“Not in your bed. I’m not sure why I brought it here.”

  Devyn smiled. “You two were both exhausted when I picked you up this morning. I’m glad you got some sleep. And now I’d like to feed both of you.” She narrowed her eyes. “But not in my bed.”

  Angel hopped up when Devyn asked if he wanted dinner, eagerly wagging his tail as she held up the can of dog food the vet had given them, but Robbie still struggled to sit up. She rubbed sleep from her eyes and felt Devyn touch her chin. When she looked up, Devyn closed the distance between them with a deep kiss.

  “After I feed you, I promise I’ll let you go right to bed.” Devyn kissed her again, lighter this time. “But I’m not promising I’ll let you go right to sleep.”

  “Mm. Suddenly I’m not so tired.” She stood, stealing a kiss before Devyn made it out of the room.

  As Devyn pulled back, she shook her head. “Food first. Kisses later. And you should prepare yourself. I plan on properly thanking you for everything you’ve done in the last twenty-four hours.”

  “Properly?” Robbie affected an English accent. “Are we having tea and crumpets?”

  “No crumpets. And you might not want to joke. I’m currently scheming exactly how I want to thank you, and I have a very devious mind when I let it have its way.”

  Robbie laughed. “I’m not usually nervous about being thanked.”

  Devyn headed down the hallway toward the kitchen, swishing her hips and saying, “Guess I’m not your usual.”

  “Not even close.”

  Devyn stopped to shoot a look over her shoulder. “Is that a good thing?”

  Robbie’s heart tugged at her chest. Devyn’s tone was flirty and light but the look in her eyes was different. She wanted Robbie’s answer. Needed it even. “It’s a very good thing. I still don’t know how I got so lucky.”

  “I know how,” Devyn said, adding a wink. “And you’re not the only lucky one.” She turned the corner and disappeared from view, leaving Robbie to wrestle with emotions on her own.

  She glanced at the rumpled sheets and the pillow she’d taken to using. When Devyn had dropped Angel and her off at the house she’d considered going to the cottage, but Angel had wanted to go to his bed in Devyn’s room and she hadn’t wanted to leave him alone. She hadn’t planned on falling asleep, however. She wouldn’t have thought she’d be comfortable in Devyn’s space without her. Not enough to fall into a heavy, dreamless sleep. Her subconscious should have kept her alert for the sound of Devyn’s return at least. But she’d gotten comfortable in Devyn’s house, in her room, in her life.

  Maybe it had happened fast because the relationship had a designated endpoint. Maybe that was why her heart had jumped so quickly to Devyn as well. Maybe there was no risk when nothing could last.

  Chapter Twenty

  “This smells amazing.” Robbie lifted the spoon to her lips. “Oh, that’s good.”

  “Tom kha is my favorite comfort food.” Devyn was happy Robbie approved of her choice. Thai takeout was her favorite, but she’d settled on it mostly because it was quick and she wanted to spend as much of her evening with Angel and Robbie as she could. Fortunately, Angel was feeling better—enough so that he was begging for a bite of the soup.

  “Sorry, Angel,” Robbie said. “This food does not qualify as a bland diet.”

  “I feel bad he’s stuck eating stuff that smells like gross baby food, but also…he ate a whole squirrel.”

  “You know he’s going to be bragging to every dog he meets for the next week.” Robbie looked over at Angel and added, “And I was impressed you rode a paddleboard.”

  Devyn angled her glass to Robbie. “When am I getting you on a paddleboard?”

  “I don’t think I’ve got the balance to pull it off.”

  “It’s not as hard as you think. Can you swim?”

  Robbie nodded. “I grew up on a lake.”

  “And I already know you’re in good shape. We can work on the balance part. Unless you’re scared to try new things.”

  Robbie opened her mouth but closed it a moment later.

  Devyn smiled. “I’ve got a second paddleboard and I’m off tomorrow.”

  “You’re hard to say no to.” Robbie laughed. “The thing is, I’ve felt that water. It isn’t that warm and there’s a very good chance I’m going to fall in.”

