The memory of the night before, of what almost happened, struck her like a rogue wave. She swiveled her head on her pillow and met Lucas’s gaze.

“’Morning,” he said. He lay on top of the covers in khakis and a polo.

How long had he been watching her?

She was unaccustomed to waking with him in bed. Unaccustomed to what they’d almost done the night before. The two realities clashed, ushering in an awkward moment.

“You’re still here,” she said.

He propped his elbow on the pillow, head in hand. “Watching you sleep.”

She could get lost in those eyes again if she let herself. But she shouldn’t. Couldn’t. What sense did it make? She looked away under the guise of checking the time.

Daylight had chased away the unspent desire, exposing the irrationality of her urges the night before. She’d let herself become swept up in her feelings for Lucas.

And yes, she admitted she did have feelings. Strong ones.

But he’s all wrong for me. How could I forget that? Me, who wrote an entire book on the subject? Maybe I am a hypocrite.

“Look at me, honey.”

Her stomach tightened at the endearment, the same one he’d used just before they’d almost—

Kate turned her head. Lucas’s cheek was pillow creased. She’d kissed that cheek the night before. Kissed those lips, run her hands over the sharp curve of his jaw.

Stop it.

She felt foolish now, especially after he’d been so noble. Especially now, after she knew he’d been right—she would’ve regretted it.

“What’s going on behind those big green eyes?” He brushed her hair from her cheek.

She flinched at his touch, wary of being swept into the tide pool of longing, and Lucas withdrew his hand, a frown pulling his mouth.

Kate needed time to think. Time to sort through her feelings.

“I just need . . . a little time, Lucas. Everything’s changing so quickly, I can’t wrap my brain around it. I need time to figure things out.”

The sparkle left his eyes. She wanted to say something that would light them again, but it wouldn’t be fair to offer false hope.

“Right,” he said.

She should say something. Something to soothe the hurt on his face, but nothing came to mind. Nothing honest. Not when her mind was a riot of confusion.

Lucas got up, the bed shaking in his wake. He cleared his throat. “I think I’ll go to late service.” At the foot of the bed, he slid on his sandals.

“I didn’t mean for you to leave.”

He walked toward the door without looking back. “It’s okay.”

Moments later she heard the door open and shut. His truck roared to life outside, and Bo entered the room, his paws clicking to a stop beside her.