Page 25 (1/2)

His jaw tightened "Don’t pretend you didn’t feel it, too Are you really willing to walk away fro this connection? I’ve never had a kiss like that before, okay? Crazy, yes, but true It may not be anted, or expected, but it’s real"

"Real? You’re not ready for real, Dalton You’re a ga, but I’ into bed to scratch an itch Wemore If you can’t accept ether anyo"

He didn’t answer Stubbornness shone in his eyes Moonlight highlighted the glory of his thick, tawny hair Her fingers still tingled froh the soft strands His scent wafted in the air, musky male, citrusy lemon, and the sweetness of chocolate She waited for his temper, ready to walk away and cut her losses It would be better not to see hiain It would be better to duet that daround out "And I’ll keep my hands to myself But I’ll tell you this Physical che term Passion is the foundation Without it, the structure eventually sinks Be sure you want to walk away from this for some fantasy husband whoshifted in her gut, a bone-deep knowledge that this , even with all the obstacles

Raven ignored it "I’o"

This tiers didn’t brush They walked back in silence Desperate to get hos shot out of the woods to accoht of the front porch

"Raven? Is that you?"

Ah, shit

The feminine voice carried in the air, and heels tapped over to her Morgan and Cal appeared, trapping her halfway to escape The blond Southern wo smile on her face Dressed in her usual chic white business suit even at this late hour, she was the ie of sleek polish, from her silver bob to her smart heels The surface didn’t do her justice Raven had learned over the past year that she had a big heart, a wicked sense of humor, and a steely exterior that refused to take crap from any of the Pierce brothers How could you not like a woman like that? She knelt down and kissed Gandalf and Balin like they were babies, not seeues "Dalton, what are you doing dragging her into the woods? Didn’t you offer her a proper drink first?"

A faint flush hit his cheeks Raven prayed they didn’t look as guilty as she felt "Just showing her the poker tables in the shed Raven’s looking to start up a poker night at My Place"

Morgan rose, watching the dogs take off again after a sound Cal hooked his hand around his fiancée’s hips, tucking her close with an easy intiuys who’d love to be in on that"

"I was actually thinking of starting a wohed and clapped her hands "I love it! I’ than knitting and book clubs"

"Even erotic book clubs?" Cal pointed out, his eyes teasing

"Oh, hush Will you be featuring cocktails, too?"

"Definitely I plan to keep theirl products to balance the calories When Dalton is done with the stools and tables, I’ll set up an introductory class so everyone who doesn’t already kno to play can learn"

Cal groaned "I just lost an tossed her head "Char, I make my own money, and I’ll win or lose it of hed at his chastised look It was fun to see her plans for the bar garner the excitement she’d dreamed of She hoped others would be as enthusiastic, or she’d be hanging out with just Morgan on poker night

"Cal and I were going to sit on the porch for a bit Why don’t you join us?"

"Oh, no, thanks I have to get back Long day tomorrow"

"Of course, we understand We’d love to have you for dinner next week if you’re free"