The wedding. No, this can’t be happening, her mind screamed.

“What time is it?” she asked. Her body was already in motion, scrambling off the bed, scanning the apartment for her shoes and iPhone and any sign that this wasn’t happening.

She spotted the alarm clock. 7:10 a.m. A rush of relief flooded her body. Hallelujah, thank god! The apothecary party didn’t start till until ten, the ceremony was at noon. That gave her plenty of time to get ready and hit the road.

“What’s going on?” James’s eyes were appraising her.

“Sorry,” she said. “My mom’s wedding is today. It’s okay, it’s not until later, but I thought—”

She looked around the room and spotted her iPhone plugged in to charge overnight. James did that? How thoughtful. Grabbing it, she walked over to the chair where James was now sitting up, shirtless. Just to show him that she wasn’t lying or making an excuse for a quick escape, she let him glimpse the screen and the note that read: MOM’S WEDDING!!!!!! DON’T BE LATE!!!!!!

The pulse in Natalie’s throat fluttered as she felt James’s proximity. He seemed totally relaxed with his chest on full display, as if this was pretty much his normal Saturday routine.

He squinted at the phone. “How much time do you need? If you stay a little longer, I’ll make you breakfast.”

She could feel his warmth. He smelled so good.

“And what would we do after breakfast?” she asked coyly.

He did that half smile thing again. The smile was warm and inviting and without thinking about it, she bent and kissed him.

Her kiss was cautious and light. When he kissed back, it was hungry and hot. She felt something let go inside her. Now she was against him, moving with him, sending shivers through her body. He shifted and laid her back on the chair, unbuttoning her blouse and exposing her bra. She met his eyes and felt heat diffuse to the very edges of her body. She reached up to trace her finger over his bare chest. He made a sound deep in his throat and pulled her toward him. As she felt his skin hot against hers, he asked what she wanted and she didn’t need to think.

“You.”

Just then her phone rang.

“Do you need to get it?” he whispered.

She shook her head no and reached for him. His lips were on hers, moving soft but firm, when the phone rang again. And the dog started to bark. Loudly.

“CP, quiet,” James commanded, then went back to what he’d been doing with his mouth.

The barking continued. James stopped and smiled.

“I’m sorry. Would you give me a minute?” he asked, looking apologetic while still on top of her. “I better deal with Colin Powell.”

She frowned. “What about Colin Powell?”