“And if we ran away, which is the last thing I would do, because I’m not that crazy, what would happen?”

“Anything you wanted,” he said bluntly. “I’d make it unforgettable. You’d never have to tell anyone. Just one night. You and me.”

She looked into his eyes. Whatever she saw there was something she desired.

“I probably shouldn’t say this, but the idea is tempting.”

The urge to kiss her consumed him. He reached out to get her on her feet. Moving toward him. Her first, tentative step made his heart race with joy.

As if in a trance, she followed him outside into the shadowy moonlight of the patio.

Someone in the lounge closed the heavy glass doors in back of them and the loud music and din of voices were shut off as if by magic.

She led the way down a narrow path just wide enough for the two of them and turned to face him in the enfolding darkness. His arm stretched across her back and his large hands began to move caressingly up and down. He looked down at her beautiful face.

“Are you sure this is something you want?” He tried to control himself. He knew this was a woman who could not be rushed.

“Yes,” she replied honestly. For some reason, she seemed to trust him completely. Silently and passionately, Parr vowed never to take advantage of that trust.

“I want to kiss you.”

“Then do it.”

The soft command made him smile as he lowered his head and claimed her lips in a tender kiss. After several seconds they both abandoned any pretense of caution. She moaned deep in her throat as she swayed against him when his tongue explored the silky wetness of her sweet mouth. His hold tightened as her pale, slender arms encircled his neck.

“You taste so good,” he murmured, savoring her, pulling her more closely to him.

“Don’t talk.” Her supple body was yielding and pliant but she was still giving the orders. Parr was secretly delighted. Whatever she desired, however she had to have it, he was ready to give.

“You want more, don’t you?” His tongue feathered a line across her pretty chin. “So do I. Much more.”

And then his mouth was on hers again, hard, hot, and demanding. His tongue pushed its way between her lips, thrusting with a need so great they were both shaken by the intensity. Expertly, he explored, retreated, plunged, and conquered as she clung to him, her entire body alive with carnal vibrations.

She was woman. He was man. It was as simple and as complicated as that.