* * *

On the drive home from dinner they talked about all the things they could do, and she realized what a brilliant strategist he was, distracting her from the negative side of this deadline on both her job decision and their relationship and focusing instead on the positive, the fun they could have for the next several weeks. It was like a free pass. She’d never known a man so well in such a short period of time. It felt as though she’d known him for years, not weeks. She didn’t have the slightest sensation of doubt until they stood together at her front door. That’s when she was suddenly hit with misgivings. Can I do this? Really?

He pulled her into his arms, gently. He kissed her soundly. He was a great kisser—sensual, thorough, delicious and tempting. Against her slightly parted lips he said, “Let me come in, Peyton.”

“Are you sure you want to?” she asked. “When all is said and done, this could turn out to be complicated for us. Please, be sure.”

“I’m sure. I want to be alone with you. Unless you’re hiding a couple of little kids in there....”

She shook her head. “We’d be very alone.”

“I want that. I want you,” he said, running a hand along the hair on her shoulder, caressing it, stroking it. He lifted a sheath of her hair to his face and kissed it, breathed in the scent.

She was waiting for one of the better-known, clever lines. Let’s not fight this any longer. I know you want this as much as I do. But instead he said, “I’ll never hurt you. I promise.” And she pulled on his hand, drawing him inside. Turning and leaning against the wall, she pulled him against her for more kissing. He threaded his fingers through hers, held her hands against the wall on either side of her and pressed himself against her. “Feeling you against me...it’s the best feeling I know,” he whispered. He began to unbutton her silk blouse, very slowly, stopping every few seconds to kiss her again. And then he pushed the blouse off her shoulders, and it slid to the floor. She wore only a silk camisole under it, and he drew in his breath at the sight. “Whoa,” he said softly. “Come with me. Let’s get rid of some clothes....”

She just laughed and let him take her hand and lead her to the bedroom. It was such a small place, he didn’t need directions and he didn’t take very many steps. He got rid of his own shirt and shoes in a split second and advanced on her again, burying his lips in her neck, inhaling, licking, nuzzling. His hungry hands found the button on her slacks, and he slid them over her hips. She was wearing white silk panties that were loose and flared and matched the camisole. All silky, flowing fabric... He could make them disappear with hardly a touch, and she wished he would, but he just put a hand to his heart instead. He took slow, even breaths.

“Come on, Scott,” she said, reaching for his belt. “Let’s level the playing field here.”

“Right,” he said, helping her. “I like that idea so much.”

He got rid of his pants, leaving him in boxers. She slid back on to the bed and waited for him to join her. He crawled on the bed and reclined next to her, taking her in his arms. “This is good,” he said, his hands running all over her silk underwear, pausing for a moment under the curves of her br**sts. He slid one hand under the loose leg of the flared boy-cut panties, grazing her belly and sliding to the inside of her thigh. “This is a very fine fashion idea,” he muttered against her lips. His fingers roamed.

“I had no idea,” she whispered. “I’ll have to get some more....”

“I just want to touch every single part of you.”

“All right,” she said. Then her hands began to move, and she slid them down inside his boxer briefs. “Maybe you should just take these off.”

“Anything you want. And these should go, too,” he said, clutching a fistful of silk. “But, damn, don’t let them get too far away. Just looking at you in these is enough to bring me to my knees. You’re so beautiful.” Then, almost reluctantly, he lifted the camisole over her head and gently pulled down the briefs. He gazed down at her. “I take it back. There’s nothing more beautiful than you, just you.”

His hands on her were so gentle, his caresses so slow and measured from her br**sts to her knees. He kissed each breast, the inside of her arms and her belly. His fingers slid lower, and he smiled, murmuring, “Oh, baby.”

“Condom,” she whispered. “Top drawer.”

“I’ve got it.” And he reached inside, finding a brand-new, unopened box. “Thank you for this,” he said. When he was ready, he didn’t enter her. Instead he kissed his way down her body, spread her legs and used a strong tongue on her.

She grabbed his hair and arched against him, moaning in such beautiful pleasure she wasn’t sure how long she could wait for him. Then he lifted her legs behind the knees, put his hands under her bottom and entered her slowly. Filling her.

“God,” she said. She looked at his face, and it had turned to stone. His eyes were shut, and he clenched his jaw, and she knew trying to wait was going to be a problem for him, as well. She put a hand on his cheek. “Look at me,” she whispered. “Just look at me.”

He opened his eyes and slowly he smiled, but he didn’t move his hips. He threaded his hand down between their bodies, two fingers slipping down, rubbing her until she began to push back at him, panting wildly, and then he began to move. He thrust deeply, rhythmically, powerfully. He kept his eyes open, watching her face, his expression so intense. The second he felt her internal muscles clench around him, he moved a little harder, faster, deeper. Her orgasm held her a long time, and she gripped his shoulders fiercely, her nails digging in, riding it out. Just as the power of it was starting to ease, he thrust and held, and she could feel him pulsing into her. And it was magnificent. He was magnificent.

A moment later he carefully lowered his lips to hers. He kissed her softly, then more deeply. She held him close, the small patch of hair on his chest brushing against her br**sts, his pelvis flush against hers as he stayed inside her. She reached up and ran her fingers through the hair above his ear. “Scott....”

He smiled. “Thank you.”

She laughed softly. “The pleasure was all mine.”

“Am I too heavy?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Stay with me like this,” she said. “You feel good.”

“Next time will be better,” he said. “Now that we know each other’s bodies a little bit.”

“You’re kidding, right? Scott, my toes curled. My eyes watered. I haven’t felt this good in too long to even...” She put a finger on his lips. “It was wonderful for me. And I think it was good for you, if I’m any judge.”

“Oh, baby.” He laughed. “Thanks for thinking of condoms. I wasn’t sure you’d have any....”

“We probably don’t need them. I’m on the pill, but Ted was a cheater so.... We should talk about it, but for now...”

“I have a couple in the pocket of my pants, but yours were closer. Were you expecting this to happen?”

“Uh-huh. Since that kiss at your house while the kids slept on the couch.”

“Only since then?” He laughed. “Honey, I’ve been having a party in my pants since the day I interviewed you.”