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  “I’ve been thinking that myself.” Because of all the emotions rioting through Raina, guilt was paramount. Guilt over deceiving her sons and allowing them to worry about her for no real reason. Although, she reminded herself, her supposed illness had brought Roman and Charlotte together.

  Then there was her middle child. Rick’s prospects, which just last week had seemed hopeless, now blossomed with possibility. Raina had given every eligible female she could think of a nudge in her middle son’s direction, but no sparks had resulted. Until Kendall arrived in town.

  Yet they’d hooked up without Raina’s matchmaking. “Maybe you’re right.” She sighed. “I could confess . . . ”

  “And we could start more openly dating instead of sneaking around,” Eric said.

  “You have no idea how wonderful that sounds.” “Then do something about it.” His words sounded like a dare.

  “I’ll have to find the right time.” Would there ever be a right time to tell her sons she’d betrayed them?

  “They love you. They’ll forgive you,” Eric said, reading her mind.

  “I hope so.” But she wasn’t as sure.

  “Would you come over later tonight? I rented some DVDs.”

  She met his warm gaze, enjoying his interest. “I’d love to. Pick me up so my car isn’t seen parked outside your house?” She tapped her fingers restlessly against the table, unable to believe she was plotting like a teenager who’d been forbidden to go out with her boyfriend. But as a woman recently diagnosed with a weak heart, she had no business driving to Eric’s and remaining there for a good part of the night.

  “I’ll pick you up anywhere.” He leaned over and brushed a soft kiss against her cheek. “But why don’t I just take you home from here and drive you back later?”

  “Sounds like a good idea. I’ll just tell Chase he’s off duty.”

  “And that puts me on call.” Eric grinned. “I like the idea.”

  Raina smiled, the pleasure overwhelming. If Rick and Kendall were feeling as warm and fuzzy as she felt, Eric was right. It was time to confess because they didn’t need her help at all.

  Rick held Kendall’s hand in a heated caress. She stepped into his apartment and immediately felt surrounded by his essence. With every inhale, she took in his masculine scent, stirring her already aroused senses.

  He tossed his keys on the counter. The jingling sound along with the slam of the door and twist of the lock lent an erotic edge of anticipation to the night, serving as a prelude of what was to come.

  He turned to face her. “There’s no place like home.” Only a small light burned from the back hall, giving her a glimpse, and as she glanced around, the dark wood and barely there decor reminded her so much of Rick.

  “So what do you think?” he asked, a wry tilt to his sexy lips.

  “This place is very you.”

  “Tonight it’s going to be us.” His voice came out a low growl, curling her insides with a hunger long denied.

  He reached for her, drawing her into his arms for a slow, seductive kiss that quickly turned wanton. The hours they’d spent in Norman’s served to build the urgency between them and as he thrust his tongue into her open, waiting mouth, Kendall knew he was as hungry and desperate as she. For someone whose world was spiraling out of control, the notion that she wasn’t alone was strangely reassuring.

  By the time he broke the kiss and led her into his bedroom, she was burning with need. She told herself she was starting an affair but was more afraid the feelings arcing between them indicated something much deeper. Something she had no business contemplating now or ever.

  He came up behind her and she turned to see he’d already pulled off his shirt, leaving him dressed in a pair of jeans, the button already undone. His chest was tanned and muscular and as her gaze settled on the sprinkling of hair and his dark nipples, her own breasts hardened in response.

  “The whole time we were in Norman’s, I couldn’t wait to get you alone.”

  “I know what you mean.” She grinned. “I felt the same way.”

  His dark gaze bore into hers. “You didn’t help matters, pressing to stay and talk to Charlotte.”

  “Part of me wanted to be polite. Another part needed to talk business.” She grabbed hold of the scalloped edging of her lace shirt and teased him by slowly lifting her top. “You made me realize both could wait.” Before she lost her nerve, she pulled the shirt up and over her head, letting it fall to the floor in a discarded heap. “Pleasure’s much more important,” she said, stepping forward and letting her bare chest, covered only by a wisp of a camisole, rub against his.

