Even when she was married, sex hadn’t been that important to her. Yes, she enjoyed it but she could take it or leave it. She wasn’t driven by a need to have a man in her life.
The thought of being single didn’t bother her; it was the thought of being lonely that had recently become a concern.
And yet, from almost the moment she had met Raff, the man had been on her mind. Now, even more so.
Was that because of some undeniable attraction? One she had never felt for anyone until now.
Or was it because of her fear of the future?
Were her concerns about that, manifesting into false feelings for this man?
This gorgeous man who was sleeping contentedly beside her right now.
This man who had made her smile, and laugh, and open up about things in a way she never had with any man before.
This man who had marched into the sea for her – or for Rufus – it made little difference for whom he had performed his kind act.
This man who had made her feel things she had not thought possible.
This man who had made love to her so skilfully, so passionately, so satisfyingly, not to mention so frequently.
This man who, as crazy as this was to admit, had already stolen her heart.
Something she had been certain no man could ever do.
Sixteen
‘Good morning.’ Raff smiled at Kate the moment he opened his eyes.
‘Good morning,’ she replied somewhat guiltily, having been staring at him for some time.
‘Did you sleep well?’
He moved closer to her and planted a soft, wet, kiss on her lips, igniting a spark in her, like the pilot light on a boiler. And when his fingers brushed a strand of hair from her cheek, she was burning hot for him yet again.
And yet again, she surrendered to her longing, her body aching for him.
‘I can’t believe how much I want you, Kate,’ he groaned. ‘I’ve never felt like this before.’
She wanted to tell him she felt the same but her need for his lips on hers was too great. Instead, she smothered his words – and hers – in a deep and passionate kiss.
They remained wrapped in one another’s arms for some time and it was Kate who made the first move to get out of bed. Sheretrieved the unworn shirt he had tossed on the bed last night, from the floor where it had fallen.
‘May I?’ she asked.
‘Be my guest,’ he replied.
Raff watched her in silence as she slid her arms into the sleeves and did up a few buttons but his devilish smile and the twinkle in his eyes spoke volumes.
‘Don’t even think it,’ she said, flattered and excited that he clearly wanted her again. But equally conscious of the fact that this relationship couldn’t go anywhere.
‘Then don’t look so sexy. I’m only human. It would take a god to resist you.’
‘Raff?’ she said after a moment’s hesitation.
‘Yes, Kate?’
‘I … I think we need to talk.’
