By the time they got to her bedroom, they were coming out of their clothes.

They fell onto her bed in a tangle of arms and legs, with Hunt’s hands fisted in her hair, and her arms locked around his waist. There was no foreplay, no sweet love words whispered in her ear, no promises made that hadn’t already been said. One moment she was on her back, and then he was inside her, and after that, nothing mattered. Nothing but a mind-blowing blood rush that was so powerful they couldn’t have stopped—even if they’d wanted to. Even if they’d meant to.

Time ceased, and there was nothing but the frantic gasps, the stifled moans, then a change in rhythm as they hit the wall and shattered, falling slowly apart in each other’s arms.

The silence that followed was almost reverent. There was nothing to add to what had just happened. Nothing to say beyond the word love.

And they did.

Ava’s love was old and strong.

Hunt’s was new and sharp.

But it was there…and it was theirs.

Hunt rolled over and glanced at the clock.

It was already after seven. He didn’t want to leave her, but they both had a duty to others.

He rose up on one elbow to look down at the woman beside him.

“You have to know the last thing I want to do is leave you, but I promised, and this wasn’t on the agenda when I walked into your house a couple of hours ago. However, I’m not a damn bit sorry. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Thank you for loving me first…but I’m a quick read, and I catch up fast.”

Ava reached for him, cupping his face, searching the intensity in his gaze.

“There is no race. I waited this long for my miracle and it happened. I’m not going to second-guess the reasons or the timing. And despite the friendship I’ve had with the rest of your family, I’m in your corner.”

Hunt kissed her one last time, rolled out of bed, then began gathering up his clothes and getting dressed.

“You know where I am. If you need me…just call. Love you, Ava.”

She sighed. “Love you more.”

She listened to his footsteps as he walked through the house, retrieving his jacket, then leaving the house. If it wasn’t for the food still on the table, she would just stay in bed. Instead, she got up wearing nothing but a smile, put on a robe and house shoes, and went to clean up the kitchen.

This was easily the best dessert she’d ever had in her life.

* * *