She rested her head on folded arms and gripped the sheet to keep from flying off the bed.

Using his knees, he urged her legs even farther apart as he slowed the pace. If he was out to drive her crazy, he was doing one hell of a job. Then she felt his hands on her bottom, smoothing over the cheeks in a gentle caress that made her legs turn to jelly. Her breath got caught in her throat when his finger slid into the cleft, teasing, pressing, exploring.

Sydney came again, screaming as the powerful release rocketed through her.

Luke slipped an arm under her hips and surged into her one last time, grunting as he let himself go. He collapsed, half on her, half off, his lips pressed against her back as they recovered.

For the longest time, they lay there joined, cooling, breathing, throbbing with aftershocks.

He nuzzled her hair aside, his lips brushing against her ear. “God, Syd,” he said so softly she almost didn’t hear him.

She nudged at him, encouraging him to let her up.

He withdrew from her and shifted onto his back. Gathering her close, he kissed her forehead. “We’ll make it work this time. One way or the other, we’ll make it work.”

Sydney closed her eyes tight against the rush of emotion. She wanted another chance with him, but first there was something she needed to tell him.

“Maddie called while we were in the shower,” Sydney said, catching the heated look he sent her way when she mentioned the shower. Just when she’d been certain they’d worn themselves out, he had proven otherwise, taking her fast and rough against the wall. She’d never had so much sex in her life, and even though she was tender in a few interesting places, she was enjoying every minute with him.

“What’d she have to say?”

“She left a message that she and Mac are going with Joe and Janey to the Tiki Bar at McCarthy’s tonight. Something about a guy playing there they want to see.”

“Owen Lawry. He comes through a couple of times every summer. Plays the guitar and sings. He’s really good. You want to go?”

“I wouldn’t mind getting out for a bit.”

He turned away from the grill and came over to where she stood looking out at the sunset. Putting his arms around her from behind, he nuzzled her neck. “Because I’ve worn you out?”

Sydney laughed and covered his hands with hers. “Partially.”

“What’s the other part?”

“Maddie was worried when I talked to her earlier. She wants to see that I’m okay.”

“And are you? Okay?”

Sydney turned to him and slipped her arms around his neck. “I’m fine.”

“Are you feeling, you know, guilty at all?”

“Some. My therapist said I should expect that the first time.”