Drying each other off was almost as much fun as getting wet had been.

  Caitlin faced him, her skin rosy and her breathing ragged. “This is crazy. I can’t want you again so soon.”

  “Why not?” He looped the towel around her waist and pulled her warm body close. “Is there a rule about how many times you’re allowed to come in one night?”

  “Evidently not. But let’s…let’s see if we can just hang out and talk.”

  “In the living room? For old time’s sake?”

  “Sure. We can have a book discussion.”

  “You’ve got it.” He gave her a quick kiss and released her. “I’ll build a fire if you’ll be willing to fetch us some McGavin’s Pale Ale from the fridge.”

  “Be glad to.” She reached for the bathrobe.

  “Cold?”

  “Not at all, but if we’re going into the living room—”

  “We can leave the lights off.”

  “I’d feel silly sitting naked in those chairs.”

  “Why?”

  “I just would. Maybe because that’s where we sat when I came over to see you.”

  “Hm.” She could be onto something. If those chairs represented the past, he sure as hell didn’t want to reverse course. Making love in front of the fire was his goal. “How about if I spread the quilt on the floor in front of the fire, instead? Would that feel silly?”

  Her eyes gleamed. “Now that sounds sexy. I’ll get the beer.” Handing him the bathrobe, she left the bathroom.

  He made tracks for his bedroom and hung up the robe. She’d put her dress on a hanger and hooked it over the closet door. He liked seeing it there, almost as if she’d settled in a bit. Grabbing the quilt from the bed and a condom from the drawer, he headed for the living room.

  Light from his bedroom filtered into the hall, allowing him to see well enough to get the fire going. Luckily he’d been looking for mindless chores yesterday, so he’d cleaned out the fireplace and restocked the wood bin.

  “Want chips?” Caitlin called from the kitchen.

  “Sure!” The logs caught quickly. Sort of like he did whenever he touched Caitlin. Wonder of wonders, she seemed equally combustible when she put her hands on him. He’d never had this much action in a few short hours.

  He spread out the quilt and left the condom packet on the small table between the chairs. Didn’t want to lose that puppy.

  Maybe this should be the last round, though. Before they’d left the reception, she’d told Virginia she’d have some proofs by Monday, which meant she planned to work tomorrow. And he had a flight at twelve hundred hours.

  She walked in carrying a tray loaded with their beer, a bowl of chips, and napkins. “Refreshments are served.”

  “Thanks.” He flashed her a grin. “Presentation’s great.” He took it from her and set it in the middle of the quilt. “I now call the Naked Book Club to order. Have a seat.”

  She glanced at the condom on the small table and laughed. “That doesn’t look like a book to me.”

  “It’s just there in case talking about books gets us all hot and bothered.”

  “Funny, but that never happens to me when I talk about books.”

  “But you’ve never had a book discussion with me.”

  “That’s true.” She glanced at the quilt. “Might as well take my usual side.” She settled to the left of the tray and picked up her beer and took a sip. “Good stuff. I’m glad I won’t have to avoid it anymore.”

  “I figured that’s why you ordered wine last night.” He raised his bottle in her direction. “Here’s to finding common ground.”

  She tapped her bottle against his. “That would be a fun code phrase for having sex.”

  He picked up a chip. “Or making love. It would work for that, too.” He popped the chip in his mouth casually, as if he hadn’t just thrown down a gauntlet.

  Her gaze was hard to read. “I suppose it would.” She took another swallow of her beer, set it on the floor at the edge of the quilt and scooped up a handful of chips. “What’s your favorite Dick Francis book?”

  “That’s a tough one. The one you’re reading, Nerve, would rank in my top ten.” And not only because he liked the story. When she’d knocked it off the table, she’d saved him from being a total jerk.

  She chewed and swallowed. “Needless to say, I haven’t read it yet. How about Forfeit? I was fascinated by the tortured hero in that one. I felt sorry for his paralyzed wife, but at the same time—”

  “I know. Sad for him. But I wasn’t on board with him taking a mistress. In his shoes, I would have made a different choice.”

