“For me, too.”

  “I mean, top priority. Virginia suggested I come over to the wedding venue either tonight or tomorrow night to test my equipment with the new lights she’s had installed. I wasn’t willing to cancel with you so I told her I had another commitment both nights.”

  “I’m honored, but don’t you need to do that before the wedding?”

  “I will. I told her I could test the lights on Friday afternoon before the rehearsal. She can’t be there at that time because she’ll be wrangling out-of-town guests and such, but Badger offered to come early and help me. He probably didn’t want me cancelling out, either.”

  “I’m sure he didn’t.”

  “Anyway, our relationship has become important to me. I care about you. You’ve been good to me tonight and I want to return the favor.”

  “But it’s my job to be good to you. I’m the host of this ongoing party and you’re my guest. I don’t expect my guest to go down on me.”

  “Not even if she wants to?”

  “Not even then. We have one more night of our arrangement. After that, the experiment will end and I’ll no longer be the host. You’ll no longer be my guest.”

  “And then you’ll let me give you a—”

  “That depends on a whole lot of things.”

  “Like the wedding, I guess. I’ll be tied up Friday night with the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. I don’t suppose Badger expects you to go to that.”

  “Actually, he does. I’ll be there.”

  “You will? That’s wonderful! Then at that point Ryker will find out about you.”

  “Yep.”

  “He’s going to be so surprised.”

  “Yes, he will.” He had plenty to figure out between now and then. When to tell her the truth. How to tell her the truth. He gazed down at her, his heart full. “I care about you, too.”

  “I know you do.”

  “One more kiss, and then we’ll head back.”

  “Okay.”

  He settled down with ease of familiarity. His lips knew the contours of hers very well, now. Even so, the rush of emotion when he made the connection grew stronger with every kiss.

  This one, more potent than all the others, simmered with the wonder of intimate touches and the splendor of her climax. The heat built faster now that he knew where it could lead.

  Sooner than he would have liked, he lifted his mouth from hers and gulped for air. “We…need to…go.”

  “Yeah.” She was breathing as hard as he was and her fingertips dug into the muscles of his shoulders. “I want you out of those jeans.”

  “Not happening. Where’s your jacket?”

  “Beside me somewhere.”

  He reached over, swept the area with one hand and found it. “I’ll put this over you and go start the truck’s heater. It’s way colder than it was when we got here.”

  “Is it? I can’t tell.”

  “You will once I move.” He lifted away from her.

  She sucked in a breath. “You’re right.”

  He quickly spread the jacket over her. “Wait here.”

  “You know what? I’ll just put on my stuff and come with you. I’m not some fragile flower.”

  “I know.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Humor me and stay here. I like playing the hero.”

  “For the record, you do it well.”

  “Thanks.” Grabbing his shirt, jacket and phone, he hopped to the ground. Good thing he’d called a halt. The moon was up. By Saturday night it would be full, so by now it was already bright enough to make the flashlight unnecessary. He had the truck running and the heater on in no time.

  Leaving his jacket on the seat, he pulled his shirt over his head and tugged on his cap before he walked back to the tailgate. She’d stayed where he’d left her. Touching.

  He pulled himself back up and sat beside her. “Time to go.”

  She turned her head toward him but made no move to get up. “The moon’s arrived.”

  “I noticed.”

  “We should come out here sometime and stargaze for real. This is an awesome spot for it.”

  He glanced up. “It is. I even have a telescope.”

  “You do? I’ve always wanted one, but then I end up buying a new lens for my camera, instead. Now I really want to come out here with you and your telescope.”

  “Let’s plan on it.”

  “After the wedding.” She sat up.

  He helped her on with the jacket. “Right, after the wedding. Zip up. I’ll search for your bra and shirt.” He crawled around behind her. “Found ’em.”

  “I like being with you, Raven. No matter what we’re doing. You’re easy to be with.”

  He sat back on his heels and gazed at her. “So are you. Being with you just feels right.”

  She nodded. “Badger knew what he was doing, didn’t he?”

  “Guess so.” He handed over her bra and shirt and vaulted out of the truck bed. “Scoot over here and I’ll lift you down.”

  “And carry me to the front of the truck?”

  “Sure, why not?”

  “I’m kidding!”

  “I’m not.” Once she was close to the edge, he scooped her into his arms and carted her, despite her protests, around to the passenger side. “Get the door, please.”

  Leaning over, she opened it and he deposited her inside. “Now tell me that wasn’t big fun.”

  She laughed. “It was big fun. Thanks for the lift.”

  He smiled as he walked back and closed the tailgate. If only things could stay like this, light and breezy, enjoying each other’s company, deepening the connection. But he was coming to the breaking point. And they both had a wedding to attend.

  When he swung into the driver’s seat, she was in the process of fastening her bra. Even in the dark, that shadowy motion was obvious, a woman arching her back and reaching behind it to fasten the hooks. Sexy move. “Need help?”

  “Got it, but thanks.” She put her arms in the sleeves of her shirt and pulled it up over her shoulders. “Do you want to look at those pictures when we get back?”

  “I’ve been thinking about that. Considering where we are with each other, I doubt I could calmly hang out with you in the house without….”

