He put the rod down and joined her on the blanket in two strides. “I’m starving. How about we eat?”

“Good idea.” She knelt and opened the cooler. She pulled out a couple of bottles of water. “What did you pack?”

“Ham sandwiches, apples, some cheese.” Danny sat next to her and leaned over her shoulder. The scent of flowers wafting from her hair blended with the outdoor smells of grass and pine. Mandy fit in with the natural scene. She belonged here. They ate in silence. Danny didn’t taste any of his food. All of his attention was focused on the woman next to him.

Mandy gathered her trash and stuffed it back in the cooler. A wistful half smile tugged at her mouth—and Danny’s heart. He wanted to see her relaxed and happy all the time, not just for a single hour. “It’s such a beautiful day. I hate to go back.”

“There’s no rush.” He tugged on her hand, pulling her closer until their faces were only inches apart. Her eyes darkened, and everything inside Danny tightened. Need and longing filled him. She was so perfect. Wholesome and pure as the forest around them. Just being with her refreshed him. Yup. Axl Rose had it all right. Green grass and a pretty girl was all a man really needed.

He dipped his head and took her mouth, firmly this time, pouring his desire for her into the kiss. Instead of pulling away as he expected, she leaned in. Her weight toppled him. He fell backward. Laughing, she tumbled onto his chest.

“Oops. Sorry.” She smiled down at him.

Danny wrapped his arms around her and rolled until she was on her back. Her hair spread out behind her in a dark halo. “God, you’re beautiful.”

Her shy blush was a total turn-on.

He dipped his head and kissed her again. She opened her mouth to him, and his tongue plunged past her lips. The hot sweetness of her mouth made him want to taste other parts of her. And thinking of that threatened to short-circuit his brain.

Danny’s hand was on her breast before he could stop himself. Her soft moan surprised and delighted him. He slid his palm down to her waist and up under her shirt. More soft skin met his touch. He stroked up her back and released the catch on her bra. His hand swept around. Yes. Her breast filled his palm. She was perfect. Everywhere.

The next groan was his. “Let me see you.”

He tugged her shirt over her head and tossed the bra aside. Lying back on green plaid cotton, her nipples peaked for him. Sunlight played over her smooth, creamy skin.

“Don’t stop, please.” Her plea was breathless, excited, urgent.