The ‘Brute’ side of Daniel’s personality is back… has been since I walked out his front door the other day. He barely acknowledges my existence, just gives me a brief nod at the school gates. When Mum and Dad visited on the weekend, and I introduced them to him over the garden hedge, he said he’d never wanted to visit Wales. When Dad asked why, Daniel simply shrugged and muttered, ‘too many sheep.’ I mean, for God’s sake, he could have come up with something more original. So rude of him. I was about to tell him so, but he spun on his heel and strode back into his cottage, leaving Dad staring after him open-mouthed.

It’s Monday morning now, and I’m sitting at my desk trying to get on with some invoices, except my mind isn’t on them. I purse my lips together, my stomach heavy as lead.

The sound of a lawnmower draws me to the window. He’s out there; cutting the grass in his front garden. I stare at his muscular arms, his broad back, his dark hair. He isn’t handsome, not like Josh was handsome, but he’s rugged and masculine and so damn hunky. I close my eyes and remember how his touch unravelled me, how soft his beard felt when I’d threaded my fingers through it, how much I’d enjoyed his rough kisses. My tummy flutters.

This is ridiculous.

I’m ridiculous.

Don’t think about him, Cat.

Sighing, I turn from the window and try to get back to work.

* * *

Later, I’m standing in front of my fridge, staring at an unopened bottle of wine. Over the weekend, with Mum and Dad watching my every move, I managed not to drink. Except now I’m alone, and the only sound I can hear is the ticking of the kitchen clock. I just want the loneliness to subside. The wine is calling to me; it will help me, stop me from feeling so alone.

I shudder; I shouldn’t have any in the middle of the day. The last thing Becca needs is an alcoholic mum. I set my jaw and fill a glass with soda water. After glugging it down, I make a tuna sandwich, then whistle for Toby. He trots up and I grab his lead. “Time for a walk, boy.”

Outside, the air has turned cooler than I was expecting. I set off at a brisk pace, down the path through the woods. I don’t know if I’m heading this way deliberately, hoping to meet Daniel, or if it’s just random. Whatever; I’m disappointed when I don’t see him doing those stretching exercises in the clearing where I came across him three weeks ago.

I keep going until I reach a field on the other side of the woods. There aren’t any sheep grazing, so I unclip Toby’s leash. He races around, sniffing the grass, looking for rabbits. I find a small mound and sit, stretching out my legs. It’s chilly and I wrap my arms around myself, hugging my coat to my body.

Footsteps pound behind me, and I almost jump out of my skin. I turn and stare at Daniel, his tight t-shirt clinging to his hot body. He comes to a halt and gives me one of his glowering looks. “Good afternoon.”

I return his greeting, wiping my clammy hands on my jeans. “Alright?” Jesus, I sound so Welsh. “I mean, is everything okay?”

“Sure,” he says with a shrug of his shoulders. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

I scuff my boots on the grass. “Have I done something to offend you?”

A frown darkens his face, and he sits on the mound next to me. “What are you talking about?”

I look him directly in the eye. “We were getting on so well, then it’s like I’ve developed an infectious disease or something. You’ve gone back to being horrible.”

He gazes into the distance. “I apologize.” His voice cracks. “You should keep away from me, Cat. I’ve told you before that I’m toxic.”

I stare at my feet. Like a bolt from the blue, it occurs to me that I can’t keep away from him. There’s something about Daniel Collins. Something deep and dark and compelling. I’ve never met anyone like him, and he fascinates me. It’s not just his physicality, it’s more. I want to explore whatever it is; I want to know him better.

I think about what I’d really like, and my cheeks burn. It’s been too long since I felt the hardness of a man’s body against my softness.

Fantasy, that’s all.

It will never happen.

And it shouldn’t happen.

A shiver wracks my body.

“Are you cold?” he asks politely.

Sudden tears fill my eyes, and I knuckle them away.

“What’s the matter?” His brows furrow.

I release a slow breath. “When you kissed me last week.” I think about what to say next. “It shocked me. Josh was my one and only. I’m over his loss, but I never thought about being with another man.”

“And now?” His eyes meet mine, smouldering with something unidentifiable.

I look away, suddenly embarrassed. Oh, God. My skin is burning, and I’m sure I’ve gone bright red. My tummy lurches, but I decide to come right out with it. “I think you’re still angry about losing your wife. I remember feeling that way. I wanted to help you. But I was wrong.”

“I wish things could be different,” he says, putting an arm around me and drawing me into the warmth of his taut chest. The spice of his sweat fills my nostrils. I glance upward and find myself falling into the depths of his dark eyes.

My heart thuds.

His hold tightens, and I lift my hand to run my fingers through his beard. His gaze is hot, hungry. I touch his full soft lips and then his high cheekbones. He closes his eyes, and a groan escapes his throat. “I said you should stay away from me, and I meant it.” His breathing is fast, ragged.

