“Sorry I didn’t make it over earlier,” she said quietly. “Hope it’s not too late to plan our outing.”

“We’ve got all weekend.” He reached out to brush her hair back from her shoulder, wanting to feel those silky strands again. Wanting even more to fist his hand in them and hold her close. “No need to rush things.”

“No?”

Sam didn’t answer. He preferred to show her what he meant instead. Gently, he pulled her to him and pressed a kiss to the exposed skin of her neck. Natalie drew in a soft breath.

“This is a bad idea, you know,” she said.

He kissed his way to her jawline. “Terrible.”

A shiver rattled through her. Sam paused. Met her gaze. It wasn’t fear he saw there now but desire.

Her hands slid up the front of his chest to clasp behind his neck. “We really shouldn’t.”

“Probably not.” But oh, Lord, he wanted to.

She pulled him closer, brushing her soft, full lips across his. Once. Twice. Good God, the woman was going to be the death of him if she didn’t kiss him already. A teasing flick of her tongue, and Sam couldn’t stand it any longer. He ran a hand into the back of her silky hair as he claimed her mouth with his, the other hand sliding to the small of her back. Now that he knew she wanted to be kissed, the possessive hold seemed fair game.

And hot damn—this kiss was even better than the one they’d shared last night. Maybe because this time, she was actively engaged instead of frozen with shock. And mercy, could the woman kiss. She opened to him and his tongue wasted no time sweeping in, searching, exploring. Her fingers threaded through his jeans’ belt loops and tugged him to her, and a low growl escaped him.

Natalie pulled back an inch, a smirk on her swollen lips. “Someone’s been drinking.”

She’d tasted his beer. Damn, would that be a deal-breaker? No way would he lie and risk losing whatever trust she had in him. “Just two.”

But she didn’t move away, she just licked her lips. “Tastes good.”

He stifled a groan at the thoughts his view inspired. “I have two left inside. You’re welcome to them. Or anything else I have in there.”

“Hmm. I am a little thirsty.” Natalie glanced to the door, worrying her lower lip. “Trouble is, the only thing I want right now is out here.”

Her fingers slipped under the hem of his shirt, exploring, the soft touch equal parts of pleasure and torture.

“Careful,” he warned, the sound rough even to his own ears. “You’re playing with fire.”

She arched one brow. “And you struck the match last night.”

He wanted her more than anything he’d wanted in a long, long time. “So, what do we do about it?”

“Hmm. Extinguishing it hasn’t worked for me so far.” Her hands continued their leisurely journey across his abdomen. His chest. “Guess the only thing we can do is let it run its course.”

He pulled her closer, against his hardened length. “You sure about that?”

“Never been more sure.” A devilish look settled on her features. “If, that is, you think you can handle it.”

“Mercy, woman.” In one smooth motion, he swept her into his arms and angled for the door, consequences be damned.

“What about Madison?” she whispered as they made their way inside. “We can go back to my place. Or take your truck.”

Take the truck? He liked her way of thinking. Tonight, though, he didn’t plan on taking her anywhere but to his bed.

“Gone for the night.” Sam set her down in his bedroom, tugged off his T-shirt, and pulled her to him. “Now, less talking and more kissing.”

Natalie smirked in the moonlight peeking through his window’s miniblinds. “There’s the bossy cowboy I know.”

He had her shirt up and over her head in half a second. “Oh, honey, you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Chapter Eleven