As I shut the garbage can lid, Grant strode into the kitchen, pecking me on the cheek. “Babe, I’m heading out now.”

“Out? Now? It’s almost eight o’clock at night and raining pretty bad. Plus, it’s Friday. I thought we were going to spend the evening together?” I hoped the disappointment tinting the question would guilt him into staying home. We were long overdue for a night together. Cold sheets had created a rift between us that only hot sex could bridge; certainly he felt it too.

“Sorry, I forgot it was poker night with the guys. You know I can’t miss it or I’ll never hear the end of it. We’ll do something tomorrow.”

I groaned. “Grant, you were out of town for that medical conference thing all last week, and this week you’ve been working late every night. I need some time with you. I miss you.”

“I miss you too, but we’ve got a flu outbreak, honey. I can’t help it that my schedule’s crazy right now. Patients need me; I can’t turn sick kids away.”

“I’m not asking you to skip work. I’m asking you to skip poker night.”

“Robin, I can’t. I’ve already missed the last couple times. Can’t you wait up for me? I won’t be home late.”

“You know things never work out when we try to plan time together. For once Willow and Ryan are both at friends’ houses tonight, Lucas is in bed, and I finally got Collette nursed, diaper changed, and she’s settled down. We’ve got at least a couple hours of uninterrupted time together.” I grabbed his hand and kissed his fingers.

His sigh was weighty as he released my hand. “Honey, as tempting as that sounds . . .”

“I’ll do anything you want tonight—anything.” My words were laced with desire as I unbuttoned his top button, then another, tickling his chest with my fingertip. I could be persistent when I wanted to. “I know what you like . . .”

I brushed my lips against the patch of exposed skin, then licked it and smiled up at him.

“Please. It’s been so long, Grant.” Too long. Months long. We needed this. Our marriage needed it.

“You’re killing me,” he said, pulling me in for a kiss.

“Is that a yes?” I said between panting breaths and urgent fondling.

His hands gripped me hard, almost too hard as if I’d flitter away. It had been days since we’d had more than a passing peck on the cheek. His crazy work schedule, four demanding children, a nursing infant—it had taken a toll on our love life and right now, more than anything, I wanted to make up for it.