FRIDAY. KYLE’S HOME, Seattle, Washington.

There it was again.

Bethany swallowed and peered at the window. The blinds and curtains blocked out almost all the light, but it couldn’t keep that sound out.

It had started as a scratch, like a finger on the wall.

Was someone in the yard?

The neighbors had privacy fences, but someone could walk into Kyle’s back yard through the driveway which could put them right under her window.

Kyle didn’t have any kind of security system. Someone could, in theory, break in without him hearing. And then what?

Bethany sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed and glanced at the clock.

She’d fled to the bedroom around ten, mortified and ready to hide. It was now a little before midnight and she hadn’t closed her eyes for more than a few seconds at a time.

This wasn’t working.

She got up and wrapped her arms around herself.

Something banged outside in the backyard.

She crossed to the window and peered out, but couldn’t see enough of the back yard. That noise wasn’t her imagination. She’d really heard it.

Bethany opened her door and crept out into the hall. The window at the end of the house should let her have a better view of the apartment and yard without venturing downstairs. She leaned over a little decorative table and pulled the sheer curtains aside, peering out into the darkness.

“Bethany?”

She gasped and whirled at the sound of a gravelly man’s voice.

Kyle stood at the opposite end of the hall in a pair of basketball shorts. His bedroom door was open behind him.

“Shit, you scared me.” She leaned on the table, her heart racing and shoulders sagging.

“What’s wrong?” He shuffled toward her and rubbed his face.

“I heard a noise. A bang or something.”

“What was it?”

“I don’t know. I thought...” Her mouth dried up before she could embarrass herself with her nighttime theories.

“I’ll go check it out.” He put his hand on the banister at the top of the stairs.

“You don’t have to do that.” She cringed. Whatever the sound was, it was probably all in her head.

“But I’m going to.” He started down the stairs.

Bethany watched him pad downstairs without making much noise at all. She tugged her baggy shirt down lower until it covered as much of her as her shorts.

Should she stay here? Or should she follow?

If someone was down, there she’d be trapped upstairs. There were three exits downstairs. It made sense to follow.

She descended after Kyle into the darkened living room. A gust of wind blew in through the back patio doors standing open.

A loud bang startled her again.

It was louder now.

“Kyle?”

“Shoo. Get out of here. Go.”

She crept toward the patio and peered out into the yard.

Kyle waved his arms. Small, furry shapes scampered into the neighbor’s yard.

Bethany covered her mouth with her hand.

Oh, God...

Were those cats?

No they were too small.

Shit.

She’d been terrorized by kittens.

Kyle strode into the house chuckling.

“Guess the neighbor’s cat had her babies.” He stepped through the patio doors but left them open with the evening breeze coming in.

“I am so sorry. What were they doing?”

“Playing on the metal cover to the fire pit.” She didn’t need light to tell Kyle was grinning at her.

“Don’t laugh at me.” She covered her face. The heat in her cheeks nearly burned her palms.

“It’s okay.” His voice vibrated with laughter.

“I thought... Never mind.” She dropped her hands to her sides and stared at Kyle’s chest. His very bare and muscular chest. Great, like she needed to see that.

“Can’t sleep?” he asked.

“No.”

“I’ve got an idea.” He turned around and walked into the kitchen.

She stayed where she was. The breeze helped cool her down after the intense blush.

Kyle opened the fridge and retrieved something from the bottom. She blinked back the white spots and listened to him moving around.

“Let’s go sit outside.” He nodded at the doors as he approached her.

It was almost midnight, and he wanted to go sit in the yard?

Then again, it was a beautiful night, not a cloud in the sky and the weather was still nice.

She stepped out onto the deck and let Kyle lead her across a stone path to the gravel surrounding the fire pit. Out here, under the star light, she could see the wine bottle and glasses he’d brought with him. He pulled the cork out and filled one of the glasses.

“Pick a seat.” He offered her the wine.

“Thanks.” She took the drink and cradled it between her hands.

Kyle bent over the fire pit and lifted the cover off with a grunt. He leaned it against the other side, then perched on the edge while he put a small log into the pit.

