Morning,” Ivan said and looked up from his tea and crossword puzzle.

  Leah sat down opposite her father, placed her elbows on the table and let out a long breath. “David thinks I’m in love with Sean.”

  “And are you?” Ivan queried and sipped his tea.

  She shrugged. “There’s not much point in loving a man who doesn’t believe in love.”

  “Are you sure that’s how he feels?”

  Heat burned her eyes. “You know him, Dad... Sean isn’t exactly emotionally accessible.”

  “Are you?”

  She met his worried gaze. “Maybe not,” she said and got to her feet, glancing at the clock on the wall. “Don’t forget the physiotherapist is coming this morning,” she reminded him. It had taken some effort getting her father to agree to in-house visits by the physical therapist, but finally he’d given in to her nagging. It meant he didn’t have to travel into town and could have more regular sessions. “If you don’t need me for anything, I promised Ellie I’d go riding with her this morning. Apparently Chico needs some exercise.”

  He father nodded. “You’re fond of that animal, aren’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’d be happy to give you the money to buy him,” Ivan said quietly. “Even though I know Mitch has offered the horse to you free of charge.”

  Leah inhaled heavily. “And I’ll tell you exactly what I said to Mitch—thank you, but no. I won’t allow you to dip into your savings, and I won’t take charity from my cousin.”

  “David would give you the money in a heartbeat,” Ivan remarked.

  “I know,” she said. “Which is exactly why I would never take it. I do have my pride, Dad, regardless of what you all think. Xavier may have cleaned out my bank account, but that doesn’t mean I’d resort to handouts from relatives. I’m going to get changed, and then I’ll see you later.”

  She was at the Triple C within the hour and met Ellie by the stable. Chico was also waiting for her, stamping an impatient foot as she tacked him up and snorting when she tightened the cinch. They went for a long ride along the fence perimeter, and Leah was happy for the chance to spend time with Chico and not think about everything else. Or someone else in particular. When they returned, it was close to lunchtime and the weather had begun to turn. They hitched the horses on the rail near the corral with the plan to give them a solid brush down.

  “Chico behaved well, but he’s been in a mood this week,” Ellie said and stood beside her. “He’s the type of horse that needs work every couple of days, and I don’t have time to ride both him and Valiant,” she said and hooked a thumb in the direction of her big gelding. “Besides, Chico only likes you.”

  Leah stroked the animal’s face. “He has impeccable taste,” she said and grinned.

  “You left the party early yesterday,” Ellie said, swiftly changing the subject. “Want to talk about it?”

  Leah grabbed the bridle and looped the reins of Chico’s neck as she eased the bit from his mouth. “Not especially.”

  “You were talking with David,” Ellie commented. “And then you bailed. I get it, you know—remember, I have five brothers.”

  Leah gave a brittle laugh. If anyone knew about being suffocated by family advice, it was Ellie. Her cousin had also had her fair share of disastrous relationships.

  “Do you think you’ll ever get married?”

  Ellie made a face. “Well, since I haven’t had a date in months, it doesn’t seem likely at this rate. Particularly not with any or all of my brothers watching me like a hawk. And honestly, I’m so busy with studying and this ranch, I don’t think I could fit anyone into my life at this point. If I did, he would have to be a saint.”

  “No such thing.”

  “I can dream,” Ellie said and made a swoony face. “It’s a pity all the O’Sullivan boys are taken.”

  Leah knew her cousin was teasing and tried to remain in good humor. “You are so off the mark.”

  “Sure I am,” Ellie said and grinned. “That’s why there’s a red Ferrari coming up the driveway as we speak.”

  She snapped her head around. Sure enough, there was a red Ferrari. “It could be anyone.”

  Ellie laughed. “Really? That car in this town—not a chance. I’m going to take Valiant back to his stall.”

  Her cousin disappeared into the stables, and Leah had resumed untacking Chico as the car pulled up. Sean quickly got out. Dressed in jeans, a white shirt, a black leather jacket and sunglasses, he looked like a male model advertising a luxury sports car. He approached wordlessly, coming to stand about five feet away. Chico snorted and she glanced toward Sean, waiting for him to speak.

  “You left without saying goodbye this morning.”

  She turned, conscious of her habit of facing him when she spoke. “You were sleeping. How did you know I was here?”

