The admissions shocked neither of them, as they were too dazed by the tumultuous sensations and emotions running through them. She had never spoken those words to another man, nor he to another woman. Before the impact hit home, need had them clinging closer.

Gracefully, gloriously, they took each other to the pinnacle.

Later, he nuzzled down between her breasts, but he was no longer sleeping. Had she said she loved him? And had he told her he loved her? What disturbed him most was that he couldn’t be sure if it had happened, or if it had been his imagination, something wished for while his mind was vulnerable with sleep and pleasure.

And he couldn’t ask her. Didn’t dare. Any answer she would give would hurt. If she didn’t love him, it would be like losing part of his heart, of his soul. If she did, it would make leaving her something akin to dying.

It was best, for both of them, to take what they had. He wanted to make her laugh, to see both passion and humor in her eyes, to hear them in her voice. And he would remember. Cal closed his eyes tight. Whatever happened to him, he would always remember.

So would she. He needed to be certain of his place in her memories.

“Come with me.” Sliding off the bed, he dragged her with him.

“Where?”

“To the bathroom.”

“Again?” Laughing, she tried to snag her robe, but he pulled her into the hall without it. “You don’t need another shave.”

“Good thing.”

“You only cut yourself three or four times. And it’s your own fault you used up most of the shaving cream beforehand.”

He sent her a wicked grin. “I liked rubbing it all over you better.”

“If you’re getting ideas about the toothpaste . . .”

“Maybe later.” He lifted her up and into the tub. “For now I’ll settle for a shower.”

She let out a quick shriek when the cold water hit her. Before she could retaliate or form even a token protest he had joined her, wrapping one arm around her while he adjusted the water temperature with his free hand. He thought he was getting rather good at it.

She took a stream of water in the face, sputtered, started to swear, then found herself caught in a hot, wet, endless kiss.

She’d never experienced anything like it. Steamy air, slick skin, soapy hands. Her knees were weak by the time he shut the spray off and wrapped her in a towel. As dizzy as she, he rested a forehead on hers.

“I think if we’re going to get anything done—anything else, that is—we’d better get out of the house.”

“Right.”

“After we eat.”

She was amazed she had the energy to laugh. “Naturally.”

***