In her entire thirty-one years, Eliza had slept with only two men. A college boyfriend for a couple of months and a onetime thing with Jeremy. As she rushed to her rooms, it was with the thought of having the ache inside her quenched in a matter of minutes.

But Kyle didn’t glance in the direction of the adjoining bedroom. He moved to the hearth. As he built the fire and Eliza admired the way his shirt stretched across his well-muscled back, she realized he was giving her a gift.

The gift of time. Time to back out? Or time to settle?

Her insecurity had her turning away before she could do something ridiculous like kneel behind him and plant a kiss on his neck.

Eliza wasn’t looking for a Prince Charming and empty promises of happily ever after. She just needed to assuage the need rising inside her.

Which made Kyle the perfect choice. Once the community theater renovation was completed, he’d return to Kentucky. She’d likely never see him again.

She jumped when his arms encircled her from behind and his body pressed against hers.

“You’re thinking too hard.” His lips brushed her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

She shivered.

“And what’s with all the clothes?” He nipped her earlobe, then stepped back.

Eliza felt the back of her dress open as the zipper was drawn slowly down.

“Thanks.” She turned in his arms, then stepped out of the dress that had slipped to pool at her feet.

Momentary confusion blanketed his face. “For what?”

“For the fire.” Eliza stood, dressed only in a black lace bra, thong panties and her heels. “I was chilled.”

His eyes, so blue they were nearly black, roamed her body. “You’re exquisite.”

Emboldened by the approval, she reached forward and slid her finger just inside the waistband of his pants. “You’re overdressed.”

It didn’t take him long to strip. When he stood before her clad only in black boxers, she realized he was the one who was exquisite, from his broad chest to his slender hips and muscular legs. The cherry on top of the sundae was the dusting of dark hair on his chest.

Her gaze returned to the boxers. “We match.”

Kyle moved in close. “We are a good match.”

She gave a breathless laugh. “I meant we’re both wearing black.”

“Not for much longer.” He grinned wickedly, then began kissing her again. Long, slow kisses that fired the longing for more. Deep kisses that had her wanting to crawl under his skin to get closer.

She had enough sense to ask about condoms—thank God, he had some with him—but then Eliza let her brain take a holiday.

His wicked mouth, not content to arouse with kisses, went on a safari, exploring her neck thoroughly before moving to her breasts, where he lingered.

He licked, sucked and teased her nipples into hard peaks. She couldn’t catch her breath. They’d barely gotten started, and the feelings, the sensations were nearly too much to bear. She fought for control even as she felt it slipping away.

Eliza laughed, a short nervous burst of air. “Isn’t it time we get down to business?”

Kyle lifted his head and stared at her for a long moment, his eyes boring into hers. Those piercing molten blue eyes made her think he knew all her secrets.

She didn’t look away. Neither did he. As the seconds ticked by, their eye contact turned into something more, a tangible connection between the two of them.

“I guess I can speed things up.” His husky voice did strange things to her insides. “Just a little.”

He gave her a swift kiss, then his mouth and hands began to work together in a sensual harmony.

Though Eliza told herself to hold back, when Kyle entered her and the rhythm began to build, she heard herself groan. The low sound of want and need astonished her with its intensity.

“Don’t.” The word burst from her lips.

Her control nearly shattered when Kyle stilled. “Don’t?”

It took Eliza several erratic heartbeats to find her voice. “Don’t…stop.”

The tension on his face eased, and Eliza could have wept with relief when he once again began to move inside her.

Just so there could be no further misunderstandings about what she wanted, who she wanted, she wrapped her arms around his neck and let him fulfill all her fantasies.

* * *

Kyle felt a hand on his shoulder a second before he heard her voice.

“Get up.”

Pushing himself to his elbows, Kyle gazed into intense gray eyes. “Is waking me at the crack of dawn your idea of an April Fool’s Day joke?”

“No joke. Katherine and Lolo could arrive home any minute. When they do, you need to be in your own room.”

Kyle blinked, focused. He realized Eliza was fully dressed and ready for the day. “What time is it?”

She stood, straightened, crossing her arms across her chest. “Nearly nine.”

Not the crack of dawn. Heaving a breath, Kyle glanced around and noticed she’d picked up his clothes. His pants, shirt, heck, even his boxers, were stacked in a neatly folded pile on the chair next to the bed.

