His voice lowered. “I like those posters in your bedroom, and the colors. How long did you last in ballet lessons?”

She grimaced. “That was the uncles’ idea. They wanted me to be graceful, but...” She stopped. “How do you know what my room looks like?” When he didn’t answer, her eyes widened. “You spent the nights with Dad, didn’t you?”

“Not how I’d put it, but I did stay in your bedroom in your father’s house.”

She turned away so he wouldn’t see her smile of relief.

But he knew what was going on. “I didn’t mean to lie.”

“You didn’t. Not really. I just assumed that you and she were... She’s so beautiful. She’s—”

He kissed her. It wasn’t a kiss of kindness or reassurance but one of passion. Repressed passion that had been building for weeks.

Clothes came off and they made love on one of the old mattresses. It was quick and fierce. Later, they fell back against each other, wrapped together.

“What did they look like?” she asked.

“Who?”

“April and Bobbi and Millie.”

“I was too angry to look.”

“I think your nose just grew about a foot.”

He gave a one-sided grin. “When it comes to body parts, I must say that your friends have no competitors. Which one is April?”

“Legs.”

“Right. Long, lean, toned, lightly tanned. And her backside! The way it curved. I bet you could bend a nail on it. She must—”

Cait cut in. “Got it. What about Millie?”

“Six-inch cleavage and even that didn’t show it all. Quite extraordinary uplift. I’m not sure, but I don’t believe she had on undergarments.”

“She doesn’t need any. What about Bobbi?”

“Very pretty girl. Like an angel. I bet she has a really good personality.”

Cait laughed. “I think you did appreciate them.”

“I might have if Mrs. Chandless hadn’t been there with her schnauzer.”

“The Baptist pastor’s wife.” Cait couldn’t hold in her laughter. “My friends will never live this down. And they’ll blame me. All my fault.” She was laughing hard.

“Get the uncles to send them fruit baskets.” He reached under his back and pulled out something. It was a very dirty penny. He tossed it across the room and listened to it spin, then settle. “This mattress...” he said.

“Better not think about it.”

“Anyone ever think that the house could be locked?”

“Bolt cutters are in every Kansas teenager’s truck. They come in handy for lots of things. Especially locks on empty old houses.”

She was running her hand over his chest, something she’d wanted to do since she’d seen him wearing only a towel.

“Then we’ll have to fill the house.” He rose up on one arm and kissed her. He was ready for her again.

But Cait pulled away. “What does that mean?”