He made it outside before he stopped and turned around, walked back inside the house, and hauled her off her feet and into his arms.

“Lady, you’re the only person I’ve ever known who could draw my name out into more than one syllable.”

“You don’t like it?”

He nuzzled the side of her neck and traced the inner shell of her ear with his tongue. “It’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard,” he whispered.

“Good,” she answered. “I have nothing against sex.” She ignored his laugh. “And now, what was it you were muttering about as you were so rudely leaving?”

“Rick wants us to come over. Tina’s been dying to meet you. Are you up to it? Don’t feel obligated to come on—”

Debbie’s hands slid around his back as her whisper slid across his mouth. “I’m up to just about anything that you’re up to. And I’d love to meet your friends. Tell them we’re coming. Morgan and Buddy can eat pizza.”

Cole shivered. Her sexy references to being “up” had nothing to do with dinner invitations, and they both knew it. His body ached. It had been too long since he’d shared her bed. Cohabitating in a house with too many people had its drawbacks. Basically, it just couldn’t be done without openly admitting it was happening. And, he couldn’t bring himself to ignore her feelings. He didn’t want her embarrassed in front of his family. But he wanted her. And they both knew it.

“Be ready about six.” He kissed her once as he started to leave and then turned. The look he gave her was more than a promise of promptness. It was full of assurances that he would come back. And he would be safe. “I won’t be late.” And then he was gone.

Debbie wiggled. She wrapped her arms around herself and tried not to smile. But it was no use. Buddy was the first to benefit from her joy. He walked into the living room and stopped, caught in place by the look on her face.

“Uh…” He didn’t know whether to run or stand and take it. She didn’t give him a choice. She threw herself into his arms and announced, “I love you, Robert Allen Brownfield. In fact, I love all the Brownfields. And just because I do, I’m going to make you a cherry pie.”

Morgan walked in on the scene and began to grin. He’d heard Cole leaving. He knew what had put that smile on Debbie’s face.

“What about me?” Morgan teased. “I’m a poor old grandfather without sustenance…or sense. If I had any, I’d have dumped these fool sons of mine years ago and found myself someone like you.”

“Pooh,” Debbie said. “But you’ll share the pie, won’t you, Buddy?”