  “Like what? Her case was hopeless.” She gestured with the beer bottle. “Was he supposed to be celibate for the rest of his life?”

  “He could take care of the problem on his own. He doesn’t have to—”

  “It’s not the same level of satisfaction.”

  “Of course not. But let’s say I married you and suddenly you’re completely paralyzed, can’t make love anymore. While I’m—”

  “Young. Virile.” Her voice raised in pitch and her skin flushed a lovely pink. “It’s not fair that you—”

  “But I’m better off than you are. At least I’m capable of sexual release. Not so bad compared to you.”

  She pinned him with her gaze. “But if I loved you, I’d want more for you than that.”

  “I admire your selfless attitude, but—”

  “And I admire yours! But I would never expect you to suffer to spare my feelings.”

  “Except it’s unkind to the other woman, too. If I loved you, I’d just be having sex with her. She’d never have my heart.”

  “Oh.” She took a shaky breath. “I get your point.”

  “It’s an important distinction.”

  “I can tell you have strong feelings about it.”

  “Yes, I do.” He put aside his half-finished beer. “And right now, I want to make love to you way more than I want to talk about Dick Francis.”

  Her attention shifted to his lap and she smiled. “I can tell that, too.”

  “But that’s just me. You may not—”

  “Let’s table this discussion.” She handed him her beer. “I’m getting all hot and bothered.”

  He grinned. “I can tell.” Best book discussion ever.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  If I loved you…she’d never have my heart. Aaron’s words seeped into Caitlin’s soul and took up permanent residence. To be loved like that…the conviction in his voice rang true. When he gave his heart to a woman, she would have it forever.

  She stretched out on the quilt as he rolled on the condom he’d clearly known they’d use. He came to her with an unhurried certainty this time. Light from the fire played across his face, reflecting in his steady gaze, defining the texture of his dark beard.

  He wedged his hips between hers with a familiarity born from all they’d shared. Braced on his forearms, he settled over her, his chest brushing lightly against her breasts. “Just so you know,” he murmured, “we’re making love. We always have been.”

  “I knew that.”

  “Good.” He eased his cock into her trembling channel. “Then my motives are clear.”

  She breathed in as he made the journey to her aching core. Then she exhaled slowly, letting the sensation of being filled wash over her. “You can’t misread a guy who goes for broke.”

  “That’s my M.O.” Easing back, he slid in tight once again. “And now that I’ve made it this far, I’m doubling down.”

  Her breath caught. He’d just let her know that an emotional threshold loomed. She summoned her courage. “Fine with me.”

  “That’s all I need to hear.” Lowering his body a fraction more, he made full contact. He settled his chest against hers, giving her just enough of his weight to create an electrifying friction.

  Now every thrust delivered shock waves to her core and a delicious body rub. They moved as one, skin to skin, heartbeat to heartbeat. Then he kissed her, joining his breath with hers.

  He increased the pace so gradually that her climax took her by surprise. One moment she was immersed in their intense connection. The next, he’d created a dazzling display of fireworks deep within her womb.

  Wrenching her mouth from his, she gulped for air. “I didn’t…I was...”

  “Stay with me.” He captured her gaze. “There’s more.” His golden eyes blazed as he bore down, burying his cock in her quaking body over and over, building the tension higher, ever higher.

  He dragged in air. “Now, Caitlin.” He pushed deep.

  Gasping, she shattered into a million glittering flakes of joy. He was right behind her, shouting in triumph. His massive, shuddering climax vibrated through every cell in her body. She clung to him as they rode the rolling waves of pleasure in perfect sync. Making love. So much love.

  Lying beneath him, matching her breath to his, she drifted in and out of consciousness. His body sheltered her from the cold as the fire burned down to a bed of glowing coals. Peace.

  Cool air briefly touched her skin until gentle hands tucked the comforter around her. She dozed until she was jostled partially awake. It seemed he wanted her to move.

