Chapter 39

"Anyway," Val said, chopsticks pausing. "I think we should go. Opportunities like this don't come along every day." He reached over and touched her hand. "And forgive me, but you do seem tired. Not that you're not still gorgeous, but I'd love to see you kick back and relax a little - ease some of the strain behind those pretty, brown eyes."

"I...umm...looked at the brochure," she muttered, unable to tear her gaze away from his. "There's a pretty big couch."

"And?" His thumb rubbed circles on the back of her hand.

"Well, if we did go, one of us could sleep there if..."

"That's entirely up to you, sweetheart. I promise not to put any pressure on you in that regard - even if that's going to be difficult as hell."

"Difficult?" Her mouth went dry as all the moisture in her body seemed to pool between her legs. "Just because you'd be sharing the cottage with a female?"

"No." He pulled his hand away from hers to cup her chin. "Because I'd be sharing with you. I want you, Cora. Or didn't