"Well, now, did you think I'd ever arrive?" He shut the door and tossed his hat onto the table by the door. Dark curly hair circled his head, and his dark brown eyes met hers.
"I had no doubt you'd get here eventually." Her hands shaking, Catherine laid her book on the rocker and tried for a more seductive tone. "But I'd like to know what delayed you."
One corner of his mouth turned up in a crooked grin, he stepped forward, and then paused. "Wait a second, don't I know you?"
Catherine nodded and toyed with the knot holding her robe together. Should she shed her robe and try to seduce him first? Or just tell him her name?
He tilted his head slightly, and a frown formed on his lips. The subdued lighting of the lantern didn't mask the lines marring his brow.
Apprehension slithered over her skin, and a lump the size of Texas grew in her throat. "I...uh..."
"Catherine?"
More of an accusation than a question, her name echoed in her head. "Yes, I..." She edged closer.
He shuffled backward until his back hit the door. "What the hell are you doing here?"
His gaze dropped to swell of her breasts, and the cattywhumped expression on his face registered. Clarity filled her head. The man might deny it, but the heat in his eyes proved he found her appealing. Energy pulsed through her, and she untied the knot at her waist. "I decided, since we're practically engaged, I didn't want you sleeping with another woman."
"Whoa, don't even think about removing that robe." He held out his hands to stop her, but his tongue slid over his parched lips and the blaze in his eyes sparked higher.
Catherine's confidence grew, and the doubt that had plagued her for the last few hours faded. He might resist, but she'd show him this was what they both wanted.
)
