She radiated a warmth that seemed to wrap around him.

She didn’t flaunt that lithe body and soft curves with revealing clothes. She seemed perfectly comfortable and at ease in her skin.

Everything, all of her, woke up his hibernating libido. And like a hungry bear, he wanted to feast on her.

Shaken by the sudden desire, he kept his outside impassive, despite the quake erupting inside him.

He’d lost interest in women over the years. At thirty-four, he was tired of always coming close to having something real only to have the illusion evaporate before his eyes when his name and business became more appealing than him to the woman in his life. He’d had the misfortune to fall for a couple of women who seemed sincere at the start but turned out to be opportunistic, leaving him feeling used, unhappy, unsatisfied, and like he’d failed to make the relationship what he wanted.

His parents and younger brother made love, family, and happiness look so easy.

Not so much for him.

So after getting burned one too many times he kept his interactions with women superficial and short-lived. He tired of dating. He tired of life in general. Boredom had been his constant companion as of late.

Sarah intrigued him.

But if she turned out to be the woman Margaret described . . .

He wasn’t so sure because he expected an overly done up woman with perfect hair and makeup in an expensive outfit and overpriced shoes, dripping diamonds, not the woman standing in the driveway wearing Levi’s, a simple tee, and well-worn tennis shoes.

He walked down the stairs and found a safe topic to break the ice. “Cute boys.”

Sarah startled when he spoke and her gaze landed full on him. Those brown-sugar eyes did something to his gut.

“Um, thank you. I’m Sarah. I believe my mother-in-law forgot to introduce us.” Her voice was like a slow song you never wanted to end.

“I think she overlooked it.” Luke couldn’t get over her delicate beauty. He simply enjoyed looking at her.

He caught himself staring before she noticed.

She quirked a brow and studied him with a look, clearly meant to signal an attempt at levity. “Are you the next contestant to become husband number four?”

The unexpected laugh that absurd joke evoked caught in his throat when she smiled right at him. All that warmth and humor directed right at him. Damn. “Don’t believe the rumors clogging the local grapevine.” His voice sounded harsher than he intended, but he was out of practice at being lighthearted and making jokes.

Sarah gave him a mischievous look. “I think she could give you a run for your money. After all, she’s had a lot of practice, having had three previous husbands who couldn’t keep up with her. I’m sure she’ll keep you on your toes.” She winked to let him know she was truly teasing.

Luke laughed out loud. When was the last time he laughed like that? “First of all, Margaret’s a great woman, but we are not an item. Second, I could be her son.”