“Perfect.” She tucked in close and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Good night, my beloved Adam.”
“Good night, my beloved Tracy.” He adjusted the covers and stroked her silken hair until she dozed off. His beloved Tracy. He liked that. A little too much.
But analyzing his thoughts on the matter required energy he didn’t have. He fell into a dreamless sleep.
When the alarm chimed he would have sworn he’d been asleep about five minutes. He and Tracy struggled to untanglefrom each other and the covers. They bumped heads in the process, each of them calling outsorryseveral times before they were finally upright.
She chuckled. “Good thing we weren’t planning on having sex right now.”
“You’re telling me. Listen, I need to grab a quick shower.”
“And I need to pull myself together. I’ll take your guest bath so you can have yours to yourself.”
“That works. See you in a few. Oh, wait. Do you want coffee? I can start it before I?—”
“Let me make it. Go take your shower.”
“Okay. Don’t leave.”
“I wouldn’t do that.”
No, she wouldn’t. He hadn’t had to say it but for one panicky moment he’d been afraid she might just disappear. Or he’d wake up and this entire episode would have been a dream.
It had that quality about it. The ride they’d taken with his sisters seemed eons ago. He didn’t even feel like the same person who’d taken Banjo out yesterday.
Today he was Tracy’s beloved. They were planning to continue their semi-secret affair tomorrow. Would she tell his sisters? Would he tell Luis? Since this had turned into more than a one-night stand, he probably would.
He showered quickly and skipped shaving. The aroma of coffee drifted into his bedroom as he dressed. That startled him, even though she’d offered to make it. He wasn’t used to having someone else in the house this time of day.
Then it hit him. He’d never invited a woman to his cabin. Huh. His dates had all lived in town. They’d go dancing or see a movie and then go to her place.
But with Tracy, he hadn’t thought twice. He’d wanted her here. He still did, but their new plan made more sense. Far less chance of his entire family catching on.
When he walked into the kitchen, she was dressed and at the table, her phone next to her and both hands wrapped around a mug of coffee.
She glanced up. “I didn’t wait for you.”
“I wouldn’t want you to.” He smiled. “Especially since you’re gripping that mug like a lifeline.”
She smiled back. “Because it is. Thanks for letting me make some.”
“Hey, it’s my lifeline, too. It’s a treat to walk into the kitchen and find coffee already made.” He filled the mug she’d left on the counter for him. “It occurs to me we don’t see each other first thing in the morning. Not anymore.”
“I know. I can’t remember the last time I saw you with whiskers.”
He pulled out the chair catty-corner from her. Sitting across the table put her too far away. “Whatcha think? Should I keep them?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Not if you want to kiss me this week.”
“Then I can’t kiss you now?”
“Only if you’re careful. That thing about redheads is true. We show every little mark, and there goes our secret right out the window.”
“I must have been careful last night. You look untouched.” And so beautiful it made him ache all over.
“You were careful. You’re a good kisser.”
“Aw, shucks, ma’am. Thank you kindly.”
