Quinn had done such a good job with the fire that it continued to crackle merrily when Michael and Roxanne were ready to leave. After they drove away, Kendra evaluated the situation. “We have two choices. We can smother it with dirt or grab another cup of coffee and enjoy it a little longer.”

“I’d vote for Option B. It’s a mild night and the stars are out. But it’s your ranch and your fire pit. I’ll happily smother the fire if you want me to.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you intended for this fire to last until after they left.”

“Would I do that?”

“We haven’t been acquainted for long, Quinn, but based on what I’ve seen so far, I’d say you would do that.”

“Busted.” He didn’t look very contrite.

“Tell you what. Put on another log and I’ll bring down the coffee pot. And my jacket.”

“I’ll move a bench over by the fire.”

“Good idea, I’ll be right back.” Her pulse fluttered as she walked back to the house. But the prospect of sitting under a starry sky with Quinn was too delicious to pass up.

She’d meant what she’d said earlier today. She had a full life. But she hadn’t experienced a night like this in ages, a night when romance drifted on the breeze and a handsome man waited by the fire.

Could she live without such things? Certainly. But when an opportunity dropped in her lap, why reject it?

Moments later she returned to the fire pit with a thermal carafe of coffee. She’d put on her denim jacket but left it unbuttoned so she wouldn’t overheat in the warmth coming from the blazing logs. Or from the hot cowboy.

As promised, Quinn had brought a bench over by the fire and was sitting on it with both coffee mugs beside him. When she stepped into the firelight, he stood and picked up both mugs. “I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed an evening more than this one.”

“I can’t either.” She poured their coffee and set the carafe on the end of the bench. “Perfect weather.” Cradling her mug, she sat down.

“Perfect company.”

“Nice of you to say.”

“Nice of you to invite me.” He settled on her right, leaving enough space between them for her coffee mug if she chose to put it there.

Instead she held it in both hands and took a tentative sip. “Watch out for the coffee. It’s really hot.”

“Just how I like it. Nothing worse than lukewarm coffee.”

“Nothing?”

He chuckled. “All right, there are plenty of things worse.” He took a drink before glancing at her. “You pay close attention to what people say, don’t you?” Firelight shimmered in his eyes.

“I pay even closer attention to what they do.”

“Smart lady.”

“Like keeping the fire going even though we’d finished eating.”

He shrugged. “No telling how long they would stay.”

“True.”

“Or whether you’d agree to sit out here with me after they left.”

“Hm.”

“But I was hoping.”

“And here I am.” Anticipation curled in her stomach.

“Nervous?”

“A little.” She glanced at him. “Silly, huh?”

“Not at all.” His gaze was kind. “But if you’re wondering if I want to kiss you, the answer is yes. I would like that very much.”

Her pulse hammered. “It’s been a long time since…”

“I know. That’s why it’s your call.”

“Then…” She took a breath and gathered her courage. “Let’s try it.”

Beneath his mustache, his mouth tilted up at the corners. “That’s the spirit.” Turning away from her, he put down his coffee. Then he reached for hers and placed it next to his.

Her breathing quickened as he shifted on the bench. Slowly, gently, as if she were a bird that might take flight, he cupped her face in both hands. “I’ve wanted to kiss you since that day at the bakery.”

This close, she breathed in the aroma of cedar smoke clinging to his shirt. “Because I made you laugh?”

“Yeah.” He stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. “And turned me on.”

The tenderness of that light pressure made her shiver with delight. “I was flirting.”

“I know.” His gaze dropped to her mouth. “So was I.”

“It’s not like me to flirt.”

“Or me.” His grip tightened ever so slightly, bringing her closer.

“But I couldn’t resist…teasing you.”

“I can’t resist you, period.” He lowered his head, moving deliberately, giving her time to close her eyes.

She waited, heart pounding, as he brushed that smiling mouth over hers. Velvet…followed by a brief tickle when his mustache touched her lips.

When he drew back, she opened her eyes and took a shaky breath. “Is that it?”

“Thought I’d better check in.” His voice was husky as he met her gaze. “Never done this with a mustache before.”

She swallowed. “That makes two of us.”

“How’d you like it?”

“Can’t tell yet.” Reaching up, she cupped the back of his head, his hair silky beneath her palm. She pulled him down until his lips almost touched hers. “Kiss me some more. And stay longer.”

“Okay.” He fit his mouth to hers again.

She kissed him back, taking her time. Nice. She changed the angle. That was good, too.

He lifted away a fraction. “How’re we doing?”

“Not bad. More, please.”

“Gladly.” He returned, bringing a little more heat this time.

Wow. Potent. By the time he released her, her entire body was tingling.

“You okay?” His voice was slightly hoarse.

“Sure. You?”

