“You know what we forgot to do?” Sarah said, trailing her fingers lazily through the scattering of hair on his chest, her palm settling over his heart. She could hear the comforting thump of it through the ear nestled against his skin. She was tucked around him, his arm holding her close. She loved the warmth of his hard body, the contained strength he possessed, and was reluctant to move. Mick had carried her into the bedroom as if she were a dainty five foot four, making her feel like a heroine in a movie. Heck, even the memory of it was causing a languid heat to course through her. However, she hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and hunger was making itself known. She removed her leg, which had been resting across his thighs, enjoying the sensation of the slight rough texture of the hair on his legs, so different from hers, bringing a jolt of heat to her sex. She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed.

“What did we forget?” His voice was like warm toffee. His gaze was as wide open as the desert sky. “I aim to please, ma’am,” he said with a cheeky grin. “Your satisfaction is paramount to me. Although . . .” He paused, looking like a mischievous fallen angel. “You did scream pretty loudly, more than once, if I recall, but hey, let’s give it another go. Practice makes perfect.” He reached a hand and tugged her back into his arms, rolling over so she was underneath him.

“You gotta be kidding,” Sarah said, unable to help the smile that was spreading across her face as Mick positioned himself at her opening, which was still slick from their last encounter, and in one smooth thrust he was where he belonged.

Forty-five minutes later she lay boneless, breathless, and more satiated than one woman deserved to be. “Wow . . . if I’d known this was what I was missing, I wouldn’t have waited so long.” She heard Mick growl possessively, which made her chuckle. He spread his hand over her abdomen. She liked the way it looked, his long, tan fingers against her pale skin.

“Good thing you’re on the pill. Made me come so hard, woman. No way that load wouldn’t have impregnated you.” And just like that, the sorrow came, for what would never be. “What?” He rolled to his side, pushed up on his elbow, concern in his voice.

“I’m not on the pill.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

“IUD? Diaphragm?”

She shook her head. Squeezed her eyes shut to block out the worry on his face. It was easier this way, to say what needed to be said. “I don’t need birth control. I’m unable to get pregnant.”

He gathered her in his arms, holding her close. “Were children something you wanted?” She could feel his voice rumbling through his chest.