  “Don’t wanna go,” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

  “Shh.” Strong arms lifted her, quilt and all, and carried her into a shadowy room. A bed. A pillow tucked under her head. A warm body cocooning hers. She slept.

  Where the heck was she? Rolling over in semi-panic, she smacked up against a solid wall of muscle.

  The source of the muscles grunted in surprise. “Caitlin?”

  Aaron’s voice. She was in his bed. Pale light filtered through his bedroom window. She gazed into his sleepy eyes. “Sorry. I was disoriented.”

  “S’okay.”

  “I need to use the—”

  “Take my robe.”

  “Thanks.” She slid out of bed and shivered. She’d accept his offer. Grabbing his robe from the closet, she slipped it on and hiked up the hem as she padded down the hallway. She woke up a little more with each step.

  The morning after had arrived. But not just the morning after a casual encounter. This morning after was in all caps.

  After taking care of business, she washed up and opened the door. Then she turned back and picked up a bottle of mouthwash sitting on the back of his sink. Pouring a little into the cap, she swished it around and spit it out.

  “I’ll have some of that, please.”

  She turned. He stood in the doorway wearing a pair of gray sweats and a t-shirt. His hair was rumpled and his beard had grown in. Looked good on him. Then again, she could be prejudiced.

  Her heart swelled with a tender emotion she wasn’t ready to name. Her body tingled with one she’d clearly identified—good old-fashioned lust.

  His gaze warmed. “Good morning.”

  “Same to you.” She handed him the bottle and cap. “This is serious, isn’t it?”

  “Sharing a bottle of mouthwash? You bet. Doesn’t get any more serious than that.” He took a swig, walked over to the sink and spit it out. Capping the bottle, he set it back in its spot and faced her. “Now I’m more kiss-worthy, but there’s this to consider.” He rubbed a hand over his jaw.

  “I don’t care.” She closed the distance between them and slid her hands up his chest.

  “I do.” He cupped her face in both hands. “You’ve already got some whisker burn from last night. Looks like I’ll have to start shaving three times a day.”

  “That sounds serious, too.”

  “You know it.” He brushed his thumbs over her cheeks. “The cost of decent razor blades is getting ridiculous.”

  “We need to talk.”

  He sucked in a breath. “I’d like that. But first I need to—”

  “Right, right. Is your coffeemaker complicated?”

  “Nope.”

  “Want me to brew us a pot?”

  “That would be great. Coffee’s in a canister right next to the pot. Grinder’s there, too.”

  “Got it.” Rising on tiptoe, she placed a soft kiss on his mouth. “See you soon.”

  “Help yourself to the leftover pastries from yesterday’s breakfast if you’re hungry. I’m gonna shave while I’m at it.”

  “You really don’t have to.”

  “Yes, I really do. I think better after a shave.”

  She smiled. “If you say so. Me and this ginormous robe will get out of your way.” She picked up the hem and walked out into the hall.

  On the way to the kitchen, she glanced into the living room, curious as to whether the beer bottles and bowl of chips were still there. Nope.

  The kitchen counters were clear, too, except for a plastic-wrapped bakery box. She ground the fragrant coffee beans she found in the canister, filled the reservoir with water and switched on the pot.

  She’d noted last night that the kitchen was shipshape, even after six men had cooked and eaten breakfast there yesterday. Not surprising. Three were ex-military, two had been raised by Quinn Sawyer and one by Virginia Bennett.

  The wrapped box of pastries called to her. Luke would have brought over a fresh batch and even day-old Pie in the Sky goodies tasted like heaven. She took off the plastic, opened the box and breathed in the aroma. The men had left two cinnamon rolls, a bear claw, three chocolate éclairs and a cheese Danish.

  She found a couple of small plates in the cupboard. He’d told her to start eating, but she’d wait. She chose an éclair and debated taking a cinnamon roll, too.

