Chapter 40

"Oh hell yes." He bent and kissed her, just as he had the other night, and Cora practically melted in his arms. Then he pulled back and smoothed a lock of hair away from her face. "Though I should probably run out to the store first. I didn't exactly come...prepared."

She was touched by his restraint and responsibility. Going up on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek. "Let me check. I don't have any, but I think Marla has a big stash in her bathroom. I can replace them later."

As she turned to leave, he caught her hand. "Just so we're on the same page - I'm not looking for anything long-term, Cora. Maybe it's a baby-of-the-family thing, but I'm just not ready for commitment yet, and you're the kind of woman who deserves that."

What a sweetheart. She shook her head. "My career takes up so much of my time right now. Maybe in a few years I'll be in the market for something permanent, but not right now. We're on the same page, Val. Company and a little fun while it lasts, but no strings a