  “I’ve got a second wetsuit.” Devyn finished her last sip of wine. “What are your other excuses?”

  Robbie grinned. “I guess I’m out of excuses.”

  “Do you really want to say no?”

  Robbie shook her head.

  “Good. Paddleboarding in the morning then.” She held Robbie’s gaze, enjoying the what-just-happened look on her face. “If it makes you feel better, I’m feeling nervous about this new thing I want to try, too.”

  “What new thing?”

  Saying it out loud was one step further than her confidence could take her. “It’s an after-dinner thing. Anyway, I want to do this new thing a lot more than you want to try paddleboarding, so I’m not sure how fair it is.”

  “Okay, I’m intrigued. Am I allowed guesses?”

  “No. Maybe.” She felt heat climb up her neck.

  “A sex thing?”

  “Maybe. But no more guesses. I won’t be able to get through dinner.”

  Robbie picked up her spoon and took another bite. Devyn did as well, but she felt Robbie studying her. “What?”

  “I want to know all the things you want to try.”

  She wanted to joke she’d start a list, but her breath caught in her chest and words wouldn’t come. The way Robbie looked at her made everything else slip away.

  Robbie’s gaze dropped to their soup bowls. “I think I want to save the rest of my dinner for later.”

  She couldn’t hold back the smile that tugged at her cheeks. “You’re distracted.”

  “Completely.”

  She stood and held out her hand. “I promise I’ll give you pointers tomorrow if you give me pointers tonight.”

  “I don’t usually make a deal without knowing what I’m getting into.” But Robbie clasped her hand.

  “I’m not your usual, remember?” She pulled Robbie into a kiss. Robbie deepened it before she could and then pushed her back a step toward the hallway.

  “I thought I was in charge here,” Devyn murmured.

  “You are.” Robbie pushed her back another step until she was against the wall. “But I need something.”

  When Robbie kissed her neck, heat flooded her body. “This was not part of my plan.”

  “Mm. Sorry.” Robbie kissed her exposed collarbone. “I tend to mess up plans.”

  Robbie’s hands moved down her chest, thumbs grazing her nipples and making them take notice even through the layers of her bra and her blouse. “It’s something easy for you to give me,” Robbie continued, her hands settling on Devyn’s hips. “Do you mind if I show you?”

  The pulse at her clit argued it was a shared need. “If you don’t show me, I think we’ll both have a problem.”

  “Good answer.”

  Robbie’s lips met hers. Between kisses, she managed to get under Robbie’s shirt to feel the warmth of her body, but then Robbie undid the clasp at the side of her skirt and the material dropped to the ground.

  “That’s better,” Robbie said, her voice husky. She stroked up Devyn’s legs. “You really are gorgeous, you know.”

  “Half naked and letting you do whatever you want with me?” She was teasing Robbie, but her pulse raced in anticipation. “I do have a bedroom, you know.”

  “I don’t want to wait.” Robbie pressed against her again, pinning her to the wall.

  “Good because I’m already wet.” She sucked in a breath when Robbie pushed her underwear aside, giving her full access.

  “You could tell me to stop.”

  “You know that’s the last thing I want to do.” Devyn moved to kiss Robbie, but then Robbie’s fingers stroked inside her. She parted her mouth in a silent gasp and Robbie’s tongue followed.

  There was nothing she could do but move her legs farther apart. Nothing she wanted to do but let Robbie take her. Robbie thrust into her with a deep, firm stroke, glancing over her clit and making her immediately wet. In no time, a climax threatened. She didn’t try to slow Robbie down. She didn’t try to do anything but hold on to Robbie’s shoulders.

  “Don’t stop.”

  “I won’t.” Robbie kissed her and shifted her hand, adding more pressure to Devyn’s clit as she stroked again.

  “Can I have more?”

  “Please?” Robbie’s question held her playful smile. “Always.”

  Every part of her seemed to moan the word, “Yes,” when Robbie pushed another finger inside. She let her head rock back against the wall as Robbie fucked her. Their bodies moved together, their breath coming in pants, and she let Robbie have her completely. She didn’t need to pretend she was in control. She didn’t want to be.

