“Nothing. You can have it,” she managed to blurt before grabbing a glass of water to cover herchuckle.
He shrugged and set her plate on top of his. Two bites later, he sat back. “Damn, that has to be the best cheesecake I’veeverhad.”
“Don’t let my mother hear you say that,” Racheljoked.
“What happened to that bake-off you and Madison were planning?” Loganasked.
“We’re working on it,” Rachael said while flashing a conspiratorial smile atMadison.
“Don’t forget, I get to be a judge,”Logansaid.
Kate had no idea what they were talking about, but if it involved food, she had no doubt that Logan would be happy toparticipate.
While guests and several of the brothers drifted off into the living room, Kate sat talking with Rachel, Brady, Madison, and Mack. The couples gazed at each other with love in their eyes. Tender touches and gentle caresses passed between them. It almost felt voyeuristic to watch them express theiraffection.
She faked a yawn and pushed back from the table. “I should begoing.”
“I’ll walk you home.” Loganjumpedup.
“Thank you for dinner,” she said toMadison.
“Anytime.”
On the trip back to the house, she couldn’t stop thinking about Logan’s lips and what they’d done to her earlier in the day. When they reached the house, she wasn’t ready to lethimgo.
“Would you like to come in for some tea?” sheasked.
“Sure.”
After stripping off her coat, gloves and boots, she walked into the kitchen. Logan followed closely behind. When she reached for the tea kettle, he placed his hands on the counter on either sideofher.
He pressed up against her back and whispered, “I settled for cheesecake, but what I really wantedwasyou.”
Her breath hitched as she turned to face him. With his lips just inches away, she couldn’t resist kissing them. The first tentative brush of her lips against his curled her toes. She moaned as he tangled his fingers in her hair and drew hercloser.
Just a single swipe of his tongue across her lips was enough to make her forget everything but the feel of his hands on her body. Kneading, caressing, cradling, he seduced her with his hands. She forgot all about her plan to leave at the end of the week. She forgot the terrible memories associated with this house. She forgot about Logan’s betrayal on prom night. Nothing mattered but the graze of his stubbly cheekagainsthers.
“Take me to bed,” shewhispered.
“I can’t take advantage of you like thatagain.”
“I want you to betheone.”
“You’re upset. You just lost your dad. You’re hurting and just looking forcomfort.”
“Consider it payment for helping me with the house,”shesaid.
“I can’t.” After one last, searing kiss, hepulledaway.
“Please…” She wasn’t above begging. She needed him, wanted him, and would say anything right now togethim.
“I’ll help you no matter what because I want to. But I can’t take what you’re offering. You’ve waited this long. Why throw it away on a single night of passion that we both know isn’t going anywhere? You’re leaving at the end of the week. After that, I might never see you again. I don’t want you to regret our timetogether.”
“Logan, don’t do this to merightnow.”
He backed toward the front door. “I’ll give you all week to think about it. If you still want me at the end of the week, then I’m yours for onenight.”
* * *
