“How do you know? The last few days I’ve spent with you have been the best I’ve ever spent with anyone. Do you know what I adore about you?”

His use of the word “adore” killed her. “What?”

“That I can be totally myself with you. I don’t feel the need to put on an act so I can be what you want. It seems you like me exactly the way I am.”

“I do. How could I not like you? You’re…”

“What am I?”

“You’re amazing.” Was there any other single word that could better describe him? Not that she could think of.

“Abby…” Their lips came together in sweet communion. His hands on her face made her feel safe, treasured, adored. The kiss turned hot and potent when he wrapped his arm around her, as if he needed to be closer to her.

Abby returned his embrace and let out a sigh of completion when he urged her to lie back on the bed. Wrapped up in his arms, Abby allowed herself to be swept away by the possibility that he might be the answer to all her questions. Wouldn’t that be lovely? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel this way all the time?

He drew back from her, gazing at her intently. “I want to make love to you. I want to show you what might be possible.”

“I’m afraid.”

“Of what, honey?”

“Of how you make me feel, of what will happen when you go, or what will happen if you stay…”

“Let’s live the fantasy. For one night, let’s pretend it’s exactly the way you imagined it.”

She looked up at him, so handsome and dear to her, and decided to take a gamble. “Okay.”

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

At the look of utter trust she directed his way, Adam’s chest tightened with emotions that hit him one after the other—protectiveness, tenderness and fierce longing. Even after what he’d recently been through with Sasha, he had no hesitation about giving himself over to Abby’s keeping. Somehow he understood that he’d be safe with her in a way he’d never been with Sasha. He knew that now.

It had taken only a few days with Abby to show him there might be something far better waiting for him. And now he wanted to share everything with her, beginning with this one night steeped in a fantasy that was quickly becoming reality. During the hours he’d spent away from her, he’d thought of little else beyond getting back to her. Images of her had tormented his mind, making it impossible to concentrate on the poker game or the conversation or anything other than her.