  “So how do you want to handle it?”

  What he wanted and what he could live with were completely different options. He chose the latter. “I’ll walk you to your Jeep and then run in and fetch your laptop. We’ll look at the pictures another time.”

  “If you’re worried about being in the house with me, then what’s the plan for tomorrow night?”

  “I’m working on it.”

  “But you still want me to come over?”

  “Absolutely. I could always forget the shaving. I won’t kiss you with that scouring pad on my face. That was my plan for tonight, in fact, but at the last minute I couldn’t stand it.”

  “So you didn’t exactly forget.”

  “Nope.”

  She hesitated. “Look, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but if there’s some issue, like a medical problem, I’m sure we can—”

  “No medical problem.” Sheesh. Didn’t want her going there. “No psychological hang-ups, either. I’m a fully functioning, healthy male. It’s just—”

  “Do you think you’d be taking advantage of me?”

  “In a way.”

  “Then let me put your mind at ease. You wouldn’t be.” Her voice was gentle. “I’d gladly give up my guest status.”

  He took a shaky breath. “I’ll think about it.” Only one scenario made sense. No way could he let her discover the truth at the rehearsal. That would be unfair to her and everyone there.

  That left only one option.

  Chapter Twelve

  Caitlin drove to the last scheduled meeting with Raven in a state of agitation. Something was bugging him, an issue significant enough that he’d draw the line when it came to his own sexual satisfaction. Why would he deny himself that? And deny them both the joy of mutual pleasure?

  He’d said it wasn’t a medical or psychological problem. She believed him. Then what could possibly stand in the way of an activity with the potential to be wonderful?

  He’d made the case that she was his guest and his job was to please her, not vice-versa. But if she was willing to change that dynamic, why wasn’t he? Nothing made sense.

  Must have something to do with this experiment he and Badger had cooked up. Theoretically she wasn’t supposed to learn about it until tomorrow.

  Funny that she’d looked forward to finding out what the mystery was all about. Now she wasn’t so sure she wanted to know. Raven had made several cryptic comments about it, as if she might not be happy with the outcome.

  The experiment came to an end tonight. Was their relationship coming to an end, too? That seemed impossible after all they’d shared—the funny moments and the hot ones. Surely they’d go on seeing each other, right?

  She parked in front of the house as always, but something was different about the place. What was it? The lights. Instead of glowing faintly, they were shining as brightly as those in the windows of the neighboring houses.

  Had he decided to test whether his aviators would be enough eye protection for the rehearsal and the wedding? That made sense, except that he wouldn’t need to do it while she was here.

  Maybe the bright lights were designed to destroy the cozy, seductive atmosphere they’d enjoyed. Kissing wasn’t as easy when someone wore sunglasses. Maybe he’d chosen the unshaven route, too, and didn’t plan to kiss her at all, let alone invite her back to his bedroom.

  If that was his plan, she wouldn’t leave until he explained himself. He might claim to have no hang-ups, but something was going on with him and she’d find out what it was before she drove away tonight. Enough of the mysterious evasions.

  Striding up the walk, she mounted the steps and pushed the doorbell. Raven would answer her questions tonight if she had to—

  The door opened.

  She blinked. Couldn’t be. This was some bizarre dream. In a second she’d wake up and—

  “Hello, Caitlin.”

  Raven’s voice. Raven’s broad shoulders. Raven’s mouth and freshly shaven jaw. She gulped. “I don’t…what…”

  “Come on in. I know it’s a shock. But I couldn’t figure out an easier—”

  “You’re…you’re…” Air. She desperately needed air.

  “I’m Aaron. My pilot name is Raven. Seriously, come in. You look like you’re ready to pass out. I’ll get you some water.”

  “This can’t be happening.”

  “Come inside.” He reached for her arm.

  She pulled it back. “Don’t touch me.”

  Pain flashed in his eyes. His golden eyes. “Okay. But I’m begging you to come inside. You can yell at me. Punch me if you want. Just don’t go back to your Jeep and leave. You’re too upset to—”

  “Don’t you dare tell me what I can and can’t do!”

  “I wasn’t…” He sighed. “Let me have it, then.”

  She took a breath as fury grew like a mushroom cloud in her chest. She opened her mouth. No telling what would come out. She didn’t care.

  From somewhere down the street, a car door closed, followed by laughter and cheerful conversation. She closed her mouth again. Screaming curses on his front porch wasn’t her style, anyway. “I’ll come in. Move back. Way back.”

  He held up both hands as he edged away from the door. “Take all the space you need.”

  “There’s not enough space in the universe for us to coexist, buster.” She stomped inside, closed the door and turned to face him, arms crossed over her chest. “Start. Talking.”

  “Want me to take your jacket?”

  “No.” Her stomach churned. He was even wearing the same damn shirt he’d had on the first night. To think that she’d kissed him. And last night…oh, God, she’d—

  “Can I get you something? A beer? Glass of water?”

  “No.”

  “Would you like to sit down, at least?”

  “No. I want answers, buddy-boy.”

  Taking a shaky breath, he ran his fingers through his hair and gazed at her. Misery shone in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

  “As well you should be! What the hell were you thinking?”