Ready for the day ahead in black leggings and a tunic sweater, Eliza emitted an air of complete control. But Kyle saw beneath the façade. Though there were still depths of her to mine, he knew her better than he had the first time she’d passed by his job site.

Her hands fluttered with nervous energy.

Catching the direction of his gaze, she clasped her hands together and lifted her chin. Ready for him to push back. Or perhaps make some lame comment.

Either could backfire on him, on them.

Regardless of what Eliza was telling herself at the moment, there was a them. Having her see that was going to take time.

Kyle swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. He didn’t reach for his clothes or try to cover himself with a blanket.

Instead, he took a step toward her.

She stood her ground, her eyes cool.

Her nonchalant demeanor didn’t fool him. He’d seen her gaze dart downward. Saw desire flare then disappear behind the cool mask.

A few persuasive kisses might convince her to take a shower with him. But for her, any passion ignited would be tempered by the worry of being discovered.

The next time they made love—and there would be a next time—he wanted no worries and no rush.

Eliza needed to get used to the idea of being with him. She’d been on her own for a long time. The one time she’d given her heart to someone, she’d been shot down.

Kyle knew what it felt like to care for someone who didn’t feel the same way.

Eliza lifted a dark brow when he stopped directly in front of her. She only watched when he reached down and took her hand.

He brought it to his mouth, then pressed a kiss into her palm. His gaze never left hers.

“What are you doing?”

“Saying good morning.” Lowering her hand, Kyle gave a rueful smile. “You’re right.”

Her eyes narrowed until they were slits. “About what?”

“It was an inadequate gesture.”

She frowned. “I never said that.”

Kyle tapped his temple. “You were thinking it.”

That brought a hint of a smile to her lips. “You think you know me so well.”

“I know it isn’t enough.” He touched his fingers to her chin and pressed his mouth to hers. Kyle expected her to pull away. Instead, she kissed him back.

Desire surged, but he tamped it down, finding solace in the knowledge that he’d been right. She wanted him, maybe as much as he wanted her.

When he stepped back, she inclined her head. “You think that kiss was an adequate gesture?”

Kyle’s gaze remained steady on hers. “If I could, I’d shower you with—quick, what’s your favorite flower?”

“White roses.” Suspicion filled her voice. “Why?”

“An adequate gesture would be to fill this room with white roses.”

She frowned. “Flowers don’t mean anything.”

“We’ll discuss that later.” He spoke in a cheerful tone.

“Why later?”

“Because I’m still naked and I just heard the front door slam.”

* * *

As Eliza strolled down the sidewalk toward Swoon, she patted herself on the back. For more than twenty-four hours, she’d done a stellar job of keeping things casual between her and Kyle.

It had been no easy feat. Each time his eyes met hers, she felt the punch.

Like last night. While she’d sat beside Lolo, who was drawing with charcoal, Kyle wandered over. All he had to do was place a hand on her shoulder and lean close to have her heart tripping.

Eliza tried to tell herself the fact they’d had sex didn’t change anything. Other than Kyle appeared determined to take any opportunity to touch her. And she couldn’t seem to find the motivation to tell him to keep his hands to himself.

Last night, there had been a kiss outside her bedroom door, after Lolo and Katherine had gone to bed. A simple kiss that might have lasted several minutes longer than it should have.

As the kiss continued, Eliza had been seriously tempted to grab him by his shirt and drag him into her bedroom. The only thing that stopped her was the fear. She wanted him too much, with a burning intensity she’d never felt for anyone.

That’s what going without sex for so long does to a girl, Eliza told herself as she approached Swoon, the trendy boutique and bridal salon that had opened in Good Hope last fall.

In her position as executive director of the Cherries, Eliza usually made it a point to visit new businesses. But after Jeremy and Fin’s unexpected engagement announcement last September, Eliza hadn’t been in the mood to visit any place that had to do with weddings. Which was a shame, since she’d seen several items of clothing in the window that appealed to her.

Bells over the door gently chimed her arrival. Since it was barely ten, the store was on winter hours. Reminding herself she wasn’t here to shop, Eliza strode through the boutique to the archway leading to the bridal salon. She paused for a moment, letting the decor sink in.

Impressive was the word that came immediately to mind. With its oversized gilt-edged mirrors, chandeliers dripping with crystals and a heavily tufted ottoman as large as her flower garden, the interior brought the elegance of a bygone era to life.