  “I agree.” He grasped on to her shoulders and his thumbs caressed her flesh with circular strokes. His body picked up a similar rhythm and through the soft silk, his hips swayed and his chest undulated against her. “Feel what you do to me.”

  “I do.” Beaded and sensitive, her nipples rasped against the fabric, even the thin sheath too much of a barrier when she wanted only skin against skin.

  “That’s not all.” He gyrated his hips in a circular motion, letting the building swell of his erection pulse and settle against her stomach. The sensual pull shook Kendall to her core, physically reaching out to her feminine mound, and emotionally touching the depths of her soul. She pressed her lower body tightly against him, both wanting to feel his hard body come alive and needing to feel more in an attempt to block any emotional feelings building inside her.

  He groaned and eased her aside of him. Words were unnecessary as they undressed quickly, the frenzy to feel skin against skin consuming them both. Rick lifted her and lay her down on his bed, and as he came down on top of her, she took refuge in the sizzling body contact that felt so good. She sighed in pleasure, then realized the sound echoed between them.

  Without warning, he sat up, his large body towering over her and his thighs straddling her stomach as he studied her intently. “I’ve never wanted another woman the way I want you.”

  Her heart flipped at the admission. “I feel the same way.” Honesty compelled her to speak even as she warned herself against getting too attached to the man or the moment.

  “I sure as hell hope not.” He burst out laughing. Kendall did a mental rewind and realized what her words implied. A burning heat rose to her cheeks but she appreciated the sudden lightening of the mood. Intensity wouldn’t do either of them any good right now. “I mean I’ve never felt this way about another man.”

  He ran a tender hand down her cheek. “I’m damn glad.”

  Emboldened, she smiled. “Then prove it.”

  “I intend to.” He reached over and opened the night-stand drawer, pulling out a condom, then paused. “Kendall . . . ”

  “Yes?”

  “I keep these out of habit, because Chase told both Roman and I that if we were ever unprepared, we weren’t just disrespecting ourselves, but the woman we were with.”

  Kendall felt a rush of emotion as she realized the strong familial bond shared by the Chandlers, a bond she’d never experienced with anyone before. Except maybe her aunt, but that time had been too brief and the good memories often too painful to remember in light of the void that remained afterward.

  “For a man of few words, your brother chooses them wisely.” She returned her thoughts to Rick.

  Rick nodded. “It’s the journalist in him. But that’s not my point.”

  “Then what is?”

  A tight muscle pulled at his cheek. “I keep these here but I’ve never used them.” He took out the entire box and dumped them on the mattress beside them. “Eleven plus this one makes twelve.” He held the plastic wrapper in his hand.

  He didn’t have to say any more or tell her what his words and actions meant. He’d never brought a woman to his bed before and he wanted her to know it. There’d been plenty of women, Kendall was certain. Just none here. She swallowed hard.

  Instead of reacting, she chose to keep the moment light. “So how many do you think we can use in one night?”
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  He studied her for an intense second, one in which she was afraid he’d call her hand or push for entry into emotions she didn’t want to share.

  Instead he grinned, shrugging off the serious moment. “Why don’t we find out?” She watched as he took care of protection quickly, then splayed his hands across her thighs. His strong, weathered skin contrasted with her whiter flesh, making his virility and masculinity that much more intense.

  He eased her legs open wide with his palms, nudging the head of his penis inside her and she gasped. Hard yet soft, hot yet tender, his body slipped into hers, opening her, consuming her. Kendall sucked in a breath, amazed at the intensity of the feelings this one simple act aroused. But nothing about Rick Chandler or her feelings for him were simple.

  Before she could think further, he thrust inside her, filling her completely. Desire took over, kindling the fire he’d already lit and sucking her into a vortex of anticipation and heady sensation.

  “Rick.” Without planning or thought, she called out his name and his eyes darkened with heat and need.