She should tell him to go back to bed, that her overactive imagination and worry would keep her up all night, but all she did was watch him light a match. Only when the flames had caught did he move to sit next to her and pour himself a glass.

“You like it?” he asked, nodding at her glass.

“Oh, I hadn’t tried it yet.” No, she’d been too engrossed watching him.

“Well, cheers.” He tapped his glass to hers.

She took a sip of the dry, white wine and eased back.

“Is this another of your DIY projects?” she asked.

“Yup.”

“I approve.”

“Thanks.”

She took another drink and watched the golden flames cast shadows against the opposite wall of the fire pit. Something about Kyle’s presence calmed her frayed nerves so that she could breathe again.

“More?” Kyle asked.

“Oh...” She stared down at her very empty glass. “Sure?”

He poured the last of the bottle into their two glasses.

“This is nice,” she said. The wine. The view. The company. If this had happened other different circumstances, she’d be able to enjoy it a hell of a lot more.

“Want to talk about what’s bothering you?” Kyle asked.

“Not really.” She knew her fears intimately. They weren’t all rooted in the here and now.

He reached over and took her hand in his, but didn’t press her for more.

They sat like that for several minutes, fingers linked, sipping the wine to the tune of the wind in the trees and a crackling fire. The more wine she drank, the more she relaxed. She didn’t know if she’d sleep, but at the very least she wouldn’t be as wound up as she’d been.

She peered at Kyle out of the corner of her eyes.

What was she doing here? With him?

She’d been attracted to him the day they’d met. For twelve months she’d wondered what she’d do if the opportunity presented itself to pursue something with him. The question had been a fantasy. Something she day dreamed about. Not a reality. Because guys like Kyle, the real heroes of the world, they didn’t rescue damaged goods like her.

She blinked and found Kyle looking back at her.

Her cheeks heated, and she glanced away, at the softly glowing fire. She might not be the most well versed when it came to men, but even she knew there was something on both sides here.

“Beth?”

“Hm?” She drank the last of her glass to save her from a case of dry mouth.

Kyle tugged on her hand.

She leaned toward him and set the glass on the log serving as their wine table.

He tugged again.

She couldn’t get any closer being in this chair.

He’d kissed her earlier. She hadn’t imagined that. And the way he’d looked at her? That was what sent her running from him. There was only so much lust a woman could handle, and she hadn’t been up to that kind of job. But now? With two glasses of wine? Why not?

Bethany wanted his comfort. She wanted him to take her mind away from everything. And damn it, she wanted to feel desired, whole.

She got up out of her chair. Kyle leaned to one side, making plenty of room for her on the wide, wooden chair with him. She sat down, leaning back beside him, his arm wrapped around her.

He nuzzled her cheek, his nose drawing lines on her skin. Despite her last drink, her mouth still went dry and her stomach clenched from nerves. Maybe she hadn’t had enough wine after all?

Kyle kissed the corner of her mouth, his lips lingering, inviting her to participate.

Was this what she wanted?

Bethany swallowed and placed her hand on his thigh. She turned her head, her eyes studying the promise of his lips. He tightened his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. Their mouths met in a wine fueled kiss. Months of repressed attraction came surging up within her. Bethany groaned and pressed closer to him. Despite her enthusiasm, his mouth was gentle, coaxing. She couldn’t remember the last time a man’s touch left her hungry and wanting more. It was a feeling she hadn’t had in far too long, and she didn’t want to give it up.

Bethany smoothed her palm down his chest feeling the well honed body she’d only ever admired from across the room.

The sense of need took hold of her. This wasn’t oxygen or air or even food, and yet she felt as though she’d die without him.

She braced her hands on the arm rests and tuned, sliding her knee over his thighs and straddling his lap. Kyle looked up at her, his eyes glittering in the low light. He wasn’t like anyone she’d met before. He was good. And maybe they could be good for each other right now.

“Bethany—”

“Sh.” She stroked her finger over his lips. “I don’t want to talk. I want to do everything—but talk.”