“Never better.” He cleared his throat.

“But I—”

“Hey, no worries. I’m a very happy man.”

“You are?”

“I wasn’t sure this would ever happen.” He gazed at her. “What’s your take on the mustache?”

“The mustache?” She blinked and touched her upper lip, which was slightly tender. “I totally forgot.”

“Me, too. There’s a little bit of pink above your mouth, though. I hope I didn’t—”

“I’m fine.” His concern made her smile. “But…we should probably call it a night.”

“Good plan.” He stood and picked up the coffee mugs. “Do you want—”

“No, thanks. I don’t like lukewarm coffee, either.” She got up from the bench.

“Then I’ll toss it on the fire.”

“In a highly symbolic gesture?”

He laughed. “No, ma’am.” He emptied both mugs and the embers hissed in response. “That fire you lit is still burning. But it’s under control. Can I walk you to your door?”

“I can’t leave yet. I need to fetch the shovel so we can cover those hot coals.”

“No need. I’ve a mind to sit out here a bit longer.”

“By yourself?”

“I’m used to my own company.”

“So am I.”

“I sensed that about you. Makes me like you all the more.” He hooked his fingers through the handles of the mugs and picked up the carafe in his other hand.

“I like you, too, Quinn.” She shoved her hands in the pockets of her jacket as she walked beside him.

When they arrived on the porch, he set all three items on the porch railing. “Generally, in circumstances like this, when a man walks a lady to her door, he—”

“Kisses her goodnight?”

He grinned. “Yes, ma’am. But you still have veto power.”

Damn, he was adorable. A sweet goodnight kiss sounded like the perfect ending to the evening. “Oh, what the heck?”

“I was hoping you’d feel that way.” He drew her into his arms.

That’s when she discovered that a standing kiss was more potent than a sitting kiss.

He tugged her in close enough to feel the coiled strength of his muscular body, not to mention the evidence of his interest in her body. When at last he ended the sensual encounter, she was gasping for breath.

He traced her upper lip with one finger. “The mustache has to go.”

“What?”

“It irritates your pretty mouth. I’m shaving it off.”

“That’s crazy.”

“No, it’s not.” He dropped one more light kiss on her lips and backed away. “Good night, Kendra. See you in the morning.” He turned and walked down the steps, giving her a tantalizing view of his broad shoulders and tight buns.

Grabbing the mugs and carafe, she ducked inside and closed the door. Wow. Adrenaline made her light-headed as she carried everything into the kitchen, located her phone and texted Jo. You still awake?

The phone rang immediately. “Kendra McGavin, how dare you invite Quinn to stay at your ranch and not tell me?”

“Sorry, sorry. Everything happened so fast and I’ve been—”

“Canoodling with that man? Zane and Cody seem to think that something is going on between you two so naturally Mandy called me to find out what I knew, which was nothing.”

“Well, here’s something. He kissed me.”

“That’s great!”

“It was great. But I’m forty-six years old and I have five grown sons. I don’t know what happens next.”

“Yes, you do.”

“No, I don’t. He’s Roxanne’s dad. She and Michael were here for a cookout tonight. What would she think if I got jiggy with her father?”

“I don’t know. What would your boys think if you got jiggy with Roxanne’s dad?”

“It would gross them out, that’s what. They’re not going to want to think of their mother having sex.”

“Logically you’ve done it before. At least four times.”

“Jo!” She started giggling. “You’re not helping.”

“Yes, I am. Instead of freaking out you’re laughing.”

“This is nervous laughter you’re hearing. Thinking of Quinn in the abstract was kind of fun, but the reality is a little intimidating. You know how long it’s been for me. I’m not sure my body remembers how to do this.”

“Did you freeze up when he kissed you?”

“Well, no.”

“Then I’ll bet your body remembers the routine. You’re both consenting adults. What’s the harm in having a little fun?”

“Kissing him was fun.”

“So what about the mustache?”

“It didn’t bother me, but…hey, wait. Where did you hear about his mustache?”

“It’s a hot topic around here. Does he know that one of your sons predicted you’d fall for a guy with a motorcycle and a mustache?”

“No, but Ingrid does and on his last visit she suggested he’d look good with one.”

Jo laughed. “Quite the little matchmaker, isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is.” Kendra sighed. “I haven’t decided whether to tell him about Trevor’s prediction. But if the boys are thinking he grew it on purpose to fit the profile, then—”

“There has been speculation along those lines.”

“Well, he did no such thing. That’s not his style.”

“I’m sure they’ll figure that out.”

“I’ll make sure they do. I really didn’t mean for this spur-of-the-moment invitation to turn into a big deal.”

“I know, sweetie. Don’t worry about what your boys will think. It’s your life and Quinn is your special treat. After all this time, you deserve one.”