“I… I can’t.” The words come out strangled. There’s an ache between my legs and deep inside me. I run my hand down Daniel’s corded neck, and then up his strong arms, stroking the beautiful tats on his bulging biceps. God, I must be out of my mind. Daniel exudes sex, but he also exudes a potent danger. He warned me off him; I should do as he says.

Except, my need for him is so fierce I can’t keep my head straight.

“Are you sure?” He arches a black brow.

My heartbeats quicken. “I’ve tried to stay away from you. Believe me. You’re a brute most of the time.” I stroke the hair from his forehead and gaze into his troubled eyes. “I see your pain, though.”

“Jesus, Cat. You tempt me beyond measure.” With a groan, he crashes his mouth down on mine, his tongue pushing roughly between my lips. He tastes of sweat and tears.

Every nerve in my body is on fire. I press my pebbled nipples against his powerful pecs. He pulls me into his lap, and I wrap my legs around his hips. He grips my waist and grinds his hardness against me.

“I’ve got to touch you,” he growls, unzipping my jeans.

“Someone might see us.”

He gives a gruff laugh. “There’s no one here. We’re completely alone except for your dog.”

He kisses the doubt from my mouth, his tongue delving deep as he sucks all the air from my lungs. His fingers fist my hair, pulling at it. I shouldn’t like his roughness, except I freaking love it. He bites my lower lip, and I let out a needy whimper.

The ache between my legs is throbbing now. “Please,” I beg.

“Please, what?” he chuckles.

“Please touch me.”

“With pleasure.” His smile is wicked.

His fingers trail down from my hair to my back, stroking, going lower until he cups my ass. I rub my crotch against his hard-on; I can’t help myself. The insanity of this situation is way beyond my control. I want him so badly.

He bends and spreads my coat open, then he nuzzles my breasts, nipping at my nipples through my sweater. Pleasure shoots down my body.

Oh, God…

“Please,” I beg once more.

He raises his face. “Be patient.”

He pulls at my hair again, exposing my throat. His mouth is hot as he sucks on my skin. His teeth are sharp as he nips and bites. I push into him, loving the intoxicating sensations, breathing in the spice of his scent… a mixture of perspiration and oil paint.

I run my hands up his back under his t-shirt and dig my nails into his firm flesh. The heat within me is building, building. If he doesn’t give me release soon I’ll self-combust and crumble into ash.

Finally, his fingers are where I want them to be, pushing aside my thong, cupping my pussy while his thumb circles my clit. I rock against him, all caution thrown to the winds. He inserts first one, then two fingers, stroking my inner walls. He captures my moans with a fierce, possessive kiss.

I grip his biceps as I hump his hand. I’m so close to coming it’s unreal. Our eyes lock, our mouths slack with lust. I let out a hiss. He increases the pace of his thrusting fingers, adding a third. I’m shaking now, clawing at his arms. He curls his fingers, finding my spot, his nostrils flaring. “Does that feel good, Cat?”

“Yes. Oh, yes. Don’t stop.”

Waves of pleasure rock through me, and I let myself go with a sharp cry. “Ah…”

Suddenly, I’m shivering; my teeth chatter and my entire body starts to shake. In a beat, Daniel wraps his arms around me. “I’ve got you, Catrin. You’re so beautiful and sweet. I shouldn’t have lost control of myself like that.”

“I wanted it. More than anything.” I smile against his warm shoulder. “I was only feeling a little bit cold.” I can feel his erection pressing against the softness of my tummy. I lean back and look him in the eye. “What about you?” Daringly, I reach down to run my fingers up his length.

He groans and presses into my hand.

My hand twists to unbutton his fly. Except, Toby bounds up to us, barking. Damn! We swivel around. Shit, there’s someone walking across the other side of the field.

Daniel helps me to my feet. I quickly zip up my jeans and fasten the leash to Toby’s collar. “I get it that you’re reclusive.” I shoot Daniel a look. “But I don’t get why you wanted me to stay away from you.”

I hold my breath while I wait for his answer. He shoves his hands into his pockets. “I wouldn’t be able to offer you anything more than friendship.”

“Friends with benefits, you mean?” I come right out and ask.

His laugh is sardonic. “Your directness is refreshing.” He cups my cheek. “Everything about you is refreshing.”

It’s my turn to shake my head. “I’m not looking for something permanent, Daniel. After losing Josh, I’ve learnt nothing in this life can ever be permanent. I still think I can help you…”

He smiles and then sighs. “It will have to be a secret. No one must know.”

I pretend to ponder my answer, although I don’t need to. I stare at him, drinking him in like bitter coffee. An involuntary tremor shakes my body. I must be crazy... completely and utterly crazy. “That’s fine by me.”