  “You told me,” he replied, coming closer, taking off the sunglasses.

  “I don’t remember doing that.”

  “You asked me if I wanted to go riding this morning,” he reminded her. “I assumed that meant you’d be here. Nice horse.”

  She patted Chico’s neck. “I adore him. He makes my heart happy.”

  “And yet you won’t make him your own, correct?”

  “Charity,” she stated. “Mitch is simply being overly generous. And I won’t allow my father to pay for him. Or my brother. I do have some pride.”

  “I’d say you have bucketloads of it,” he remarked. “Do you think you can put it aside to embrace an opportunity brought about by a friend?”

  She was instantly suspicious. “What friend?”

  “You have a meeting with Vance Beaumont on Tuesday.”

  Leah frowned. “Who’s that?”

  “The owner of one of the largest hotels and casinos in Las Vegas.”

  Leah blinked and then shook her head. “I don’t understand what that means. You want me to go to Vegas?”

  “Vance owes me a favor,” he said and shrugged. “A few years ago his sister had aspirations to be a singer. I gave her shot.”

  “Lola Beaumont?” she asked quickly. “The hip-hop star?”

  He nodded. “Yes. Vance is redesigning his casino and needs a centerpiece for the foyer. I sent him a picture of what you did for Liam, and he was impressed. I’ve booked our flights, and we leave from Rapid City airport at nine twenty Tuesday morning.”

  Leah’s head spun. “I couldn’t possibly.”

  “Why not?” he asked. “Somewhere else you need to be on Tuesday?”

  “Yes,” she told him. “Here. Home. With my dad. That’s why I moved back in, to be close.”

  “You weren’t there last night,” he reminded her. “Or any of the other nights you’ve spent in my bed.”

  “I can’t,” she insisted. “I don’t have my portfolio ready and I—”

  “Don’t be a chicken, Leah,” he challenged. “You can do this.”

  “What’s in it for you?” she asked, annoyed that he’d made assumptions about what she wanted.

  “A trip to Vegas. I get to hang out with you. Stay at a fancy hotel. Take your pick.”

  “I really have become quite the pet project for you, haven’t I?” she asked shrilly, not giving a damn if he heard her complaints or not. “No doubt this sudden interest in my failing career is a way to alleviate your boredom.”

  “It’s not that,” he assured her, although she didn’t believe him. “This would be quite the coup, particularly since it’s timed right before your showing. Vance wants to meet you and see if you can share his vision for something unique and creative. This is a good thing, Leah...don’t let pride or fear stop you from taking all you deserve.”

  She faced him directly, speaking clearly so he understood every word. “Nice speech. You really are good at this, aren’t you—I’ll bet you spent the last decade stroking the egos of vulnerable and unconfident artists.”

  “When I needed to.”

  She made a scoffing sound. “No sweet wonder you were so successful. Did you also sweeten the offer with a tumble in the sack with Lola Beaumont?”

  He laughed. “Get real. She was sixteen, so definitely not. Stop being a coward.”

  “That’s rich, coming from you,” she said, both brows up. “You can’t even tell your parents the truth about why you moved back to Cedar River.”

  His expression darkened, and he slipped the sunglasses back onto his face. “It’s an opportunity, Leah. If you don’t want to take it, that’s fine. I’ll see you tomorrow night, at seven.”

  She shook her head. “Forget it. I don’t want to spend any more time with you.”

  “Sure you do,” he drawled. “See you then.”

  Leah was still fuming long after his car had generated a cloud of dust as it retreated down the driveway. She pulled off Chico’s saddle and hitched it on her hip, calling for one of the stable hands. The youth quickly came over from the corral and took the saddle, and she led Chico back into his stall. Ellie was still there with Valiant and came out just as Leah was bolting the stall door.

  “That was a short visit,” her cousin remarked.

  Leah spent exactly one minute explaining the situation, and Ellie quickly formed an opinion.

  “Wow, that’s huge, Leah! What a fabulous opportunity.”

  “Ha,” she scoffed. “It’s ridiculous. How can I possibly go? David will be in Hawaii, and I can’t leave Dad alone and I—”

  “I’ll stay with Uncle Ivan,” Ellie said quickly. “You have to go, Leah. This could be career altering.”