“Why not do both?”

“It’s the morning. People don’t have this conversation before breakfast.”

“Sure they do. They have sex in the morning.”

She chewed and swallowed. “You’re just saying that to put me off my food. You think you can get an extra Danish.”

He picked up his coffee and took a sip, then studied her over the container. “You don’t think people make love in the morning?”

“No. Yuck. What about brushing your teeth?”

“You get up and go into the bathroom and brush your teeth. You can even pee if you want.”

“That’s romantic.”

“It’s better than wetting the bed.”

She shuddered. “Can we change the subject?”

“Is it the idea of sex or bodily functions that bothers you?”

“I can deal with the peeing. I have medical training. I know how things work. It’s just, really? Sex before lunch?”

“You’re obsessed with meals.”

“I like to eat.” She stared at him. “This is all going to be normal, right? You’re not one of those people who wants to wear fur handcuffs or anything, are you? Because that’s not on my play list.”

“You have a lot of rules.”

“I like rules.”

“I like breaking them.” He stood and walked around the table, then held out his hand. “Come here.”

Wariness darkened her eyes, but she put her hand in his and let him draw her to her feet. He walked to the sink and leaned against the cabinet, the small of his back braced against the counter. Then he pulled her in. She came to a stop about a foot away.

“Closer,” he said quietly.

She took a single step.

He chuckled and put his hands on her waist. “All the way, little girl. We’re going to have actual bodily contact. When we’re done, you can have another Danish.”

She pressed her lips together. “Can’t you stand up so we’re not touching there?” Her index finger pointed down to his crotch.

“Touching there is the point.”

He felt her stiffen. He waited, hoping she wouldn’t back up. Finally she inched forward another half step. He kept his hands on her waist, guiding her the rest of the way. Finally her h*ps settled against his.

He reminded himself this was a lesson and that reacting physically would be a bad idea. Still, she was warm and, despite her attempts to hide it, very much a woman.

They were at eye level with each other. He liked that. He liked how she was strong and very much his equal. The combination of attitude and terror touched him in a way he hadn’t expected.

“Hands here,” he said, raising his arms and lightly tapping his shoulders.

She did as he requested.

“Breathe,” he added.

“I’m breathing.”

Barely, he noted. Shallow breaths would add to her anxiety, but his plan was to distract her. If it worked, she would forget to be afraid. If it didn’t, she would probably give him a quick knee to the groin.

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” he said softly. “I’m going to wrap my arms around you, but I won’t pull you against me. You can break away anytime you want.”

She listened intently, her eyes wide. He could hear the battle raging inside. Part of her wanted to get over her fear, but the rest of her wanted to bolt. This wasn’t comfortable and Charlie didn’t like being vulnerable.

He put his hands on her back, just below her bra. He splayed his fingers and pressed just firmly enough that she could feel him, but not so hard that she felt him urging her forward. If all went well, she would lean into him on her own.

“I’m going to kiss you,” he continued. “You don’t have to respond.” He grinned. “It would be nice if you didn’t slap me.”

“I won’t.” She trembled slightly. “Okay. I’m ready.”

He’d been hoping for a smile, but there was too much tension. His chest tightened with rage at the bastard who had done this and compassion for the woman he held. Then he closed his eyes and leaned in.

Her mouth was stiff as he brushed it with his, her body rigid. He moved slowly, gently, letting her get used to him kissing her. As he went back and forth, he felt something sticky. Icing, he thought and licked the spot.

Her breath caught and he felt her tense up even more. Fingers dug into his shoulders but not in a “take me, take me hard” kind of way. He drew back slightly, then pressed his mouth to her cheek.

From there, he kissed lightly, tenderly, moving to her jaw, then down her neck. He moved toward her ear and kissed the spot right behind it, lingering for a second. The fingers on his shoulders relaxed, as did her back. Her breathing deepened. He moved to her earlobe, brushing his mouth against it.

The return journey was just as slow. When he reached her cheek again he paused before touching his mouth to hers. He let the pressure linger and was pleased when she stayed relaxed.

He repeated the process on her other cheek, working his way down to her jaw, then along her neck. He was careful to stay high enough that she wasn’t threatened. When he reached her earlobe, he lightly nibbled on the curve. He was rewarded with a soft gasp and her body eased a millimeter closer.

Slowly he moved his hands from her back to her face. He cupped her cheeks in his palms and stared into her eyes. Hers were wide with apprehension but less than they had been before. He also spied the first subtle signs of arousal. Flushed cheeks, parted lips, slightly dilated pupils.

“Charlie,” he whispered, then touched his lips to hers.

For a second there was nothing. Then her mouth moved against his. Her arms eased around his neck and she leaned into him.

He held back, not wanting to startle her. He brushed his mouth back and forth, going slow. They stayed like that for several seconds, then she tilted her head a little and parted her mouth the tiniest bit.

He doubted she was aware of what she was doing, of the invitation. He would guess that back in high school, she’d had boyfriends and they’d made out. So kissing would be easier than anything else.

He dropped his hands to her hips. He wanted to ease around and put them on her butt, squeezing the curves. No, he thought, humorously. That wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted to rip her shirt off her and feast on her breasts. Then he wanted her na**d, sitting on the counter, so he could push into her with all he had.

The intense fantasy surprised and pleased him. His reaction was more than biological need. It was about wanting to be with a specific woman. Another sign of healing. Although he hadn’t shared Charlie’s concerns about his ability to perform, he was happy to be anticipating the journey...and the destination.

But that was a long way off. For now, it was enough to kiss her.