  Tears came to her eyes as the nerves at her clit began to fire. She’d never wanted to give herself over completely because she’d never trusted anyone enough. Until now. She gave in to the orgasm, saying only, “More.”

  When the climax hit, she gave herself one breath to enjoy it before telling Robbie she wanted more. Robbie obliged and her center clenched around Robbie’s hand. She pushed through a spasm, feeling her wetness drench Robbie’s fingers.

  “You are so damn sexy,” Robbie said. “I can’t get enough of you.”

  “I’m the one who can’t get enough.”

  She felt the shift then in Robbie’s body and in her own. Robbie kissed her cheek, her neck, her lips, but didn’t stop thrusting. Heat filled her body as the next orgasm gained on her. She knew she couldn’t hold it back, didn’t want to, but she also knew it wouldn’t be enough. Now the truth was out in the open. I can’t get enough of you.

  If Robbie pulled out, let her step away from the wall where she was pinned, she’d only long to be back in the same place. Letting everything happen all over again.

  The second climax hit and there was no pushing through. The first had been like a rolling wave but the second crashed into her, making her knees go weak. She squeezed her legs together, cussed and apologized in the same breath, and then collapsed in Robbie’s arms. She shivered, tensed, and shivered again. But she wasn’t cold. She was coated in sweat and panting for air.

  “You’re amazing. I hope you realize that.” Robbie kissed her cheek and then her lips. The kisses were gentle and sweet, and a relaxed warmth filled Devyn.

  “I wasn’t joking about never being able to get enough. I love fucking you.”

  The words could have felt crass, but Robbie’s tone was reverent. And she understood. “I love you fucking me.” Her body felt used in the best possible way. “But I don’t think I’ll last much longer standing.” She took a deep breath and straightened. “You’re going to have to be okay with a bed.”

  Robbie smiled. “Your bed?”

  “Yes. And I want you naked and stretched out on it.”

  Robbie’s smile widened. “Who says I’ll do what you want just because you tell me?”

  “I say.” She pressed her index finger on Robbie’s chest. “And as I recall, you gave me permission to use you as I like. Is that still our agreement?”

  Robbie laughed but said, “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Good. Go to my room and strip.”

  She needed water and to pee. Once she’d taken care of both of those needs, she went to her bedroom but stopped in the doorway. Robbie was, as requested, naked and stretched out on her bed. Her hands were clasped under her head and her ankles were crossed, but she was plainly not using the sheet to cover up.

  Devyn stared, taking in the sight that still felt like a guilty pleasure—like something that shouldn’t be for her to enjoy even as much as she craved it. Robbie had muscles in all the right places. Not bulky, but tone. And she had a solid thickness about her body, a strength that Devyn loved.

  Robbie tipped her head, and the look in her eyes said she knew Devyn liked what she saw. “Now that I’m lying here naked, what’s your next request?”

  “You have to do something very difficult. Lie in that position and not do anything unless I tell you to.”

  “That does sound hard. Very. Hard.”

  Devyn arched an eyebrow. “I want to try something I’ve never done.” She stepped up to the bed and slowly took off her blouse, knowing she had Robbie’s full attention.

  “You are so hot.” Robbie groaned. “I know this isn’t news to you but…Damn.”

  She had doubts about her body. About if she was sexy or attractive enough. After everything that had happened with Matt, it would be impossible to not have doubts. But Robbie had swept all those doubts away the first time they’d kissed.

  “I’m keeping the lights on tonight. I want to see you when I thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” Robbie said.

  “I haven’t thanked you yet.” She pushed Robbie’s knees apart. “Are you nervous?”

  “A little bit.” Robbie chuckled. “I have no idea what you’re going to do to me.”

  “You can be nervous. I get to be confident.” She settled between Robbie’s legs, a feeling of confidence washing into her as if the words alone had manifested the emotion. “Should I ask if what I want is okay?”

  “I’m so unbelievably turned on right now I’d agree to anything.”

  She stroked a fingertip lightly up Robbie’s shin, stopping at her knee. “Anything?”

