Alex bit back a groan as he took in miles of gorgeous leg and toned buttocks. She half walked, half hobbled to the bathroom, and he fell back against the pillows, praying for deliverance from the desire that pounded through him at the sight of her bare skin. He’d never had a stronger physical reaction to a woman. From the first time he touched her, she’d affected him on every possible level, and he was starting to realize the need for her had only gotten greater since he’d had her.

Propped up on one hand, he watched her return, noting how gingerly she moved as she got back into bed.

“You’re pretty sore, huh?”

“Extremely.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. I hadn’t done…that…in a really long time.”

“You should’ve told me I was being too rough with you.”

“I was too busy having multiple orgasms to tell you anything.”

Alex laughed and put his arm around her, bringing her in close to him. “Next time, I’ll be more careful.”

She rested her arm on top of his. “I liked you exactly the way you were.”

He breathed in the fresh, sweet scent of her hair, content to be close to her even if another part of him wasn’t content at all. That part of him needed to stand down, but damn if he could keep the desire he felt for her at bay. When she was close to him like this, he wanted her. If she was in the room, he wanted her. “I talked to Paul, and he gratefully accepts your offer. He said to call him to set up a time to get together.”

“I will as soon as I can move again.”

“I’ll let him know you’re under the weather. We can handle things for a couple of days, so don’t worry about it until you feel better. You’re doing us a huge favor, and we’re on your schedule.”

“I’m glad there’s something I can do to help you guys.”

“It’s nice of you to want to help.”

“Tell me about your mom. What was she like before this happened?”

“She was awesome,” he said with a sigh. “Fun and funny and clever. She loved to read and knit and do needlepoint and play bridge with her friends. She can’t do any of those things anymore. My dad died ten years ago, and even though she was shattered to lose him, she stepped right in to take over the business. It’s hard to believe she was still in charge only a year or so ago. The illness has progressed rapidly.”

“Wow,” Jenny said. “What happened to your dad?”