  Buried as deep as possible, their bodies joined, one impossible to distinguish from the next, he suddenly stopped, holding himself back. His arms shook with the force of his restraint.

  “You stopped,” she murmured. “Why?”

  He leaned so his forehead touched hers. “How is it I feel like I’ve been waiting forever when we really just met?”

  Kendall wished she knew. She opened her mouth to answer and was rewarded with a kiss instead. A hot, demanding, openmouthed kiss that told her exactly where they were headed. They didn’t need foreplay. Foreplay had been every moment between them since the first time they’d met.

  He trailed his tongue across her cheek until his mouth reached her ear. “I want you hot and ready,” he said in a rough, husky voice that turned her on even more.

  “I am.”

  “I know.” He slid out of her then, letting her feel every hard ridge of his desire, then thrust back inside, revealing every slick inch of his straining erection to her waiting body.

  Each teasing thrust tested her restraint and brought her closer to the brink, closer to climax. Rocking with him, her hips jerked upward, taking him deeper inside, making him a part of her until the whirlwind that had taken hold the day they met caught up with them, bringing Kendall up, up, up and over into hot, sweet, blessed oblivion.

  As reality and sensation returned, Kendall knew she’d changed forever, and not just because she’d made love with Rick. But because tonight he’d done the one thing no one in her life ever had—he’d taken the time to show her he cared. Not just once, and not just with his body, but with his heart and soul.

  Keep it light. With one glance, Rick could look at Kendall and see the internal struggle going on inside her. He understood since he felt it too. Sex was supposed to be simple.

  This thing with Kendall was not.

  But for both of their sakes, he’d do as her beautiful eyes pleaded. “We’ve used two condoms,” he said. “Want to make it three? Or should I take pity on you and let you get some sleep?”

  She laughed, relaxed, and curled up beside him. “Why do I think you’re using reverse psychology and trying to lay the blame on me when you’re the one who needs a rest?”

  He collapsed against the sheets, spent. “Caught in the act.”

  “Okay I admit it too. You wore me out.” “Guess that leaves us time to talk.”

  She turned her head toward him. “About?”

  He shrugged. He honestly didn’t care. Anything he learned about her was a bonus. Anything that explained her unique personality—what made her a wanderer yet still crave love even if she didn’t know or acknowledge it. He knew. He’d seen it tonight.

  Seen the gratitude in her eyes when he’d mentioned the party and once there, watched how despite her wariness she’d absorbed the warmth and friendliness like a sponge absorbed water. Damned if he hadn’t been drawn to that vulnerable side of her as much as he was drawn to the sexy woman in the tight leather pants.

  “I want to know what makes Kendall Sutton tick. What are your goals, your dreams? What’s your plan and I don’t mean cleaning the house, but after you move on? Is more modeling in your future?” He forced the words out as if they meant nothing to him. Unfortunately he was coming to realize they did.

  She shook her head. “No. I only did that as a means to an end. Vanity isn’t my thing which I’m sure you realize after watching me walk around with pink hair.” She laughed and he felt the vibration straight through his body. “But I do design jewelry and—”

  “You do?”

  “Why so surprised?” She leaned up on her elbow and stared at him. “What do you think I did for a living?”

  The comforter dipped, revealing her bare breasts, and for a second Rick couldn’t think at all.

  Catching him in the act, Kendall pulled up the covers. “Behave yourself and answer.”

  “Well, I knew you modeled. I’m not sure I thought beyond that.”

  “Aah. Okay. I only used my looks.” Her lips tipped upward in a grin, showing him those dimples he adored.

  Rick knew she was teasing him and was grateful for the sudden letdown of her guard. “You’re beautiful. Why not take advantage of your assets?”

  “Nothing’s wrong as long as you don’t assume those are the only assets I’ve got.”

  “Would I ever be so shallow?” He splayed his hand across her stomach, then moved his palm upward and cupped her full breast in his hand. “I know you’ve got many more assets.”

