Avery didn’t ignore what had happened. How could she? Someone had attempted to not only end her life, but Daniel’s. She also refused to let it stop her from doing what she’d come out here to accomplish.

While she washed her shaking hands, Daniel squatted beside her. Gently, as if unsure of how she’d respond, he settled his shirt and a first aid kit on the ground. When he leaned over to scoop up a handful of water and splash it on his face and chest, her gaze traced along the thin line of dried blood on his back.

“Water feels good,” he said, using his hands to swipe off the excess. He tunneled his fingers through his hair, pulling it back from his face.

“Sit down,” Avery said. Her fingers fumbled a little as she pried open the latch on the kit. She honestly couldn’t say if it was delayed response to the shooting or the pure sensuality of the man beside her. His hand covered hers. She swallowed hard before lifting her eyes to his. “I’m fine, Daniel.”

She would have to be, would find a way to do so. However much it might appeal to her as a woman to understand and accept that he wanted her sexually, she couldn’t afford to become used to his presence in her life. Once this threat was over, he would leave.

And she’d be alone again.

“This is twice in as many days,” she said after he complied and sat with his back to her. “I should go back to school for a nursing degree. Surely I’d get credit for life experience.”

“Is that why you went to college? To become a nurse?”

“No. I went to college because my mother insisted I spend some time away from the ranch. This is going to sting,” she said before using several medicated pads to cleanse what she now saw was a shallow indentation. He never flinched and it broke her heart a little to think he was so used to being hurt that this didn’t faze him. Once she had the area clean, she used her teeth to rip open the packet of antibiotic ointment, then covered the area with a bandage. “That should take care of you,” she said, arranging everything back in the kit so the lid would close. She looked up, found herself caught in his eyes.

“Thank you,” he said, simply, as if far too rarely in his life anyone had taken care of him.

“You’re welcome.” She stood, resisting the temptation to wrap her arms around him. “Now, let’s have lunch and finish up here.”

While they ate, Daniel told her he’d spoken with Hank, who promised to give the surrounding area a thorough inspection. Afterward, they worked in companionable silence the rest of the afternoon. Avery admitted she often caught herself scanning the tree line, knew Daniel did much the same. She freely indulged in a couple of side glances at his muscles as he worked.

“You certainly earned your dinner,” she said after they’d loaded up the truck and headed for the school bus stop.

“It felt good to do something instead of sitting around or exercising in rehab.”

“Is your hip hurting?”

“Feels okay.”

“Which is your way of saying yes, without saying yes.”

He glanced her way, his mouth curving into a relaxed grin, before he turned back to face the road. She noticed his gaze constantly searched the surroundings. “Why’d your mother want you to spend time away from the ranch?”

“She hated living here.” Avery rubbed her hands down her thighs. “My mother went to college on a music scholarship. She played violin.”

“Played?”

She nodded. “She’d been accepted to play with the Montana Symphony. Before the season began, in between practices to earn some extra money she would hire out for parties, events, conventions. One of those events was the Montana Horse Breeder’s Association annual meeting.”

“I’m guessing,” he said when she grew quiet. “She met your dad.”

“Apparently they had quite the whirlwind romance. My parent’s loved one another, anyone who knew them would say the same. But it didn’t take long for my mother to realize there is little glamour in ranch life. From time to time, my father would prod her to play her violin but she always refused, saying she’d given that dream up.”

“She wanted to make sure you didn’t do the same.”

“I guess.” Avery bit down on her bottom lip a minute. “Only it backfired on her. When Daddy died not only did I come home determined to take over the ranch, but I came home pregnant.” She sat up as they approached the fork in the road. “There’s the bus.”

She watched, love and relief flooding her senses as she watched Cole jump off the bottom step and run toward them. A little later, while watching her son grin and giggle while again driving the truck perched on Daniel’s lap, second-guessing and impending loss threatened her good mood.

Everything she’d willingly done for the past four years had been for Cole and his well-being. She’d lived a lie to protect him. She’d worked hard to balance the rigors of ranch life with the demands of a young boy who was growing all too fast for her mother’s heart. She’d sacrificed any thoughts of a relationship for herself rather than expose him to someone who wouldn’t stay. And yet, in the end, she’d done just that.