  “Now you really have me nervous.”

  “You don’t need to be.” She stroked slowly from Robbie’s knee to her upper thigh. Instead of being waxed smooth like she was, Robbie’s center was neatly trimmed. She liked the difference, liked how Robbie looked similar but not the same. She traced the triangle of trimmed hair and then stroked down the opposite leg. “Close your eyes.”

  Robbie held her gaze for a moment, as if seeking something. Maybe a sign she could trust her. In the next moment, her eyes closed and Devyn’s breath caught in her chest. She thought of Robbie as sexy and strong. Capable in ways she wasn’t. But in the moment, there was a vulnerability in her that made her simply beautiful.

  “There are a lot of things I like about you,” she said. “How brave I feel around you is one of them.” She bent her head and breathed in, savoring Robbie’s scent. When she looked up, Robbie’s eyes were still closed. Trusting her. She felt a tightness in her chest as a knowing settled over her. She couldn’t say the thought that crossed her mind, but that didn’t mean she didn’t feel it. I love you. But I can’t tell you.

  She parted Robbie with her tongue and found her swollen clit. The taste of Robbie, her arousal rich and sultry, filled her senses as Robbie’s voice filled the room. She loved the wetness that spilled onto her tongue. Loved how swollen and hard Robbie was, loved how Robbie couldn’t help pushing into her mouth. Loved how Robbie responded as if everything she did was exactly the right thing.

  Robbie hitched up her knees, but Devyn held her hips in place. She circled Robbie’s clit, stroked her folds, and pushed her tongue deep inside. She wanted to explore every part of her. Wanted to know all of the secrets that turned Robbie on, all the ways she liked to be appreciated.

  “Devyn, please,” Robbie said, quivering on the sheets. “Can I move my hands? I want to touch you.”

  Robbie’s eyes were closed, but her mouth was open and she was breathing hard. She’d kept her hands folded beneath her head as Devyn had ordered, but the rest of her had hardly held still.

  “You’ll distract me.” She licked Robbie again, lazily this time. “I want to see if I can make you come.”

  “I’m so close. If I could just touch you—”

  “After.” She flattened her tongue on Robbie’s clit and felt a spasm in response. “How close?”

  “So close,” Robbie said, bucking her hips up.

  She had seen it done in movies and had tried to pay attention when Robbie had gone down on her, but there was no way of knowing what someone liked. Not until she tried. She licked faster and then shifted and pressed one finger to Robbie’s opening.

  “Oh, fuck,” Robbie moaned.

  “You like that?” She didn’t need the answer but Robbie nodded, panting faster. She slid her finger in, not letting up on Robbie’s clit.

  Robbie reached for her wrist, shoving the finger deeper inside and then clenching down. In the next breath, and before she was ready, Robbie cried out with her climax.

  “Fuck. Yes.”

  The words roared through her ears. She felt every muscle twitch, the gush of Robbie’s arousal, and the wave of the climax. She felt it like it was her own and she savored every second. Every ragged breath Robbie drew, every tremor. Before she was ready for it to end, Robbie abruptly pulled away from her and curled on her side, shaking and sweaty.

  “Was that…okay?” She touched Robbie’s shoulder but didn’t get a response. Robbie’s breathing was still heavy and maybe she hadn’t heard. Was it too much? God, and she wanted more.

  “Mm. Yes.” Robbie flopped on her back and exhaled. “I just needed a minute to regroup. You kind of undid me.”

  “Is that a good thing?”

  “Definitely.” Robbie opened her arms. “Come here. I’m sweaty but I want you.”

  Devyn moved onto Robbie’s chest. “I made you sweaty. I should get to enjoy it.” She kissed Robbie and then remembered her plan. “Thank you.”

  Robbie laughed, and the sound rumbled through her chest. Devyn kissed her again. “Do you like how I say thank you?”

  “So much.” Robbie’s arms tightened around her. “Are you tired? Because I’m suddenly exhausted.”

  “Go to sleep. I want to stay up for a while to keep an eye on Angel.” She kissed Robbie’s cheek and noticed it was already slack.