  She sighed, obviously enjoying his touch. “Name them.”

  “Huh?”

  “Name those assets you say I’ve got. Prove you’re not just using that Chandler charm to get into my bed.”

  “Correct me if I’m wrong but you’re already in my bed.”

  She let out a long-suffering sigh. “Okay, using that charm to get into my pants—so to speak.”

  “Again, correct me if I’m mistaken but I’ve already been there.” At the thought, his groin hardened and he rolled on top of her, pinning her beneath him.

  “Yes but if you want to be there again, you’ll list those so-called attributes of mine.” She met his gaze and grinned.

  Laughter and pure enjoyment bubbled up inside him. When was the last time he’d enjoyed a woman in bed, her personality not her body? “I have a hunch you’re avoiding discussing you and your future plans, but I’ll humor you for now.”

  “Go for it.”

  He planned to. “First off, you’re beautiful. Count it as an attribute or not, but you are. Second, you’re bright.”

  “And you know this by what? My getting stranded by the side of the road in a wedding dress, Mr. Charmer?” Her eyes glittered with amusement and desire. She was enjoying their easy banter as much as he.

  “You’re warm and compassionate and before you ask, I know this by how you act with my meddling mother, my family and friends.”

  “So you like me, huh?”

  His groin pulsed against her soft body in response. “Yeah,” he said in a husky growl. “I do. Now quit evading questions and tell me what I want to know.” No matter how much he wanted to be inside her now, he needed her to confide in him more. He needed to know his growing feelings weren’t one-sided and cementing that emotional connection was a start.

  For years he’d told himself he refused to get emotionally involved with a woman, believed he was denying himself the ability to get hurt again. But the truth was, Rick didn’t have any control over what he did or didn’t feel. He never had. Since meeting Kendall, he felt like he’d been mowed down and damned if he didn’t need her to feel the same way. Though he doubted bonding would make him feel any better when she drove off in her little red car, he couldn’t control the compulsion to learn more.

  So while she tried to keep her plans to herself, Rick figured if he got her to reveal them, it would be like giving a part of herself. Something his ex-wife had never done, he realized
now. And something he needed from Kendall.

  With his legs, he pushed her thighs aside and nudged his erection between her moist, feminine heat. “Now talk.”

  “Police interrogation at its finest.” Her voice grew deep with wanting. “I figured I’d go west to Arizona. Sedona. Someplace artistic where I can learn more about design, and where I can perhaps make a name for myself by selling my work.” She sighed and the admission seemed to cost her. As if by revealing her innermost dream, she risked it not coming true.

  And though he knew he’d hurt when she was gone, he responded to her need now. “If you want something badly enough, I’m sure you’ll make those dreams come true. After all, how long do you really think it’ll take us to get the old house in selling condition?” He encouraged her to leave even though his heart betrayed him now by wanting her to stay.

  “Working together we’ll finish it in no time.”

  Rick figured he imagined the wistful note in her voice. Obviously he was destined to pick women who chose to leave. For Kendall, anywhere U.S.A. would be preferable to staying in Yorkshire Falls. Well, hell, he didn’t want a serious relationship anyway, wasn’t that what he’d always told himself? And until Kendall, he’d believed it.

  “I’ll make sure you get to Arizona, Kendall.” He stared into her glistening eyes and thrust deep inside her. Her damp heat contracted around him and she let out a soft moan of need, bringing him to the edge in a matter of seconds. “But until the day you leave, you’re mine.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Kendall walked into Norman’s the next morning trying to act like she hadn’t spent the entire night in Rick Chandler’s bed. But her body still tingled with the aftereffects of making love to him and the memories lodged deep in her heart.

  She caught sight of Charlotte sitting in a back booth, pencil tucked behind her ear as she perused magazines, catalogues, and brochures. With her raven-dark hair and green eyes, Charlotte was the epitome of exotic and Kendall could see how Roman, the traveler, as Rick had described him to her last night, had fallen for her and chosen to settle down.