Page 156 of Renewal After Dark

McKenzie laughed. “I guess I am, too. Not that I’d like to live through another hurricane any time soon, but we do have Ethel to thank for our current predicament.”

“You said ‘dick.’”

“I said predicament!”

He snorted. “I heard it. Both times.”

“Nowyou’re going to reveal your inner twelve-year-old boy?”

His hand made a lazy path over her back. “I kept him hidden until I had you right where I wanted you.”

“I see how it is.”

“I hope you also see how gone over you I am.”

“I do see that, and I’m equally gone, even as my better judgment says, ‘Slow down! Take a breath! Don’t be crazy!’”

“Crazy ain’t never felt so good.”

“No, it hasn’t.”

His fingertips skimmed over her shoulder and down her arm, leaving goose bumps behind. “I could put the prettiest ink on this glorious skin.”

“No ink. Mama doesn’t do needles.”

“You wouldn’t feel a thing.”

“That’s a big fat lie!”

“No lie. I’ve got stuff to numb you up. You’d probably sleep through it.”

“Doubtful.”

“Keep it in mind.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Are you lying to me?”

“Not at all. I will keep it in mind.”

“I know a brush-off when I hear one.”

“You might be the one person in the whole world who could talk me into a tattoo.”

“Inking you would be the highlight of my entire career.”

In the morning,after breakfast with Duke, McKenzie and Jax returned to the Sand & Surf to work with Piper in the office off the lobby. With Jax content in his seat with toys and several of his stuffed animals, McKenzie forced herself to concentrate on accounts receivable and payable when all she wanted to do was relive the romantic night she’d spent with Duke.

They’d made love a second time at three in the morning, and it had been even hotter than the first. How was that even possible?

He’d woken her with kisses down her back and coffee in bed. A girl could get used to that kind of treatment.

“McKenzie?”

She realized she’d zoned out of Piper telling her about the schedule for ordering supplies for the hotel. “I’m sorry. Say that again.”

“Is everything all right?”

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