  “Ah, go ahead,” Aaron said as he walked into the kitchen bringing the scent of shaving cream and lotion with him. “You only live once.”

  She glanced at him. “I’ve heard that, but what if it turns out we come around again?”

  “Funny you should mention that.” He walked over to a cupboard and took out two mugs. “Cheesy as it might sound, I’ve had that thought about you and me. Like we were lovers in another life.” He picked up the coffee carafe. “Want anything in your coffee?”

  “Just black, please. Why do you think we knew each other in another life?”

  “It would explain why I had such a strong reaction when we met.” He poured the coffee. “Do you remember it?”

  “I sure do. Ryker introduced me to his buddy Aaron Donahue and I freaked out.”

  “Yeah, you did.” He picked up both steaming mugs and came over to the pastry box. “I’ll take one of those eclairs and a cinnamon roll, please, if you’ll put them on a plate for me.”

  “If you don’t mind my fingers.”

  “I love your fingers.” He started out of the kitchen. “I’ll lick them clean for you if you want.”

  Heat surged through her. One stray comment and she was ready to ditch the program and go back to his bedroom. She plucked out an éclair for him, gave them each a cinnamon roll and carried the plates out to the dining table. He’d moved her purse and camera bag, hanging both on the coat tree.

  He pulled out her chair. “Listen, do you want some scrambled eggs? I just realized I didn’t give you the option of something more nutritious. This stuff was available and I—”

  “It’s fine. Perfect.” She set the plates on the table and took the chair he held for her. She gazed up at him. “I can’t stay very long, sorry to say.”

  “I know. I heard you tell Virginia about the proofs.” He leaned down. “Thanks for hanging out a little while.” He gave her a playful kiss that gradually grew in intensity. “Mmm…” He lifted his head. “You get to me, Caitlin Dempsey.”

  She smiled and stroked his smooth cheek. “You get to me, too.”

  He sighed. “But we have places to go and people to see today.” He claimed the chair cattycorner from hers. “And plans to make.” He looked over at her. “Is that what you meant by we need to talk?”

  “Sort of.” She looked at him. “I feel like we made a commitment last night.”

  “God, I hope so. I sure did.”

  “Me, too.” She reached over and squeezed his arm. “We have something special. We owe it to ourselves to see where it leads.”

  He held her gaze. “You’re making me a very happy man.”

  “And you’ve made me a very happy woman, soldier.”

  A slight frown came and went. Then he smiled. “I’m not exactly a soldier anymore.”

  “Oh, I know. It’s just a form of endearment, really.”

  “So you don’t have to use my name?” His tone was casual, but his expression was not.

  She brushed aside a twinge of uneasiness. “I could use your name. I just—”

  “You just don’t.”

  “Sure I do.”

  He took a deep breath. “No, you don’t, Caitlin. Believe me, I would know. I’ve been listening for it.”

  “You have? When?”

  “When we’re talking, when we’re in bed together. You called me soldier before we made love the second time. I wasn’t going to get into the name thing then, obviously. Convinced myself it didn’t matter.”

  She swallowed. “But it does.”

  “You were going to tell me during the reception what you’d decided about that, but—”

  “I couldn’t make up my mind, so when you invited me over, I just said yes.”

  “Have you made up your mind?”

  Her chest tightened. “About you? Yes! You’re wonderful! I’d like nothing better than to pursue this relationship.”

  “That doesn’t answer my question.”

  She dug deep and found the courage to say it. “No matter how much I try, I can’t look at you and think Aaron Donahue.”

  “But that’s who I—”

  “Aaron Donahue is a narcissist. A con man who flattered me into having a sexual relationship with him. Then he cheated on me.”

  “And I hate that he’s such a bastard, but I’m—”

  “You’re good and kind, a true friend, a generous and funny lover, an all-around amazing person. You’re not Aaron Donahue to me.”

  “Damn.” Pushing back his chair, he got up and began pacing the living room.

  She ached all over. “I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear. What if I called you Raven?”