“You probably have rug burns on your knees from all that bowing and scraping.”

His eyes narrowed. “I’ve tried to point out the obvious . . .”

“The fact that I threaten you?”

He paused, then he deliberately cupped one hand over her breast and thumbed the nipple. “You do like to live dangerously.”

She turned her face away. “I want you to get off me and go away.”

“Not a chance in the world.”

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“About five minutes too late.”

She gazed back up at him. “You intend to force me?”

“Damn straight.”

“Oh.” She tried to look bored. “Get it over with, then.”

He chuckled and drew a gentle spiral around her nipple with his thumb. “An army of Secret Service couldn’t rescue you now.”

It was getting harder and harder to remain indifferent. “You cad.”

His tone softened, and the hand at her breast grew even more gentle. “Give it up, Nell. Just give it up, so we can make love the way we both want to.”

“My name is Nealy.” She needed to hear him say it. She needed to make certain he knew who he was making love to.

He took a deep breath. “Nealy.”

“Not easy, is it?” She couldn’t quite manage the breezy note she wanted.

“If you don’t shut up,” he said softly, “I’m going to gag you.”

“I think I should get up now.”

“Don’t say you weren’t warned.” His lips brushed hers, then settled over her mouth, silencing any other protests she might have made. As his body pressed against hers, his kiss stripped away the last of her stubbornness. He was good at that.

Suddenly he jerked away and sank back on the mattress with a muffled curse. “I don’t believe this.”

Her eyes flew open. Once again he’d remembered who she was. Or maybe it was something more fundamental. “There wasn’t anything wrong with that kiss!”

His smile looked forced. “The kiss was out of this world. It’s what we’re leading up to that’s complicated.” He caressed her cheekbone with the pad of his thumb. “Sweetheart, I’ve got a whole box of condoms. Unfortunately, they’re on the other side of that wall.”

She regarded him smugly “Lucky for us, I’m better organized. Look in my satchel.” Thank goodness she’d left it here when she finished putting on Button’s pajamas.

“The world can’t be this good. ” He shot off the bed and returned a few moments later with the box. Then he took up right where he’d left off.

Their mouths met hungrily, and she didn’t think she’d ever get enough of kissing him. He rolled her on top of him. She cradled his big, square jaw in her hands, angled her head, and reveled in taking control.