Which left her with the question of what to do tonight. Did she continued to sacrifice for her son’s sake? Or did she indulge her needs and passion for a man she was beginning to fear could prove to be a bigger danger to her well-being than the one trying to take her ranch?

Granted, they had this insane passion pulsing like a living thing between them.

Once that need and passion had been satisfied, what would remain to bind them together?

Apparently they had Cole in common.

Three hours after picking him up at the bus stop, Cole had yet to leave Daniel’s side. She gave the man credit, he never lost patience with her little boy. How could she resist a man who spent so much time and energy making her son happy?

While going through the same routine they had the night before, Avery marveled at how much had changed, how much she felt, after such a short time knowing Daniel. Maybe it was selfish, but she also wanted to feel like a woman again. If the feelings spiraling inside of her were any indication, what she could expect to experience in bed with him would be worlds beyond what she’d known in the past.

“Mommy?”

“Yes?” she asked, shifting on the bed, wondering how much longer she’d have the joy of Cole snuggling beside her during a bedtime story.

“I cleaned my room.”

Avery glanced around, saw in fact that yes, all the toys were put away. “Good job, Cole.”

“And I ate my supper. Even the green beans.”

She grinned. “Yes, you did.”

“I even helped Daniel and you in the barn.”

“Yes.”

“So, can I have a puppy?”

“Ye…no.” She winced at nearly agreeing to her son’s dream of owning a dog because she’d been distracted by thoughts of Daniel.

“Daniel said if I help you more and show you I’m ‘sponsible . . . ”

“Responsible,” she corrected.

“He said you might get me a puppy.”

“Oh, Cole.” She brushed her hand over his hair. “I don’t know.”

“If I don’t go to school I could help more.”

“You have to go to school.”

“That’s what Daniel said.”

With a fingertip under his chin, she lifted his face. The tears that filled his eyes broke her heart.

“I can still help, just like I did today. And Daniel said he would help me train the puppy so it didn’t pee on your kitchen floor. Or chew your shoes. Daniel said moms don’t like it when dogs chew their shoes. He’d show me how to brush it and give it a bath. But he can’t have toys in his bath the way you let me.”

Avery’s laugh caught on her own tears in her throat. She lowered her forehead to his. By time she found her way clear enough to get Cole a puppy, Daniel would be long gone. While she knew she would forever think of him whenever she looked at a puppy, maybe training it would fill his absence for both her and Cole.

“Sounds like you and Daniel did a lot of talking.”

“He’s nice. I like him.”

She sighed and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “So do I.”

Ten minutes later, she eased away from where Cole had fallen asleep. Raking fingers through her hair, she searched the room, looking for an errant toy or piece of clothing to pick up. Procrastinating even as excitement pounded through her blood.

Going downstairs – going down to Daniel – would be taking a step that could change her.

To her surprise, however, when she closed Cole’s door behind her, she discovered Daniel in the hallway.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I should have talked with you before I said something to him about the puppy.”

“I wish you had. I don’t want to disappoint him.”

“I don’t have any experience with kids.” He braced his legs apart, clasped his hands behind his back. Her lips twitched at the familiar military stance. “I just wanted to give him a reason to help you out around here.”

“He’s a little boy. There’s time enough for him to grow up and have the responsibility of chores.”

“No.” Shocked by the interruption, Avery stared at him. “I get it, he’s just a kid. But he’s old enough to learn respect for his belongings.” He looked over her shoulder. “I know you’ve got Carl as a role model for Cole, but I just thought.” He looked back at her and she saw the shadow of loneliness in his eyes. “I just thought maybe I could teach him something.”

“Before you leave,” she whispered. He said nothing in return. Then again, what was there to say? They both knew there would be no reason for him to stay once the danger to her had been resolved.

Hoping she looked more confident than she felt, she crossed to him, and gripped his hand to guide him across the hall. Outside her bedroom he jerked on her hand, stopping them. She rose on her toes, slid her hands up his chest and hooked them around his neck. He held her hips, bringing her closer but not against him. Emboldened, she arched, pressing her core to the hard ridge of his erection. Heat flared within her, her legs trembled with the need to wrap around him, take him inside of her. Her tongue snaked out to wet her lips as she kept her gaze locked on his.

“Will you teach me what you like?”