He sat up straighter and kissed her, curling his fingers into her hair. They fit together from hip to shoulder. This close she could feel his growing erection against her stomach. She slid her hand between them and cupped his cock. The human anatomy was familiar to her. She’d studied it. She spent her days evaluating it. And yet touching him was an experience on another level. Her body grew warm and her breasts heavy.

Without warning he grabbed her by the ass and stood. Bethany clutched at his shoulders as the world pitched and rocked before Kyle set her on the wide edge of the fire pit. The heated stones rivaled the warmth thrumming through her veins.

Kyle bent, kissing her mouth, his hand tangled in her hair.

She hooked her fingers in his waistband and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. He let go of her, bracing his hands on the edge of the pit, and went to his knees. He kissed her neck and chest while she panted for breath.

Yeah, she’d never been left with such a full body tingle-rush in her life from a kiss.

Bethany reached out and cupped his cheek, pulling him toward her.

“I have a lot of inappropriate thoughts right now,” he said with his eyes on her mouth.

“You, too?”

“I’m not doing a very good job of respecting your boundaries.” His hands cupped her knees, then moved up her thighs.

“Let’s forget all that right now.” Whatever this was, it deserved to be investigated fully.

“You shouldn’t say that,” he whispered.

“But I did.”

She hooked her calves around him, drawing him closer and bent her head. He kissed her back, a new, urgency in the way he held onto her.

He tangled his fingers in her hair and she groaned into his mouth.

“You’re giving me all kinds of ideas,” he said against her mouth. His voice had this low, raspy quality she’d never heard before.

It was hard to tell if the heat nearly making her eyes water was from the fire, his body heat, lust or a full body blush. She fought the urge to run and hide from the desire spiraling through her. Instead she swallowed around the lump in her throat and managed to speak without squeaking.

“Want to tell me about them?” she asked.

“I’d rather show you.”

The way the firelight gleamed in his eye had her breath catching in her throat.

Kyle kept staring at her like a predator about to pounce. Her desire to run was quickly becoming kindling for the fire inside of her as they sat there, frozen in the moment.

What was he waiting for?

Her verbal permission?

“Show me, where?” Her voice wavered a little, betraying her nerves.

“Here.” Kyle placed his fingertips on her abdomen and drew a line straight down until he was just above her mound.

“O-oh?”

“And here.” He closed the distance between them, his lips brushing hers again and again, but all she could think about were his fingers pressed against her.

He parted his lips, his tongue teasing hers. At the same time his fingers slid lower and lower until he pressed against her mound. The thin shorts were almost no barrier at all. He rubbed his knuckles against her intimately and she gasped, arching her back against the sensation.

“Sh,” he whispered.

Kyle’s fingers traced the edge of her panties.

She whimpered and tightened her calves around him. His fingers slipped into her panties for the first intimate touch. She clutched his shoulders to keep upright while he stroked her folds and kissed her lips.

It was a different, full bodied experience. The world ceased to exist around them. The only thing she could focus on was him. This moment. The single minded desire she had for him.

His arm around her waist tightened and his fingers thrust into her. She rocked forward, gasping for breath. He kissed her cheek, the corner of her mouth and gently withdrew his fingers.

She clutched his face in both hands and kissed him like her life depended on it. He rocked against her, driving his fingers into her pussy. His thumb massaged the area over her clit, sending tremors of pleasure down to her toes. His fingers curled inside of her. All coherent thought stopped. Her whole world revolved around kissing this man and keeping him close.

“Oh-oh God,” she muttered as her very soul seemed to tremble.

“That’s it,” Kyle whispered.

He covered her mouth with his the moment before the orgasm began. She gasped for breath as her vision blurred and her world seemed to shatter.

The last complete thought she had was that this was going to be the best orgasm of her life.

KYLE CUPPED BETHANY’S ass as he carried her across the patio. Her arms were around his neck, her mouth on his. He’d unleashed a needy woman out by the fire and she clearly intended to have her fill. She’d inspired more than a few fantasies for him over the year, but he’d never imagined her to be this energetic. It was the best damn surprise he’d had in ages.

She dropped her legs and shimmied out of his hold the moment they crossed through the sliding glass doors. Her hands slid down his chest, and he caught a glimpse of her impish grin before she stepped back, grabbed the hem of her shirt and whisked it off.

