“Karen did that?”

“No.” He scowled fiercely. “But I’ve seen it happen to plenty of other men, including Luke.”

“Ellie doesn’t seem the type to do something like that.”

Cody frowned. “I know—Luke put the collar around his own neck.” He returned to the table, wrote on the pad and glanced at her. “I was thinking you and I might reach some sort of compromise.”

“Is that possible?”

“I don’t know,” he answered. “But it might be if we try.”

“Before we go any further, I want it understood that I have no intention of changing who you are, Cody. That’s not what marriage is about.”

His look told her he didn’t believe her. But Sherry had no intention of arguing with him. He’d believe whatever he wanted.

“This isn’t working,” Cody said, thrusting his hand through his hair in frustration. “I was hoping to make a list, so I’d know what you want from me.”

“For what?”

He dropped the pen he still held on the table. “So we can put an end to this foolishness and get married!”

Their conversation had taken so many twists she was no longer sure exactly what they were discussing.

“You still want to marry me?” she asked.

“Obviously. Otherwise I wouldn’t risk making a fool of myself twice.”

“Why?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“Damned if I know,” he snapped. He took a moment to compose himself and come to grips with his temper. “Because I like the way you feel in my arms. And I like kissing you.”

“That’s all?” she asked.

“No. I also want to marry you because my daughter clearly adores you. On top of that, you’re easy on the eyes, you’re intelligent and well-read.”

“Ah,” Sherry said.

Her response seemed to succeed in making him angrier. “There’s sparks between us—you can’t deny it.”

This man had the most uncanny way of insulting her with compliments. But it was impossible for her to be angry and, in fact, she was more amused than offended.

“We’ve only kissed twice,” she reminded him.

“Only twice?” He sounded surprised. “Well, I guess you pack quite a wallop.”

Sherry decided to accept that as a definite compliment, and she smiled. He was suddenly standing in front of her, his hands reaching for hers, drawing her up so that she stood before him. “I can’t stop thinking about how good you taste,” he whispered. His mouth was inches from her own.

Sherry knew that a kiss would muddle her reasoning, but it was already so tangled it shouldn’t matter.

He pulled her closer. For one crazy moment all they did was stare at each other. Then Cody spoke. “It’s been a long time since I’ve kissed a woman the way I want to kiss you.” His words were low and heavy with need.

“I’m not afraid,” Sherry said simply.

“Maybe not, but I sure am.” His arms went around her, folding her against his chest. How right this felt, Sherry thought. How perfectly their bodies fit together….