The wallpaper, a monochromatic floral print, held white flowers over a cream background. Several wooden mannequins modeled gowns that drew the eye.

The woman who came to greet her wore a red dress with a flared skirt and heels. A name popped into Eliza’s head just before the woman reached her.

Piper Ambrose.

“Piper.” Eliza extended a hand to the former show choir alto. “It’s been a long time.”

Piper took her hand, gave it a shake. The woman had changed little since high school. She still had a thick mass of brown hair and big brown eyes. The only difference was that, sometime during the last ten years, she’d shed the baby fat.

“I’m happy you called. I wondered when our paths would cross.” Oh, and her voice now held the hint of a Southern drawl.

“I’m impressed.” Eliza glanced around. “This is a nice place.”

“I pulled a variety of styles out for you.”

“Not for me,” Eliza clarified with a little laugh. “For Lindsay Lohmeier.”

“For the competition.” Piper’s eyes lit up. “This could mean some excellent publicity for Swoon.”

“Absolutely.” Eliza tapped a finger against her lips. “That’s why we need to make sure that we look for the unique and steer clear of the traditional.”

“You mentioned that on the phone.” Piper gestured to several upholstered chairs arranged near the dressing room. “I think you have a solid plan.”

They sat and discussed the competition for several more minutes. Eliza was about to ask Piper to show her the dresses she’d pulled out for Lindsay when the bells over the door sounded.

Eliza rose. “That should be Lindsay and Ami.”

Piper hurried into the boutique, returning seconds later with Ami and Lindsay. The women were chattering happily, and Eliza felt a stab of jealousy.

The two had always been close.

“Eliza.” Lindsay’s smile was like a ray of sun breaking though a cloudy day. She covered the remaining distance between them in several strides. “I’m so glad the three of us can do this together.”

Ami offered Eliza a warm smile.

But the warmest greeting came from Sarah Rose, who faced out in some sort of contraption strapped to Ami’s chest. The baby squealed when she saw Eliza. Kicking her chubby legs, she leaned forward, little hands reaching out.

Ami chuckled. “My daughter is enchanted with you.”

“Babies normally hate me.” Eliza stepped close and touched the baby’s soft hand.

“Clearly, this baby doesn’t hate you.” Ami leaned down and kissed the top of her daughter’s dark head.

Sarah Rose’s fingers curved around Eliza’s, forcing her to raise her own hand to try to dislodge the grip.

Apparently thinking it was a game, the baby shrieked her pleasure and favored Eliza with another openmouthed smile.

Eliza grinned back.

“We’re going to have so much fun,” Ami told her and Lindsay.

“Shopping for wedding dresses should be enjoyable.” Piper winked. “The ones I’ve pulled for you are unique and lovely.”

While Lindsay tried on dresses, Eliza and Ami sipped from champagne flutes filled with club soda and lime wedges. They took turns helping out in the dressing room. When it was Ami’s turn to help Lindsay, Eliza held Sarah Rose.

Surprisingly, the baby was content to sit on her lap and play with her necklace. Eliza found herself relaxing. Maybe she wouldn’t be as bad at this mothering thing as she’d once thought.

There were pink dresses, ones with pastel flowers and another in deep red with silver accents. A lovely dove-gray one didn’t suit Lindsay’s coloring at all, and a white one had the colors of sunset splashed across the hem.

Passing the baby to her mother, Eliza relieved Ami in the dressing room. She glanced at the gown Lindsay held but was making no move to put on.

Eliza cocked her head. “You don’t seem to be having fun, Lin. Is something wrong?”

She kept her voice low, ensuring they wouldn’t be overheard. Judging by the laughter and conversation coming from outside the dressing room, the effort was unnecessary.

“I’m overwhelmed.” Lindsay lifted her gaze. “There are so many beautiful dresses.”

“And?” Eliza prompted when her friend didn’t continue.

Lindsay expelled a heavy sigh and let her fingers trail down the swath of red that covered the bodice then slashed down the side of the dress. “When I look at myself in the mirror, I can’t see myself walking down the aisle.”

Eliza pulled her brows together, not sure what her friend was trying to say. “Because you don’t like any of them?”

“No. No. No.” Lindsay grabbed Eliza’s hands. “It’s not that at all. I think it’s because I’m wearing them. I can’t seem to get a good sense of how the dress looks.”