“What I’d like, what I want.” He lowered his mouth to brush his lips against hers. “Is to make you come every way I can.” His teeth nipped at her chin. “With my mouth.” He kissed her hard, his tongue invading her open mouth, dueling with her, giving her an idea of the way his body would soon thrust inside of her. “With my hands.” He cupped her breasts and her knees turned to water. “With my dick.” He continued to use mouth and hands to seduce her, excite her. Her panties were damp, chafing just a little as she rubbed against him. “I’m going to be so deep inside of you not even air will get between us. Then, I’m going to start all over again. And then again.”

As if knowing what she needed, he moved his hands from her breasts, curving them around her butt so he could lift her. He carried her into her bedroom, closing the door behind them, a quiet move in contrast to the strong thrust of his hard ridge against her sensitive, aroused clit.

“Wait.” She reared up, breaking the connection of his mouth on her breast.

“God help me,” he growled, coming to a stop beside her bed.

“Trust me, I don’t want you to stop. But.”

Taking advantage of the way he paused, she slid down his body. The instant her feet touched the floor she whipped his shirt over his head, tossed it blindly to the floor. “When I saw you today, I wanted to do this.” Her hands traced the ink on his shoulder, over to his ribs. She smiled when he flinched a little. “Ticklish,” she murmured, knowing she’d explore, and exploit, that later. Just as she would ask why he’d chosen the designs. For now, however, she trailed her hands lower until she freed the button of his jeans. Her gaze jerked up to his when he covered her hands.

A muscle ticked in his jaw, and that looked hard as iron. His eyes blazed with heat and need. He said nothing, simply gripped her hands in one of his and moved them to above her head as he lowered her to the bed.

“When you touch me, I’m not going to be able to hold back.” He lowered his mouth to hers. “And I promised you more than a quick fuck.” He shook his head when she opened her mouth to argue. “Avery, I’ve had quick fucks before. They didn’t matter.” His mouth brushed hers with a gentleness that had tears stinging her eyes. “You matter.” She saw his throat work as he swallowed. “I need you to believe that.”

She couldn’t let his words mean anything more than the physical intimacy they shared. To do so would break her heart.

His mouth travelled over her belly, the stubble of his chin and cheeks scraping lightly, her body quickening in anticipation, as he stripped her bare. He parted her thighs, pushed gently until her legs were bent. His head dipped and she felt the slow glide of his tongue over her. She grabbed a fistful of sheet and moaned.

“You’re so wet,” he whispered, licking more. “And hot.” He blew a breath over her before returning his tongue to probe deeper, to circle around her clit, to tug lightly with his lips. Before she could draw breath, she exploded, thrashing, both trying to avoid his invading mouth and yet wanting to get closer, wanting him to suck harder. When the tremors subsided he slipped a finger inside to join his tongue and she shattered again.

When he finally finished using his mouth on her, he continued to stroke with a finger, then two as he kissed his way up her body to her mouth. Unbelievable need swelled with each caress as he took her over the edge twice more. Avery gripped the strong muscles of his back, memorizing the weight and gentle strength of this man who had her body responding in such glory.

Then, oh then, he stripped off his clothes. She reached out, stroking a finger over his length, swiping at the moisture on his tip before wrapping a hand around his thickness. She loved the low sound he made, looked up to see his eyes half closed in pleasure at her stroking.

“Daniel.” Her heart thundered as she waited for him to look at her. “I’m on the pill.” She guided him to her, rubbed the tip of him against her seam, wet and throbbing in eagerness of his entry. “I trust you.” She knew he’d placed a condom on the nightstand, appreciated his wanting to protect her. Because he’d told her, she also knew he’d been with no one for months. So, on this night when he’d already given her so much, she wanted more. She wanted that ‘not even air between us’ moment he’d mentioned.

“I want you. I need you. Only you.”

He lowered his forehead to hers and in one swift, sure thrust, buried deep inside of her.

Her hips bucked and pumped, taking him yet deeper as her internal muscles squeezed. He moved in and out, slow and then fast. She held his ass, urging him … accepting him … enticing him until he could hold back no longer.

He threw back his head, the muscles in his throat corded with strain as his release triggered hers. He looked like the fierce, glorious beast inked on his shoulder.

He collapsed on her, his breathing fast and harsh against her skin. Sweat pooled between their bodies. Avery found the strength to lift a hand and tunnel her fingers through the thick length of his hair. For an instant she had a vivid image of a child, nursing at her breast, with his dark hair. Then, accepting no good could come from wishing for what she couldn’t have, she dashed the image away.

