KIM BALDWIN. between her legs from her fevered anticipation

between her legs from her fevered anticipation.

Erin f ung open the door as soon as she drove up, and bounded down the stairs and into her arms.

They kissed long and hard, pressing their bodies together, the heat between them scorching Gable, obliterating everything else. Erin’s body F t perfectly against hers.

“Oh God, you feel so good,” she murmured into Erin’s ear.

“Inside,” Erin answered breathlessly, tugging at her.

They stumbled into the house and to the bedroom, removing clothes as they went, kisses punctuating every other step.

The F rst time that night was frenzied and fast. After dinner they took their time.

v

Around midnight, Gable awoke, spooning Erin from behind, her hand cupped protectively over Erin’s breast. She didn’t move for a long minute, relishing the feel of her skin, the press of her body, the soft, reassuring sigh of her exhalations. How can I ever sleep alone again?

They had not discussed the future or their feelings for each other.

It was too soon for that—Gable accepted that fact intellectually, and refrained from bringing it up. Erin had made it clear she had relationship and commitment issues, and Gable didn’t want to pressure her or scare her off.

But she already knew in her heart that there would be no one for her but Erin. She was so head-over-heels in love she couldn’t think straight, and she could no longer imagine living the solitary life she’d been content with for most of her adult life.

They certainly had passion and chemistry between them, there was no doubt of that. Erin had made it abundantly clear she couldn’t keep her hands off Gable any more than Gable could resist touching her when they were alone. But as wonderful as the sex was, Gable prayed that it was more than that with Erin. Much, much more.

Plagued by her insecurities about the future, she found it difF cult to fall back asleep and slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Erin.

She put on Erin’s terrycloth bathrobe. It was a little small for her, but it smelled vaguely of Erin’s soap and shampoo, and Gable found it reassuring somehow. She went into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea, then sat staring out the window at the stars.

• 186 •

FORCE OF NATURE