“Don’t they want you to be alone?”
He chuckled as he clasped her hand and led her forward again. “You’re exactly what they’d like to see here.”
“But why?”
He grinned, laugh lines fanning out from the corners of his eyes as he teased her. “You’ll figure it out.”
She just shrugged as she glanced around the back of the house. “This is gorgeous.”
“Thanks. You won’t see the cats here right now. They hightailed it to the barn in protest at parental desertion.”
“I’m sure they’ll be back soon.” She chuckled at the image as she looked at the property.
“If the weather changes from hot to cold, they’ll be back so quick your head will spin.”
“I take it they’re warm-weather felines.”
“Pampered is more like it.”
She laughed with him as they walked together as if they’d done it a million times before that moment.
Right in the center of wide open spaces that allowed someone to take deep breaths and feel free was a large modified courtyard. A swimming pool made of pale stone with deep blue water nestled between the patio at the back of the house and a small octagon house with a wraparound covered balcony on the second floor. A stone walkway connected a pool house on one side and an outdoor kitchen in a gazebo on the other side of the swimming pool. All the roofs were made of shiny silver metal. Wooden patio furniture with white, green, and blue cushions made the area a perfect destination point.
“You like?” Trey asked.
“I think I could live out here.”
He chuckled. “It might get a bit chilly when real winter gets here.”
“But it’s perfect right now.”
He put an arm around her waist. “Even if it gets cold, I know how to keep us warm.”
She laughed as she leaned against him, already feeling hotter just because of his presence. But she wouldn’t admit it, not when she could tease him. “I see a fire pit over there. Is that what you mean?”
“Not even close.” He rubbed circles on her back with one hand. “I’d kiss you if I wasn’t so dirty.”
“What’s a little dirt between friends?” She pushed her fingers into his thick hair and pulled his head down toward her.
“Misty, you’re playing with fire.”
“I hope so.” She pressed her lips to his mouth, toyed with the tip of her tongue, but lost control when he jerked her against his warm, damp chest.
“You’re driving me crazy.” He deepened the kiss as he thrust into her mouth to tease and torment at his leisure.
Heat spiraled outward from her center, setting her ablaze. She felt languid, as if his body heat, his intense desire, the touch of his hands were turning her into a molten pool of desire—a wantonness that began and ended with him. How had she ever lived without him?
Abruptly, he stopped the kiss, put his hands on her shoulders, and stepped back. “You’re making me forget my good intentions.”
“And they are?” She felt bruised, as if she were so sensitive in every part of her body that the slightest touch, even a gentle breeze, would be too much to bear. She put a fingertip to her lips and felt the swelling that he’d caused with his tantalizing kiss. He’d marked her. That thought caused her to shiver with anticipation of what else he might do with her.
“I’m not even gonna talk about good or bad intentions. That could get us both into trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“Not another word.” He grabbed her hand and started walking alongside the swimming pool.
He skirted a long planter with a row of evergreen shrubs that provided privacy for the guest residence made of brick and stone that matched the main house. He stopped in front of double pale oak doors with square, steel contemporary hinges and door handles set in the center of a wide swath of floor-to-ceiling windows. He threw open the doors.
“Welcome to my home.” He gave her a mischievous look, tugged her inside, and planted a hot kiss on her lips.
“It’s lovely here.” She glanced around, then back at him. He’d become north on her personal compass, for her attention always strayed back to him.
“Make yourself at home. If you want to freshen up, there’s a half bath over there.” He gestured at a closed door. “I’ll run upstairs, grab a shower, and be back real quick.”
“Don’t hurry on my account.”