With his face pillowed by Avery’s very sensitive and responsive breasts, Daniel knew he should feel guilty. He’d not only compromised his role as bodyguard, he’d absolutely ignored his personal rule of never fucking a mother.

It was damn hard to regret while he still felt so damn good.

It was more than the release, more than the satisfaction of knowing he’d pleasured Avery. God, he was already getting hard again thinking of how tight and wet she’d been around him.

He’d been with his share of women. Some he’d rolled off and away from as soon as they’d both come. With others, he’d nudged them to another round.

With Avery, he wanted it all – more nights like this, more time with Cole, more – he blew out a breath. He wanted what he knew he couldn’t have. It was foolish to believe he could have a future here, stupid to dream he could be part of a family. What did he know about being part of a family? Nothing.

The difference between tonight and all the nights his mother brought home a strange man was he and Avery hadn’t been drunk or high.

He blocked his mind from thinking it could be more.

“Daniel?” The uncertainty in her voice, coupled with the light stroke of her hand up and down his back, had him on alert. “I’m sorry. I know it, well, I thought only of myself. I came and all I wanted was to come again. And I know you did, but.” Beneath him her chest rose and fell in quick indrawn breaths. He started to move – out of her, away from her. She surprised him by clamping her hands on his ass and keeping him deep inside. “No, please, let me do something for you.”

“Avery.” He moved his mouth to hers, brushed as gently as he knew how. “Is that what you think? That you didn’t satisfy me? Oh, baby.” His hips rocked hers and his dick went stone hard. “This isn’t because I didn’t come.” He brushed her mouth again. “It’s because I want to again.”

“You can’t. I mean.” When she grew silent he managed to lift his head and look down at her. A flush that he knew wasn’t leftover passion colored her cheeks. He grinned down at her and thrust his hips, gratified when her eyes closed on a moan.

“Guess I’m going to have to show you just what I can do. Or.” Holding her hips so he could stay inside her, he rolled until she straddled him. He brought his hands up to fill them with her breasts, levered up to circle his tongue around her hardened nipples. “You can do whatever you want.”

She stared at him, but not for long. He watched as distress cleared from her eyes, as her lips slowly curved. With a fingertip, she pushed his shoulder, had him lowering back to the bed. Her mouth followed. She surprised him by tracing her tongue over his tattoo.

“Why?” she asked while continuing to tease and torment him with licks and kisses.

“Daniel. The lion’s den.” He ran a hand down her back. “It seemed right.”

“No, I don’t think so.” She raised her head so she could look deep into his eyes. “You’re courageous, Daniel.” She kissed the lion tattoo, then wiggled her hips so a hand could cover his flag tattoo. “Honorable.” She brought her mouth to his, hovered there. “You’re a protector, and a good man. A man who deserves some good in his life. A hard man.” Her hips pressed down on his, her internal muscles squeezing his dick. A smile added a glow to her eyes. “But that’s a good thing from where I’m sitting.”

“It’s damn good from where I’m at,” he managed.

“It’s going to be better.”

She was true to her word. Her bold, erotic behavior surprised and appealed to him. She lifted her hips, in slow increments, pausing along the way, taunting him with the question of whether or not she’d continue this sensual torture or if she’d slide back down and bring him home. When she barely covered his tip, she angled her hips, threatening his control before finally lowering to take him fully inside. On the third such maneuver, he’d barely drawn breath when she moved a hand behind her to cup his balls and squeeze.

“Avery.” His head thrown back, he let loose a cry of release.

Afterward, she cuddled beside him. Or he’d cuddled her there. Daniel decided to not analyze it, nor would he believe her claims about him. He’d just enjoy what they had while it lasted. He lifted her hand, kissed her knuckles, and ran his thumb over her ring finger.

“What kind of ring did you have?” At what he’d meant as a casual question, she stiffened. When she tried to pull away he kept her close. “I’m sorry, it’s none of my business.”

“No, it’s not that, Daniel.”

“It’s okay. I don’t have a right to ask.”

“You do. You have every right.” She sighed, relaxing enough so that this time when she moved, he let her go. She sat up, scooping her hair back from her face. “I’m sorry, Daniel, but I haven’t been honest with you.”