He brushed his tongue against her bottom lip. She stayed where she was. He did it again, then slowly slipped inside her mouth. She hesitated a second before moving her tongue against his. Pleasure shot through him, followed by heat and wanting. He stayed in his head, knowing he couldn’t get lost in passion. Not yet.

They circled each other, brushing tongues, deepening the kiss. She relaxed even more, her body leaning into his. He felt the pressure of her br**sts against his chest. Her flat belly rested against his growing arousal.

She was still close, but they weren’t touching. She rested her hands on his shoulders before sliding them down his chest to rest on his stomach. Her eyes were big and dark, her mouth swollen.

“Can I...” She paused. “Can I do what I want?”

The question sent a jolt of anticipation through him. “Does it involve knives?”

She laughed. “No.”

“Then sure.”

She leaned in and pressed her mouth to his. The kiss was light, barely there, then she straightened and looked at him. He watched her battle against her fear. He’d seen her work out, knew how strong she was. Charlie experienced life physically, rather than in her head. But she’d shut off the sensual side of herself for so long, he suspected she wasn’t sure how to get it back.

He reached for her right hand. “Look at me,” he said.

“I am.”

“Trust me. Nothing is going to happen.”

“What are you—”

Before she could complete the question, he took her hand and pressed her palm against his erection. Her gaze followed the action and she stared at him. Immediately her body tensed and she took a step back. He let her pull back so she wasn’t touching his penis anymore but didn’t let go of her hand.

“The mechanics aren’t going to be a problem.” He kept his tone light as he spoke, rubbing her palm with his thumb. “In case you were wondering.”

“Good to know.”

“Charlie?” He waited until her gaze met his again. “Would you kiss me again? Please?”

She nodded once. A quick jerk of her head, then she stepped forward. Her arms went around his neck, her eyes closed then her mouth was on his. They stayed like that for several seconds before she relaxed against him. When her lips moved, he was still, letting her do all the work. He felt her tongue against his lip, but continued to not move. A sharp finger poked him in the ribs.

“Cooperate,” she demanded.

He opened his eyes. “Did you want something from me?”

She gave him a smile. “I did. Now I’ve changed my mind.”

He chuckled and wrapped both his arms around her. Without thinking, he hauled her against him and hung on tight. But instead of getting scared, she let her head rest on his shoulder.

Progress, he thought, ready to start the kissing again.

They were interrupted by the doorbell.

Charlie jumped, then leaped back. “I’m not expecting anyone,” she said as she started for the living room.

He trailed after her only to find her looking through a window and shaking her head. The doorbell sounded again.

“You’re not going to get that?” he asked.

She spun toward him and pressed her lips to her mouth. “Shh. It’s my mother. If we’re quiet, she might go away.”

The sound of knocking followed the loud bell. A woman called, “Chantal? Are you in there?”

“Chantal?” he mouthed.

Charlie turned toward him and glared.

He grinned.

A minute or so later, the ruckus at the door stopped and Charlie sagged onto a sofa. “I really wish she hadn’t come to town.”

“You can’t avoid her forever.” He sat across from her, on the coffee table.

“I can try. I bet I’ll be successful at it, too.”

“So your name is really Chantal?”

Her gaze narrowed. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Fine. We’ll talk about our sex schedule. I was going to say afternoon or evenings, but mornings seem to work for you.”

She looked away, but not before he saw her blush. “My mother was just here. How can you even think about sex?”

“I’m a guy. I can think about sex nearly anytime. So what’s your work schedule like?”

“I’m on the next two days. I traded shifts to help a friend.”

“So the day after? Your place? We’ll play escaped prisoner and the warden’s wife?”

She laughed. “No, but we’ll move forward with your plan.”

“Good. I like my plan. Now about those remaining pastries. How many do I get?”

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHARLIE DROVE ONTO the Castle Ranch, parked her truck and climbed out. She’d spent the better part of an hour convincing herself it was okay to go ride her horse. Something she did nearly every day she was off. It was no big deal. Only it felt like a big deal. Because of the kissing.

Just a few hours before, Clay had stood in her kitchen and kissed her until she’d felt her world turn upside down. The things that man could do with his mouth, and she had a feeling he hadn’t even been trying that hard.

Sure, she’d been nervous. Maybe even scared. But then she’d found herself relaxing and everything had been different. Better. Her lips still tingled and there was a sense of pressure low in her belly. That along with the thought of seeing him again kept her stomach churning. She was confused, but in a good way.

Which had made the decision to come ride Mason anything but easy. Because this was Clay’s ranch, too. Or at least his mother’s. And he was staying here. So the odds of running into him were decent. Once she saw him, she wasn’t sure what to say or how to act. All circumstances the average fifteen-year-old would take for granted. She was definitely stunted on the man-woman front.

She climbed out of her truck and told herself that she was strong. If the situation got uncomfortable, she would simply hit someone. That would make her feel better.

She started for the corrals behind the stable. Shane usually let Mason out early so he could enjoy the late-summer weather. As she walked, she heard the rumble of a big engine and what she would swear was men yelling.

She doubled back and headed for the sound. As she came around the stables, she saw a massive flatbed delivery truck and a huge piece of farm equipment. Shane and Clay were literally climbing up and down the whatever-it-was, while another man shouted instructions.

“It’s always like this.”

Charlie turned and saw the delivery guy walking toward her. “Like what?”

He motioned to Clay and Shane. “This is nothing. I’ve seen lifelong friends go at each other over who was going to drive a Bobcat first. And this is a whole lot bigger than a Bobcat.”

Charlie’s knowledge of farm construction could fit in a teaspoon. She knew a whole lot more about how buildings came down than how they went up. She knew which beams were most likely to fall first in a fire and the safest way to cross a burning roof. But she knew nothing about the big-tired, drilling monster in front of her.