  “That I had absolutely no chance with you.”

  Her bark of laughter surprised her. “Wrong.”

  “What?”

  “You’re in much deeper shit than that. You’ve descended to the no way in hell, not if you were the last man on Earth category. I’d rather spend time with a geriatric platypus with an overbite than hang out with—hey! Are you laughing?”

  He ducked his head and scrubbed a hand over his face. Then he cleared his throat. When he looked at her again, all trace of humor was gone. His jaw tightened. “I’ll miss everything about you, but most of all I’ll miss the fun we’ve had.”

  “Fake fun.”

  “Was it?”

  “You weren’t who you said you were. That makes everything that happened a lie.” The sharp edge of betrayal sliced into her heart. “How could you?”

  “Like I said, I faced an insurmountable obstacle. You hated my name, so I changed it.”

  “And made up stuff!”

  “Exaggerated a little.”

  “A little? Clearly there’s nothing wrong with your eyes!”

  “They’re still sensitive. I wear the aviators whenever I’m outdoors and—”

  “No, you don’t! I just remembered something. Ryker’s wedding was outside and you did not wear shades.”

  “Toughed it out, kept my Stetson pulled low. Shades seemed inappropriate for a groomsman at a wedding.”

  “Oh!” She snapped her fingers. “Wedding! I just figured out why tonight’s the big reveal. Why the experiment had to end tomorrow. The rehearsal!”

  “Right.”

  “That sucks. I have no choice but to be in your vicinity for the whole shebang. Wonderful.”

  “That’s why yelling at me now would be a good idea. Call me every name in the book. Then maybe by tomorrow, you’ll—”

  “Want to boil your privates in hot oil?”

  He winced.

  “By tomorrow, I’ll have had many, many minutes to obsess over this travesty and I’ll be using every single one to dream up ways to torture you. If you think I’m furious now, just wait. You ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.”

  His chest heaved. “I’m sorry. That sounds lame, I know.”

  The stupid man still had a gorgeous body, damn him. “Lame doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

  “I should never have tried this, but Badger—”

  “Badger. Your partner in crime.” A lump of disappointment lodged in her chest. Badger had betrayed her, too.

  “He was only trying to help.”

  “Help trick me?” Her throat hurt.

  “Help me find a solu—”

  “He’s lucky he’s getting married day after tomorrow. I won’t rip him a new one when he’s—does Hayley know?”

  “Only Badger and me.”

  “That’s something, anyway. I’d hate to think—”

  “I’m totally responsible for this. Blame me, not Badger.”

  “Badger’s no innocent bystander.”

  “He was shocked about me kissing you.”

  “You told him?”

  “You told him you had feelings for me!”

  “Because I was gullible enough to believe your story!” Damn, it hurt. She’d been such a fool. “Was any of it true?”

  “All of it, basically.”

  “Oh, really? Were you wounded?”

  “Yes.”

  “Decorated for valor?”

  “Yes.”

  She skewered him with a glare that should have set him on fire. “Were you having a problem acclimating to civilian life?”

  “Well…”

  “Aha! Big fat lie designed to prey on my tender heart.”

  “To soften your heart! I was hoping you’d see—”

  “How clever you are? How easily you can seduce little ol’ me?”

  “No! Never! The point was—”

  “Who came up with this brilliant con, you or Badger?”

  “Doesn’t matter. I’m to blame.”

  “Badger did, then.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “No, but you didn’t claim it was your idea, either. You would have if you were the architect. You’d want to protect him. You’re loyal to the guy. I’ll give you that.”

  “I—”

  “But you really screwed up. I mean epically screwed up.”

  “Yeah.” He scrubbed his fingers through his hair again.

  “And if you think I’ll keep my mouth shut for the next two days, you have another think—”

  “Spread it around as much as you want.”

  “Don’t worry. I will.”

  “Badger’s expecting to hear from you. I told him I was telling you tonight.”

  Her breath caught. “Did you mention anything about…last night?”

  “No.” He swallowed. “That’s between you and me.”

  “Between Raven and me.” Her throat tightened. Pressure built behind her eyes. Uh-oh. She was losing it. “I have to go.”

  “Don’t go. We haven’t—”

  “I’m outta here.” She dashed for the door, flung it open and ran out.

  “Caitlin!” He came after her.

  The thump of his boots hitting the wooden porch and steps threw her into panic mode. “Don’t follow me!” She yanked her keys from her pocket.

  “I’m worried about you driving!”

  Faster. Panting, she rounded the Jeep and jerked open the driver’s door. When she tried to close it, he blocked it with his body.

  “Stay here until you’ve calmed down. Please.”

  Dragging in air, she dredged up every ounce of willpower she possessed and glanced up at him. Pride calmed her voice. “I won’t get in a wreck. I can’t. People are counting on me for the next two days. I won’t disappoint them.”

  He held her gaze. Dark fire gleamed in his golden eyes. “Okay.” He moved back.

  She closed the door. Getting the key in the ignition was a trick. She finally managed to start the engine and pull away. She didn’t look in the rearview mirror. He’d be standing in the street, watching her.