Kyle swallowed and stood there taking in the sight of her.

He’d pushed the envelope outside. There was the very real chance he’d crossed a line. His intent after coming inside had been to check in with her.

Bethany had other ideas.

She smiled up at him, her dark hair down around her shoulders and wearing nothing but her sorry excuse for shorts.

“Damn,” he whispered.

He’d felt her against him and could imagine how she was shaped, but nothing compared to seeing her nearly naked in his house. He loved a woman with curves and she had them in all the right places. It would be no hard task to spend time pressed up against her soft body.

Kyle grabbed the handle on the door and slid it shut.

Bethany backed a few steps from him

He stalked after her, a small voice in his head reminding him he should be gentler, kinder after what he’d just done to her.

She backed straight up into the end of the dining table. Her hands flew out, and she braced herself on the edge, chuckling at herself.

Kyle closed the distance between them, trapping her between his arms. He could imagine that blush of hers tinting her cheeks pink, how it would spread down her chest maybe even to her breasts.

She reached out and splayed her hands on his shoulders.

Would she push him away or pull him closer?

Bethany slid a hand up around the back of his neck.

Yes.

He grasped her by the hips and set her on the table.

The sofa would be better, but it was too damn far away.

She tipped her chin up and he kissed her, letting himself give in to this need. His rules were gone, wiped clean, and they were starting over. The only guidance now was, what did Bethany want? That was all that mattered.

He bent his head and kissed her neck and across her shoulder. She leaned back, planting her palms on the table, arching her spine.

God damn she had fantastic breasts. He’d always appreciated a firm ass first, but she was making him see the appeal in all her curves. He kissed his way down her chest until he could wrap his lips around her nipple. Bethany gasped, her whole body shuddering. He rocked against her, his erection sliding against her thigh and hip. Her hand dug into his hair, holding him there. He cupped her other breast and swiped his thumb over the distended flesh. She panted and curled her legs around them, holding him prisoner, while her free hand fumbled with his shorts, her fingers sliding under the elastic band.

Kyle let go of her and grasped her wrist. He was too damn close for her to touch him like that. He kissed her palm and gripped the edge of the table.

“What...?” Bethany sucked down air.

“I’m not going to last if you get your hands on me.” He wasn’t proud to admit his need, but there it was.

“Oh.” She blinked at him a second. “I have at least one condom in my purse.”

Fuck. He hadn’t even paused to consider if he had any.

“Where?” he asked.

She twisted and reached across the table, dragging the bag toward her.

While she rummaged around inside the thing, he slid his hand up her side and leaned over her. He kissed the dip of her waist and stroked her back.

Several things tumbled out of her purse and onto the floor.

“Damn it,” she muttered.

Please don’t fail me now.

Kyle would pack it in if he had to, but he’d rather take advantage of the moment.

“Ah-ha!” Bethany whipped around, holding the condom packet between two fingers and ripped it open.

He chuckled and took the latex from her. He sure as hell appreciated her sense of urgency.

Kyle stepped back and pushed his clothes to the floor. Bethany kicked her shorts and underwear off while he rolled the condom on. Her grin and the light in her eyes were infectious. This wasn’t just sex, it was fun.

She bit her bottom lip and pressed her knees together.

Who would have thought the ultra professional nurse was hiding this vixen under those buns and scrubs?

He braced his hands on the table and leaned toward her. Her smile widened, and she slid her arms around his shoulders. The old rules would have never allowed this, and here they were, carrying on like one of his ill-advised dreams.

Her calves curled around his thighs, drawing him into the V of her legs.

It seemed like the kind of moment when he should say something, but nothing without liberal expletives came to mind.

Bethany grasped his erection, taking control. She guided him to her entrance, never once hesitating. He watched the first, intimate touch, feeling her heat.

“God damn,” he muttered.

Kyle pressed into her, his cock sliding into her slick channel. She groaned and her eyes close, mouth working silently. Even in the dim light, he could see the way her skin flushed. Months of watching her, wanting her, and now here she was.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and thrust, sliding all the way into her.

