Marty lay awake awhile, thinking about friendship and what you would do for your friends. Their dad would say you would die for your friends. But would you lie for them? Would they expect you to? Marty had to think about that.

* * *

Lily hadn’t dreamed, but in those few moments between sleep and waking, she’d drifted in a half-aroused memory of the previous night and the latest kiss she’d been unable to contain. With a sigh she rolled onto her back and opened her eyes. Kissing Chase was becoming a habit, one she enjoyed. It didn’t have to be complicated—Chase’s words, and true. Chase had been clear—no obligations, no expectations. One day at a time, no regrets in the morning. Lily’d left New York, but she really hadn’t left the feeling of impending chaos and imminent failure behind, and she needed to. Wanted to. And couldn’t think of any better way to spend a summer than enjoying time with a woman she enjoyed. For the summer, at least, she could live a day at a time.

After a quick shower, she grabbed a cup of coffee and headed over to the clinic. Chase sat on the steps, a cup of coffee in her hand.

“Good morning,” Lily said.

Chase rose. “Hi. How was your night?”

“My evening was terrific, and I slept very well. I hope this is a professional visit.”

“Hey. That kind of hurts.”

Lily grinned. “I’m sure your ego is not damaged. Come inside so I can look at that shoulder.”

She unlocked the door and stepped inside. Before she could turn the lights on, Chase slid her arms around her waist. And kissed her.

“That’s what I’ve been thinking about all night. Didn’t get much sleep,” Chase murmured. “I want you, Lily. So damn much. Kiss me. Please.”

Lily didn’t even think about protesting. She put her arms around Chase’s neck and leaned into the kiss. Chase tasted faintly of coffee and peppermint and heat. Her lips were firm and silky. Lily ran her tongue over Chase’s bottom lip and tugged it lightly between her teeth.

Her fingers curled of their own volition into the fabric of Chase’s T-shirt, gripping her shoulders. Chase’s muscles trembled beneath her palms. She loved feeling all that power melting beneath her touch. Chase’s thigh, lean and hard, edged against hers, and she parted her legs to let Chase closer. Chase’s hand drifted up her side and cupped her breast, the sensation so exquisite she might as well have been naked. A rush of heat swamped her, and pressure instantly built between her thighs. She lifted her hips, and Chase’s thigh rocked rhythmically into her center. So much need—too much.

Mistake.

The press of heat and muscle made the blood pound in her clit.

She stepped away, and her back touched the door.