“You’ll like it here. Pepper’s a good town.”

Everything about Cody Bailman fascinated her. A few strands of thick dark hair fell over his high forehead, giving him a little-boy look. It was so appealing that Sherry had to resist leaning forward and brushing the hair away.

“The guest bedroom’s upstairs,” Cody said abruptly. He got to his feet, drained the last of his milk in three gulps and set the empty glass in the sink.

Sherry finished her own and stood, too. She’d almost forgotten how tired she was.

“This way,” Cody whispered, leading her up the gently curving stairway off the entryway.

Sherry paused and glanced around at the expensive furnishings, the antiques and works of art. “Your home is lovely.”

“Thanks.”

Sherry followed him to the top of the stairs and then to a room at the far end of the hallway. He opened the door and cursed under his breath.

“Is something wrong?” Sherry asked.

“The bed isn’t made up. Heather had a friend stay last night and she promised to change the sheets and remake the bed herself. Looks like she forgot. Listen, I’ll sleep in here and you can use my room. Janey, our housekeeper, changed the sheets just today.”

“That isn’t necessary,” she protested. It would only take a few minutes to assemble the bed.

“You’re dead on your feet,” Cody returned. “Here.” He reached for her hand and guided her down to the other end of the hallway.

If she’d possessed the energy, Sherry would’ve continued to protest, but Cody’s evaluation of her state was pretty accurate.

“Call me if you need anything, and don’t argue, understand?”

Sherry nodded.

Whether it was by impulse or design, she didn’t know, but before he turned away, Cody leaned down and casually brushed her lips with his.

They both seemed taken aback by the quick exchange. Neither spoke for what felt like the longest moment of Sherry’s life. Her pulse was pounding wildly in her throat, and Cody pressed his fingertip to the frantic throbbing. Then, before she could encourage or dissuade him, he bent his head and brought his mouth to hers a second time.

Her moist lips quivered beneath his. He moved toward her and she toward him, and soon they were wrapped in each other’s arms. The kiss took on an exploring, demanding quality, as if this moment was all they’d be granted and they’d better make the most of it.

Sherry nearly staggered when he released her. “Good night, Sherry,” he said, then she watched as he strode the length of the hallway. He paused when he reached the opposite end and turned back to look at her. Even from this distance, Sherry could read the dilemma in his eyes. He didn’t want to be attracted to her, hadn’t wanted to kiss her, and now that he had, he wasn’t sure what to do about it.

Sherry was experiencing many of those same feelings herself. She opened the door and stepped inside his room, angry with herself for not insisting on the guest room. Because everything about these quarters, from the basalt fireplace to the large four-poster bed, seemed to say Cody.