His mouth closed over hers, the first delicate touch becoming deeper, stronger, as his hands roamed over her back. When his tongue brushed against her lips, asking for entry into her mouth, she opened to him, savoring the taste and texture that was so uniquely Cole. Almost frantic in her need to learn his secrets, her hands swept over his arms, then around his neck to tangle in his hair.

He moaned deep in his throat, the sound vibrating through her and setting off an answering moan. Pulling her closer, he tucked her between his legs so she was left with no doubt about her effect on him. His hands stroked a path to the sides of her breasts, teasing and tantalizing until she wanted to pull him to the kitchen floor and show him just how much she really loved him, how much she needed him.

But the sound of someone gently clearing his throat stopped her from making her wants reality. Cole reluctantly pulled away, leaning his forehead against hers while his breath dragged raggedly through his lungs.

“If you two are done ‘washing the dishes,’ I’m thinking about getting me some sleep. Where do I get to bunk down for the night?”

“Oh, no, the bed.” Darci almost moaned again, but in frustration this time. Her body was on fire for Cole, but she couldn’t allow anything more to happen. “I forgot to order a new bed.”

The temptation was there to suggest Cole simply sleep with her, as was his right as her legal husband. But she knew the emotional toll would be more than she could survive. She knew deep in her heart that once she had him, she’d never want to let him go. Watching him leave would be difficult enough without adding the burden of a physical bonding.

“I don’t suppose I can share yours tonight?” His whispered words brushed against her face, renewing the memory of his touch.

Heat coursed through her. She gulped and forced out the word that needed to be said. “No.”

Cole grinned, his tight lips at odds with the amusement in his eyes. “I didn’t think so.”

He stepped away, and she felt the loss of his warmth.

“You get the couch, Todd. I’ll make do with the floor tonight.”

“Cole, no.”

He turned to watch her carefully with those gray eyes, eyes that reminded her of a brewing storm. “I’ve slept in worse places. Just give me a couple of blankets and I’ll be fine.”

The house grew quiet with an ease that was surprising considering the tensions simmering in the air. She curled up in her own bed, snuggling Scruffy close, feeling guilty for making Cole sleep on the floor. But there was no other choice. At least not for her.