“After everything happened with Carl, I said I’d never get married again, and I meant it. I never wanted to be in such a vulnerable position again. Extricating my life from his was ugly and messy and costly. But that was then.”

“And now?” Paul held his breath in anticipation of her reply.

“I don’t know, Paul. I just don’t know. I wish I could tell you I’ve totally changed my mind, but I can’t say that for sure.”

“What happens if this thing between us gets serious and feelings are involved on both sides? What then?”

“I can’t speak for you, but I already have feelings for you. I want to see where they lead.”

He brought her hand to his lips. “I have feelings, too. But I’m not looking to get hurt any more than you are. Would you be willing to keep an open mind to all the many possibilities?”

“I suppose I could do that.”

“I don’t mean to put a ridiculous amount of pressure on you, but I just want to know going in that a future together isn’t outside the realm of possibility.”

“That’s fair enough.”

Paul dropped her hand and put his arm around her, bringing her in closer to him. “I’m really looking forward to the next few days.”

“So am I, but I feel guilty, too.”

“How come?”

“I’ve never spent a night away from Ethan, and I feel guilty for looking forward to it as much as I am.”

Her confession made him laugh. “He’ll be totally fine with Jenny and Alex.”

“I know, but still… What kind of mother looks forward to time away from her baby?”

“The best kind of mom. No need to feel guilty for taking a little time for yourself when you do so much for others.”

“If you say so.”

“I say so.” He kissed the top of her head and dropped his arm from around her shoulders. “I’m going to let you get to bed, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Sleep well.”

“I doubt I’ll sleep at all.”

“Why not?”

“I’ll be too busy thinking about two days alone with you.”

She surprised him for the second time that day when she turned toward him and kissed him.

Paul cupped her face and lost himself to the sweetness of her lips and the innocent seduction of her tongue. She had no idea what she did to him when she kissed him so tenderly. He wanted to devour her and had to remind himself that tonight was not the time for that.

Though it was the last thing he wanted to do, he backed off the kiss in slow increments. He leaned his forehead against hers while continuing to stroke her cheek with his thumb. “Is it tomorrow yet?”

She laughed softly. “I wish.”