This felt good, she thought, enjoying the dull ache low in her belly. Wanting him was proof she was still alive and somewhat functional.

They continued to kiss. He moved his hands to her waist, but no farther, while she continued her exploration of his arms, then moved to his chest. It was only when she brushed against his nipples and felt his breath catch that she realized they were playing two different games. She immediately stepped back.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, feeling awful.

“About what?”

She made a vague motion toward him. Her gaze dropped and she saw he was fully aroused. “I didn’t mean to lead you on.”

His mouth twisted. “No one has ever said that to me before. How are you leading me on?”

“With the kissing. I can’t do more than that and you’re...” She looked away. “You know.”

He surprised her by smiling. “Hard? Unity, you’re a beautiful woman I happen to like and we’ve been kissing for about fifteen minutes. What did you think would happen?”

“I wasn’t thinking. I was enjoying myself.”

“I was, too. I like kissing you and I like you touching me. I know we’re not going to make love tonight. I don’t expect that.”

“You’re not mad?”

He reached for her hands and pulled her against him. “I’m not mad. Now let’s kiss for another ten minutes, then call it a night. You can sleep with the smug knowledge I’ll be forced to take a cold shower.”

She knew he was teasing her, but couldn’t help saying, “I’m not being difficult on purpose.”

“I know that. Unity, I do get it.” He lowered his head. “Now shut up and kiss me.”

So she did.

twenty

Ellen was feeling really good. She was a little sleep deprived, but that was okay. It was for a good cause. She finished putting on mascara, trying not to smudge her upper lid, which was difficult and her own fault. She couldn’t stop smiling.

Life was good. Great, even. She loved the whole sex thing with Keith and she was even coming to terms with Cooper hanging out with his dad.

Okay, coming to terms was a little strong. She accepted it had happened, but she still didn’t like it. But she would fake acceptance until he flew to LA. Then she would sob hysterically the whole time he was gone. Or at least for a few hours.

It was still about forty minutes until everyone met downstairs for breakfast. Ellen scanned her email and clicked on a link for a sale at Nordstrom. It took only a couple of minutes to find three dresses she really liked. Even on sale they were pricey, though. Not Santa Barbara pricey but way more than she was used to paying.

Still carrying her tablet, she grabbed her key and let herself out of her room. She crossed the hall and went down two doors to Lissa’s room, thinking she would ask her if the dresses were worth getting online or if they should go to the closest Nordstrom. A day trip to Seattle could be fun. Maybe Unity would like to come along, as well.