Anything but Love

wasn’t sure she was the best confidant, but she was here and Sam was spilling. “The kids don’t have to know about your sex life.”

“I have to think about the future. I can’t introduce a woman into their lives when there’s no hope of … something more.”

“That’s sweet and thoughtful, but—”

“Old-fashioned?”

“I think you’re too hard on yourself, Sam. You’re a great dad, but you’re also a man with needs. Pining for Rae just because you think she’d make a wonderful mom for Ben and Mina—”

“It’s not just that. I like Rae.”

“Are you in love with her? Or the idea of her?”

Sam jammed a hand through his hair.

Rocky pushed. “Do you want to jump her frickin’ bones?”

The man’s silence spoke volumes.

“Do you want my advice?” she asked.

“I can’t believe we’re having this discussion.”

“If the physical attraction between you and Harper is mutual, strike an agreement and have a fling.” She couldn’t believe she was steering her cousin down this path, except she thought Sam was in serious need of female companionship—even if only in bed. “A friends with benefits kind of thing,” she prodded. “No strings.”

“Except we’re not friends,” Sam said. “Harper irritates the hell out of me.”

“Maybe she’ll grow on you.”

Sam rolled his eyes.

“And maybe Rae will have a turn of heart when she’s no longer the object of your desire. If you stop chasing her, maybe she’ll chase you. That’s if you still want to pursue a relationship with her even though she doesn’t light you fire, so to speak.”

“I don’t know what I want any more.” He blew out a breath. “Luke’s going to break Rae’s heart.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.” The fact that Luke had told Sam to “back off” (yeah, she’d made out that part loud and clear) told Rocky that this was new territory for her brother. “In the meantime, cuz, don’t close yourself off to unexpected opportunities and please find a way to make peace with Luke. He’s family and this town, as you know, is flipping small. Life is short.”

Sam nodded and Rocky knew she’d hit a nerve. He cupped her elbow and guided her toward her jeep. “I’ll do the work on the Rothwell Farm. Keep Harper out of your hair.”

“And pursue the attraction?”

He cast her one of his famous death glares.

She smiled. “And make peace with Luke?”

“Let’s just say I won’t aggravate the situation.”

EIGHTEEN

Rae didn’t remember falling asleep.

She remembered taking a hot shower and changing into fresh sweats and a tee.

She remembered receiving texts from Sam and Rocky asking if she was okay.

She remembered Luke returning with an overnight bag, bottled water, and food especially prepared by his chef at the Shack and him assuring her that the food was safe and that Sam was aware Luke and Rae were “involved.”

Too exhausted to maintain a conversation, Rae had picked at her soup and freshly baked bread while Luke had kicked back on the bed, utilizing the remote to surf channels. She’d received two texts from her mom and a call from Geoffrey, both of which she ignored. Turning off her cell, she’d taken comfort in Luke’s companionable silence, crawling in next to him to watch a movie, only she couldn’t recall the ending. She must’ve drifted off.

One thing was certain. She’d slept like the dead through the night. She’d awoken to muted sunshine peeking through the curtains and the feel of someone spooned in behind her. She knew without turning that it was Luke and the knowledge rattled her senses. At some point he’d joined her under the covers and at some point they’d snuggled up. What she didn’t know is if he’d shed his sweats and tee. Did he sleep in boxers or in the buff? Or maybe he’d slept fully clothed. Her heart pounded as she imagined Luke naked. Even though they’d had sex, they’d merely jostled their clothing to make that happen.

“What are you thinking about?” Luke asked close to her ear.

You. Naked, you. Naked you doing things to naked me. Her pulse skipped. “You’re awake.”

“Mmm.”

He tightened his hold and she was suddenly, keenly aware of two things. His palm pressed protectively over her belly, and his erection pressed hard against her backside. Both sent her heart and mind into overdrive. “I have to pee.” Flustered, she slid out of bed and hurried into the bathroom.

Luke was hard. For her. Or maybe it was just a case of morning wood. Guys just sometimes woke up hard, right? “Right.”

Rae went about her business then washed her hands and splashed cool water on her puffy eyes. Not wanting to face Luke with morning breath, she hurriedly brushed her teeth. Two seconds later, she ventured back into the room, unsure of what to do or say.

“You okay?” Luke asked.

He’d propped up on one elbow. His hair was mussed and his jaw was shadowed. He was gorgeous. And shirtless. She wanted to jump his bones. “I’m fine. Great. It’s just … Don’t you need to be somewhere?”

“It’s Sunday. Other than the traditional dinner with family, no obligations. And you?”

“Rocky texted saying my plan is a “go” for the Cupcake Lovers, but I can’t do anything about that until Monday. Same for my next step with Sugar Tots.”

“Then you’re free.” He smiled. “Come back to bed. I want to talk to you about something.”

She realized suddenly that she was wringing her hands, which ticked her off. She’d committed to controlling her life, yet here she stood riddled with anxiety.

Show some backbone, Deveraux. Face your desires, make them known and take some flipping action.

Just as she eased onto the mattress, Luke eased off. “Be right back.”

Rae noted the blue sweats hanging low on his narrow hips. Admired his muscular back as he disappeared into the bathroom. She tempered several racy thoughts. She wanted to fool around and he wanted to talk. What about? The baby? Their relationship? She heard the toilet flush then the water run. She fluffed two pillows and leaned back against the headboard trying to look casual. Maybe she should order room service. Coffee. Eggs and toast.

Luke returned and this time she got a prime frontal of his incredible torso. Did he work out every day? He wasn’t overly bulked but every muscle was toned. And his abs … There were ridges. He slid back into bed smelling of soap and toothpaste.

Rae wished she were wearing skimpy undies or better yet, nothing at all. Could she be any less alluring in her baggy loungewear? “What did you want to talk about?” she blurted.

“You. Us. Something’s bothering me.”

“Okay.”

“What you said about what happened in Bel Air. About it being the best sex you ever had.”

Shoot me now.

“Were you serious?”

“Is that your pride asking?”

“It’s me asking.”

Rae bunched the sheet in her hand and focused on the thread count, not Luke’s eyes. Not Luke’s chest. Not … “Let’s just say that my liaisons to date, not that there have been many, believe it or not, have been less than