“Oh—Kyle.” Her voice wavered and her pussy constricted around him.

His vision narrowed to just her and the way the dappled moonlight made her skin seem to glow.

So damn good.

Bethany leaned back, going down on her elbows, as if it were too hard to remain upright.

He withdrew from her body a bit and bent over her, trailing little kisses down her chest. She gripped his shoulder. Her nails bit into his skin and she whimpered. He tightened his grip around her waist, lifting her a bit and thrust.

He rocked into her, kissing her breasts and shoulders while her head hung back. There was an utterly wrecked look to her eyes as though she were done for. All because of him. And her. She wrapped her legs around his hips, driving her heels into his ass.

“Keep going,” she panted between breaths.

The table scooted a bit from the force of his thrusts. She chuckled, but it was a mindless, halfhearted sound. He thrust harder and her eyes squeezed shut. She began chanting his name, the pitch of her voice going higher and higher.

He felt the deep shudder go through her before the long, low groan of release signaled her orgasm.

Finally.

Kyle closed his eyes and gathered her to his chest. He thrust into her and buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent. Her breasts slid against his chest and she held onto him, her unending groans driving him onward.

All at once pleasure erupted within him. He thrust deep and held her tight, groaning his release.

Hot fucking damn.

When had he come like that?

Not in ages if ever.

Bethany’s hands stroked his sides and back. She lay back against the table, her body cradling his.

There went every single rule he’d ever made, and he didn’t have one bit of guilt over it. How could he went it felt that right?

He was never going to be able to sit at the table and deal a poker game with a straight face ever again.

After a few moments relishing the feel of her holding onto him, Kyle knew one of them had to move. He pushed up, taking in the picture of Bethany laid out on his table like some sort of buffet. One side of her mouth hitched up while her heavy-lidded gaze belied how tired she was.

He eased out of her and braced his hands on the edge for a moment while his head stopped spinning.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Fantastic.” He bent and kissed her lips.

Kyle took Bethany’s hand and helped her to her feet. He wished he could do more for her, carry her upstairs or something, but his knees and arms were rubbery to the point he didn’t know if he’d make it far.

“I’ve got to go put the fire out,” he said.

That was the last thing he wanted to worry about, but he couldn’t burn the neighborhood down.

He dragged his shorts on and ventured outside long enough to make sure the fire was out and replaced the cover. Once that was done he returned to the house. A lemon scent hung in the air and a bottle of all purpose cleanser sat on the bench seat several feet away from the table.

Kyle shook his head and locked the door. She was something else.

He followed the sounds of running water to the first floor bath and waited. His earlier intent to ensure she was okay still held.

A moment later Bethany emerged, wearing her oversized t-shirt. Her hair was a wild mess, but he liked it down like that. Her gaze locked on his toes and she held her hands behind her. Embarrassed? Regretful?

Shit.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t see the wood cleaner until I’d already used the other stuff,” she said.

Kyle barked a laugh, the tension unwinding inside of him.

That’s what she was upset about?

“What?” She frowned at him.

“That was not what I thought you were about to say.”

“What did you think I was going to say?” Her frown deepened.

“I don’t know. That was a mistake?”

“I just used I don’t know what on your very expensive table. I saw that on...one show. It’s not cheap.”

“Let’s go clean the wood upstairs.” He snickered.

“You are not funny.” She smacked his shoulder.

“You keep telling me I am. Haa. Haa.” He took her hand and kissed it, feeling a little lighter despite everything going on around them. “Come on and I’ll tell you a little secret.”

“What?” She pulled back against his hold.

Kyle leaned in and whispered, “I got the table on sale.”

Bethany barked a laugh and covered her mouth.

“Come on.” He backed toward the stairs.

She let him lead her, and instead of taking her back to her room, he walked her through his bedroom and into the master bath with its walk-in shower.

“Clean your wood.” Bethany shook her head and sighed.

“It’s not a date if you’re cleaning, right?” He grasped the hem of her shirt.

“I suppose so.” She lifted her hands.

Kyle knew Bethany deserved better, but for now, he wanted to make her smile. He wanted to give her a reason to stop being afraid, and he wanted to hold her.