A low rumbling rose in Bennett’s throat, and she immediately stepped up the tempo. A slave to the most primitive of instincts, she bucked against Ruby as the woman bucked against her. In less than a minute, Bennett felt Ruby’s nails dig into her bottom, the woman’s body tensing seconds before hoarse cries of pleasure spilled from her lips. A heartbeat later, Bennett clamped her legs against Ruby’s thigh and fell victim to her own orgasm. She bowed her head as she was pummeled by the sweetest of pulsations, and when her arms began to tremble, Bennett collapsed alongside Ruby.

The room was quiet save for the sound of their stuttering breaths. Their chests rose and fell in unison, and as skin cooled, throbs faded, and their racing hearts slowed.

Bennett opened her eyes and rolled to her side. “Are you doing all right over there?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely,” Ruby mumbled.

“Good.” Bennett got out of bed long enough to strip off her underwear before lying back down.

“What?” Ruby said, propping herself up on her elbow. “Preparing for round two?”

“No. Just getting comfortable.”

Ruby was on top of Bennett in nothing flat and licking her lips, Ruby moved in for a kiss. “Wrong answer.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

It pleased Bennett to see the lights were still on when she unlocked the door to the gallery on Wednesday night. She made her way to the office, stepping inside as Lisa was walking from behind the desk. “Good evening.”

Lisa pulled up short. “Oh, hey there. You’re early.”

“I’ve been trying to catch up with you all week.”

“What are you talking about? I’ve been here.”

“Yes, except you usually hang around until at least six so we can chat. What’s going on?”

“Um…nothing. I just had some errands and things to do since I wasn’t here last week. That’s all.”

“How was Steamboat Springs? Did you have a good time?”

“It was wonderful. I’m still trying to make up for the sleep I lost.”

“Jet lag will do that to you.”

Lisa hesitated for a second before a smile spread across her face. “It had nothing to do with jet lag,” she said, giving Bennett a wink as she sauntered to the closet. “Nothing at all.”

Bennett cocked her jaw to the side, and sitting on the edge of the desk, she watched as Lisa put on her coat. “And I suppose you have things to do tonight as well?”

“Yes, I do. I’m meeting Jimmy for dinner. Why?”

“Unless I’m mistaken, part of your job as curator is to keep me abreast of the goings-on of the gallery. Something you haven’t done all week.”