Eliza must still have looked confused, because Lindsay blew out a frustrated breath. “I don’t know how else to explain it.”

A knock sounded at the door. When Eliza opened it, Piper stood there, the smile on her face tentative.

“Is there anything you need?”

Obviously, they’d taken longer than they realized.

“Yes.” Without preamble, Lindsay repeated everything she’d just told Eliza then turned to Piper. “Is there anything you can suggest?”

The smile Piper bestowed on Lindsay was reassuring. “While it’s not common, you’re certainly not the first bride-to-be who’s experienced that feeling.”

“Really?” The look of relief on Lindsay’s face matched the bald hope in her voice. “What did you suggest?”

“That they have a friend model the dresses while they relax and observe.” Piper’s scrutinizing gaze shifted to Eliza. “You and Lindsay are nearly the same size. You can model the remaining dresses and any of the ones she’s tried that are still under consideration.”

The words of protest that sprang to her lips were quickly swallowed when Lindsay turned pleading eyes in her direction. Somehow, Eliza even managed a smile. “I’d be happy to model.”

Lindsay shoved the dress into Eliza’s hands. “I’ll stay and help you put it on.”

“You’ve been busy trying on clothes. Why don’t you take a seat, have a glass of club soda and enjoy the show?” Piper offered an encouraging smile. “I’ll help Eliza.”

“Is that okay with you?” Lindsay asked, even as she began to edge her way out of the dressing room.

“Absolutely.” She waved a hand. “Everything is under control back here.”

Once Lindsay had disappeared into the waiting area, Eliza turned to Piper. “Have you really had this happen before?”

“You see everything in this business.” Piper’s smile was serene. “I get the feeling Lindsay is trying too hard to pick the perfect gown, stressing herself in the process.”

While she spoke, Piper reached over and expertly fastened the back of the dress Eliza had slipped on. “The red looks fabulous with your dark hair.”

Eliza cast a critical eye into the mirror and grudgingly agreed. “The problem is, I’m not sure it suits Lindsay’s coloring.”

Ami and Lindsay agreed with that assessment. The next dress, sheer and the color of sand on a beach got so-so reviews from the armchair critics. Even Sarah Rose didn’t smile.

The chimes over the door rang just as Piper finished helping her on with a black satin. The sheath had caught Eliza’s eye the moment she’d seen it. Strapless, with a scalloped neckline, it had decorative gemstones swirling across the bodice.

“You look like a princess.” Piper squeezed her arm. “We also have this gown in blush.”

Eliza’s heart gave a ping. Trying on these dresses might make her feel like a bride, but she needed to keep reminding herself this was Lindsay’s gig. The odds were she’d live out the rest of her life alone.

Like Katherine.

That was okay. Eliza was happy alone. She enjoyed her own company and her home.

Not my home any longer. Eliza closed her eyes against the pain.

Not only was she alone, she didn’t even have a home. Not really.

She was on the verge of descending into a pity party when her phone dinged, indicating a text. Blinking back tears, Eliza pulled it from her purse.

A picture of two dozen white roses, complete with greenery and a white satin ribbon, flashed on the screen. Puzzled, she glanced at the text. “If Saturday night HAD meant something, these are the flowers I’d have sent.”

Eliza’s heart swelled. She was ridiculously touched by the message. Casting one last look at the picture, she read the message again before dropping the phone back into her purse.

She stepped into the waiting area and twirled around. “What do you think?”

Her two friends looked at each other then back at her.

Ami dabbed at her eyes. “That’s the one.”

Sarah Rose reached out and squealed.

Lindsay sighed. “You look like a bride.”

Which was, after all, the point of trying on dresses. But Eliza held her tongue. At that moment, she wasn’t sure she could speak.

Her thoughts returned to Kyle, to the silly, sweet and romantic text. She’d told him, told herself, that Saturday night hadn’t meant anything. Yet, since that night, she couldn’t get him out of her mind.

She felt a closeness to him that she didn’t want to examine too closely. Because if she did, she might start wanting or hoping for more.

Her gaze strayed back to the three-way mirror.

Just like a bride.

Emotion rose to clog her throat, and she had to blink back tears.

The unexpected text must have unsettled her more than she’d realized. That was the only explanation Eliza could come up with, other than simple relief.

It appeared the hunt for the perfect dress was finally over.