She did not need to read his aura to know he was telling the truth. She could feel it in the urgent tension of his body. Everything about him was taut, hard, energized. There was a lot of sensual heat in his eyes and enough energy inside the SUV to start a wildfire.

This was probably nothing more than intense sexual attraction—lust—but it was the most intriguing, compelling, thrilling version of desire she had ever experienced. She wanted to explore it, and at that moment she could not see any reason why she shouldn’t do exactly that. She might have some regrets tomorrow, but one thing was certain: Whatever happened tonight would be memorable. Unforgettable. Worth the risk.

She lowered her head and kissed him, a light, experimental kiss. Sampling the promise of the thrills ahead before she got on board the roller coaster.

“Olivia.”

With a groan that came from the depths of his chest and reverberated with a senses-stirring mix of hunger, desire and need, Harlan rolled her onto her back and transformed the kiss. Sampling time was over. She was on board and starting the climb to the top. She gripped Harlan’s shoulders, sinking her fingers into the fabric of his shirt to savor the strength and power of his sleek muscles. Her senses slammed into overdrive.

His kiss was the kiss of a man who had just found something very valuable, something he had needed for a long time. She understood because she was experiencing the same exultant excitement. She had been longing for this dazzling, incredibly intimate connection, too.

Higher, higher; almost at the top of the roller coaster . . .

What the hell am I doing . . . ?

No more time to think. Harlan shifted his weight and slid one leg between her thighs. They were both fully clothed but she was aware of his heavy erection pressing intimately against her lower body. She could feel herself growing damp. When his hand moved to cover one breast she shivered in anticipation and twined her leg around his, trapping him, urging him closer.

He reached down, tugged the gray pullover free of her trousers and flattened his warm palm on her bare skin. He moved his mouth to her throat.

“So soft.” His voice was an aching whisper. “Hot.”

She struggled to undo the buttons of his shirt, got the garment open and was about to explore further when she heard the low rumble of a car engine moving slowly on the mountain road. Shocked, she went very still.

“I don’t believe it,” she said. “No one tries to drive that road at night.”

Harlan rolled free of the embrace and sat up. “You said sometimes some fool tries to power through.”

“And ends up in the river.”

They both listened as the vehicle stopped. The muffled noise of a second car echoed in the fog. It, too, came to a halt. Both engines went quiet.