She sighed as she wiped her hands on a dish towel, took off her Diamond Bar apron and hung it on a hook near the stove. Whatever Kade was thinking, they still needed to talk about Frank Keller, try to figure out if there could be another motive for the attacks. They needed to be certain Keller was the man responsible, because so far they had no proof.

And there was the not-so-small matter of solving Heather’s murder—the job Kade had originally hired her to do.

She glanced up at a noise in the hall, saw him walk into the kitchen, and felt a sweep of sexual desire it was ridiculous to feel after last night.

Kade’s eyes locked with hers and seemed to glitter with heat. “Good morning,” he said, his voice a little rough. “I see you got the men fed and watered.”

Her lips twitched. “They aren’t livestock, Kade, but yes, the guys left for work a while ago.”

“I want you to know, Ellie, I appreciate the job you’ve done here. Nothing more important to the ranch hands after a hard day’s work than a hearty, good-tasting meal. When I suggested you work as cook, I figured Maria would do the actual labor and you’d just sort of pitch in as cover for the job you’re really here to do. Instead, you took over at a time we really needed you, and I’m more grateful than I can say.”

She was touched by his words, certainly hadn’t expected them. “Thank you.”

His eyes found hers across the distance between them. “So . . . about last night—”

Ellie’s raised a hand, cutting off whatever he’d planned to say, hoping he wouldn’t notice the color rising in her cheeks. Talking about the intimacies they’d shared wasn’t easy for her, either.

“You don’t have to say anything, Kade. We enjoyed ourselves. That’s all that matters.”

One of his dark eyebrows went up. “That’s it, then? One night was enough for you?”

Heat tugged low in her belly as she remembered the things they had done. “Was it enough for you?”

He walked up behind her, slid his arms around her waist, and eased her back against him. She gasped at the feel of his heavy erection against the curve of her behind.

“Hell, no, it wasn’t enough.” He pressed his mouth against the nape of her neck. “I want you. That hasn’t changed.” His voice thickened, grew husky. “If I had my way, darlin’, I’d bend you over the kitchen table and have you right here.”

Shock widened her eyes, and a little sound came from her throat. When she turned to look up at him, he briefly kissed her lips.