The oddest thing was she never considered herself a very sexual creature. There had been a few pleasant moments now and again with men she cared for, had respect for. “Pleasant” was a ridiculously pale description of what had erupted in her with Murphy.

That was sex, she thought, nodding. That was allowed, that was all right. They were both adults, both unencumbered. She certainly cared for him, and respected him, even admired him on a great many levels. What was wrong with one wild fling before she settled down and decided what to do with the rest of her life?

Nothing, she decided, except that foolish courting business. So, she sipped her wine again, set it down. They’d just have to get rid of the obstacle.

“We want to sleep together,” she began.

“Well, I’d find sleeping with you a pleasant thing, but I’d prefer making love with you a few dozen times first.”

“Don’t play semantic games, Murphy.” But she smiled, relieved that the humor was back in his eyes. “I think we can resolve this in a reasonable and mutually satisfying manner.”

“You’ve a wonderful way of speaking sometimes.” His voice was full of admiration and delight. “Even when what you say is senseless. It’s so dignified, you know. And classy.”

“Shut up, Murphy. Now if you’ll just agree that the idea of a long-term commitment isn’t feasible.” When he only continued to smile at her, she huffed out a breath. “Okay, I’ll put it simply. No courting.”

“I knew what you meant, darling. I just like listening to you. I’ve no problem with the feasibility of living the rest of my life with you. And I’ve hardly begun courting you. I haven’t even danced with you yet.”

At her wit’s end she rubbed her hands over her face. “Are you really that thick-headed?”

“So my mother always said. ‘Murphy,’ she’d say, ‘once you get an idea in that brain of yours, nothing knocks it loose.’ ” He grinned at her. “You’ll like my mother.”

“I’m never going to meet your mother.”

“Oh, you will. I’m working that out. But as you were saying?”

“As I was saying,” she repeated, baffled. “How can I remember what I was saying when you keep throwing these curves? You do it on purpose, just to cloud things up when they should be perfectly simple.”

“I love you, Shannon,” he said and stopped her dead. “That’s simple. I want to marry you and raise a family with you. But that’s getting ahead of things.”

“I’ll say. I’m going to be as clear and concise about this as I can. I don’t love you, Murphy, and I don’t want to marry you.” Her eyes went to slits. “And if you keep grinning at me, I’m going to belt you.”

“You can take a swing at me, and we can wrestle a bit, but then we’re likely to resolve the first part of this right here on the kitchen floor.” He stepped closer, delighted when she jerked up her chin. “Because, darling, once I get me hands on you again, I can’t promise to take them off till I’m finished.”