She appreciated that he was so willing to include them. “Actually, Margaret took them over to Bridget’s place for dinner and a movie.” Sarah hadn’t been invited, which suited her. “They won’t be back for a while. You just missed them.” She yawned. “I’m not really up to going out tonight.”

Luke’s face fell in disappointment.

She just wanted to be alone with him. “I have another half hour of work to get done and sent back to my office. Let me do that and I’ll meet you at the ranch. You have a really nice firepit by the garden. Get a fire ready, and I’ll bring dinner. We’ll have a cookout and watch the sun go down.”

His eyes lit up with excitement and anticipation. “Sounds good to me.”

He stood, and since their hands were still linked, he brought her up with him. “I’ve missed you so damn much.” He pulled her hand up over his shoulder and leaned down to kiss her. Soft, warm, his mouth touched hers and she was lost in him. Completely intoxicated, she dove in for more, sweeping her tongue along his, tasting him, taking him in.

He held her so close and she felt so safe in his arms. Time, work, all the pressures in her life disappeared and for the first time in a long while she felt like only a woman, wanted and needed by a man who made her feel those things and so much more.

His lips left her mouth and he kissed his way around her face. One on her jaw, he moved up to her temple, kissed her on the forehead, and gave her one last kiss on the lips before he pulled away. Dazed, he held her by her shoulders while she regained her head.

“I’ll see you in about an hour or so. You sure you don’t want me to cook, or take you out?”

“Huh? What?”

“Dinner,” he reminded her, his grin even more vibrant—and smug.

She didn’t mind. He’d earned it. “Wow, you have to stop kissing me like that. I completely lose all coherent thought.”

A laugh rumbled out of him. “Good to know.”

She smacked his shoulder. “I’ll bring everything.”

“Hurry up. If I only get a couple hours, I want every minute of it.” He gave her a light kiss, then cupped her cheek and held her gaze. “I really am worried about you.”

“I’ll be okay. Dinner will reenergize me. You’ll see.” She squeezed his impressive biceps. “Thank you for my gift. I’ll keep all my treasures in it.”

“I’m glad you like it. I’ll see you in a little while. Don’t keep me waiting.”

“I won’t.” She watched him leave down the back steps, excited for their date and the possibility of something more, even if she hadn’t dated anyone in forever.

She sat at the table to finish her work, but the music box held her attention and she ran her hands lovingly over the wood.