Their eyes held for a long moment. There was absolutely no reason they should kiss, yet Abby knew that they would. She could tell by the subtle change in Nic’s eyes. She could have pulled away when Nic leaned closer. Yes, she could have. She probably should have. But no. Her eyes slipped closed when Nic’s mouth met hers—just like a real kiss. The fact that they didn’t need to kiss—there was no audience, no one watching—never quite registered with her. Nic’s hands cupped her face and Abby’s lips parted, the tiniest of moans escaping before she could stop it. She heard the shift in Nic’s breathing, felt Nic move closer, bringing their bodies into contact.

The barest, briefest touch of a tongue against hers made her moan again, then it was gone. Nic pulled away, her eyes a dark, smoky blue now. She didn’t say anything. She simply went deeper into the sunporch, going to stand near a window. Abby wondered if Nic was really watching the activity at the birdfeeders or if she was reliving that kiss.

Abby stared at her, letting her eyes roam over her body at will. Would tonight be the night? Would Nic collect on that compensation she was owed? Yes. Abby swallowed nervously, knowing she wouldn’t put up a fight. No. Not after that kiss. She could almost feel the anticipation—is that what it was?—build as she leaned back against the wall. The thoughts running through her mind made her feel a little naughty.

Oh, who was she kidding? For her, it was way past naughty. It was downright promiscuous, a word she would have never, ever used to describe herself. She was the overly cautious one, always a bit guarded when it came to her love life. Then why now was there this smoldering heat making its way through her body? A smoldering heat that had been missing when Holly had been pressed against her.

She heard the back door open, and she turned, finding her mother coming in from the garage, her arms loaded with packages. Abby hurried over to help.

“Looks like you had fun,” she said as she relieved her mother of a bag.

“All the shops were packed. It was a madhouse.” She looked around. “You found my note?”

“I did. Actually, Holly helped chop veggies too.”

Her mother’s eyes widened. “Whatever in the world was wrong with her?”

“I’m not quite sure. She went back upstairs. I’ve not seen Aaron.”

Her mother nodded, then looked past her as Nic leaned in the doorway of the sunporch. Abby met her gaze, surprised to still see a lingering desire there. That made her breath catch.

“Nicole, were you enjoying the sunporch?”

“I was. No wonder it’s your favorite room. You had quite a few customers at your birdfeeders.”