Page 14 of Cougar Chronicles

Of course. The drawl, the persistence, the raw male beauty, his size. Everything about Jack Sherwood wasbig.

“Okay, I’m dying to ask. Why were you modeling nude last night?”

His laugh filled the room. “I was doing a favor for a friend.”

“For who?”

“Mark Fleming, the teacher.”

“You know Professor Fleming?”

“He’s my godfather.”

This just kept getting better and better. Holly shook her head and took a sip of latte.

“So you were out late last night and up with the birds this morning. Where’s your boy?”

“Sam’s with my mom for the week, having some grandma time. Mom knew I was helping Mark out, knew I’d be out late. I’m modeling for all his classes this week, not just yours. Some are during the day.”

“What do you do otherwise?”

“I run a small ranch about an hour from here, so I’m used to getting up early.”

Holly shook her head again. “You’re not anything like I expected.”

“What’d you expect?”

“I don’t know. Kind of a cad, you know? A guy who’d bed a woman without knowing her.”

“Seems I recall the whole thing was your idea, sugar. Who was I to say no?”

“You’re right.” Holly couldn’t deny it. That nighthadbeen her idea. She’d used him, really. It hadn’t been a nice thing to do. “I’m sorry.”

He grinned. “You hear me complainin’?”

“Well, no, but—”

“Sugar, the only complaint I have is that you left without saying goodbye. I wanted to see you again.”

“Like I said, Jack, I was in a bad place then. I needed something. Someone. You were there, and you gave me a nice memory. It meant more than you know.”

“I don’t want to be a memory, Holly. I want to see you.”

“I’m too old for you.”

“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“It’s not dumb. You’re just starting out in life, and I’m—”

“For Christ’s sake, Holly, you’re forty. You’re not dead!” He looked around and lowered his voice. “I got a bigger bang out of being with you than I’ve ever had with a woman. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind. Yeah, the sex was great. It was earth moving. I won’t lie to you. I want more of it. But I want to get to know you, too.”

“Now you know me. I’m Holly. I’m forty. Single, never been married. I’m a lawyer who wants to draw. Enough said.”

“Why don’t you want me?”

Holly’s mouth dropped open and she stared at his chiseled face. “Are you serious?”

“Well, something’s keepin’ you from seein’ me again.”

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