Aria woke surrounded by warmth. A hairy forearm was resting across her stomach, and a strong chest was pressed against her back. It took a couple of moments to recall where she was, then she couldn’t help grinning. Elijah Lockwood was a snuggler. A spooner. How perfectly unlikely.

The smile died on her lips as she realized the enormity of what she’d done.

She’d slept with a powerful man. This would confirm every rumor that had followed her from Christchurch. Everyone would think she’d had sex with him to further her career or her social standing, the same as last time. Unfortunately, this time she was guilty—not of using him, but of the affair, whereas all there had been to her relationship with Wilson Jones was rumor. With Eli, she’d given in to temptation. She’d discredited herself. No one would believe she hadn’t slept with Wilson Jones now.

Shit. She had to get out of here.

Wriggling to the edge of the bed, she looked around for her bikini. The top was on the floor, and the bottom was hanging over the lamp. She’d always suspected it would be difficult to extricate herself after casual sex, and this confirmed it. Cheeks hot, mortified, she remembered how uninhibited she’d been—how utterly shameless. At least she was on the pill.

She slid out of Eli’s arms, hesitating as he murmured in his sleep, and slipped softly onto her feet. Why did he have to be so adorable? He was sexy as hell when he was awake. It wasn’t fair for him to be as cute as a little boy in his sleep. She fetched her bikini and tiptoed out the door, relieved not to have awakened him. She scribbled a quick note, hoping it sounded casual, and jogged to the car. It was only 5 p.m.; there was still time to make it for family dinner. No one needed to know anything.

He was cold. Why was he cold? He’d gone to bed with a willing woman. Where was she? More importantly, why wasn’t she here?

Eli forced his eyes open and patted the bed. The hollow left where Aria had lain was completely cold, which meant she’d been gone for a while. Rolling over, he inhaled the scent of her lingering on the sheets—sweet and fruity. Mingled with the smell of sex, it was intoxicating. Time for round two. Sitting up, he looked around. Her clothing was gone. Perhaps she’d gone to make them a drink. Surely she wouldn’t leave after something so amazing.

Striding through the house, naked and unashamed, he searched for her. In the kitchen, a piece of notepaper on the bench caught his eye.

Eli

Thanks for the afternoon. It was fun. I’ll see you around.

Aria