He collapsed against the sheets, spent. “Caught in the act.”
“Okay I admit it too. You wore me out.”
“Guess that leaves us time to talk.”
She turned her head toward him. “About?”
He shrugged. He honestly didn’t care. Anything he learned about her was a bonus. Anything that explained her unique personality—what made her a wanderer yet still crave love even if she didn’t know or acknowledge it. He knew. He’d seen it tonight.
Seen the gratitude in her eyes when he’d mentioned the party and once there, watched how despite her wariness she’d absorbed the warmth and friendliness like a sponge absorbed water. Damned if he hadn’t been drawn to that vulnerable side of her as much as he was drawn to the sexy woman in the tight leather pants.
“I want to know what makes Kendall Sutton tick. What are your goals, your dreams? What’s your plan and I don’t mean cleaning the house, but after you move on? Is more modeling in your future?” He forced the words out as if they meant nothing to him. Unfortunately he was coming to realize they did.
She shook her head. “No. I only did that as a means to an end. Vanity isn’t my thing which I’m sure you realize after watching me walk around with pink hair.” She laughed and he felt the vibration straight through his body. “But I do design jewelry and—”
“You do?”
“Why so surprised?” She leaned up on her elbow and stared at him. “What do you think I did for a living?”
The comforter dipped, revealing her bare breasts, and for a second Rick couldn’t think at all.
Catching him in the act, Kendall pulled up the covers. “Behave yourself and answer.”
“Well, I knew you modeled. I’m not sure I thought beyond that.”
“Aah. Okay. I only used my looks.” Her lips tipped upward in a grin, showing him those dimples he adored.
Rick knew she was teasing him and was grateful for the sudden letdown of her guard. “You’re beautiful. Why not take advantage of your assets?”
“Nothing’s wrong as long as you don’t assume those are the only assets I’ve got.”
“Would I ever be so shallow?” He splayed his hand across her stomach, then moved his palm upward and cupped her full breast in his hand. “I know you’ve got many more assets.”
She sighed, obviously enjoying his touch. “Name them.”
“Huh?”
“Name those assets you say I’ve got. Prove you’re not just using that Chandler charm to get into my bed.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong but you’re already in my bed.”
She let out a long-suffering sigh. “Okay, using that charm to get into my pants—so to speak.”
“Again, correct me if I’m mistaken but I’ve already been there.” At the thought, his groin hardened and he rolled on top of her, pinning her beneath him.
“Yes but if you want to be there again, you’ll list those so-called attributes of mine.” She met his gaze and grinned.
Laughter and pure enjoyment bubbled up inside him. When was the last time he’d enjoyed a woman in bed, her personality not her body? “I have a hunch you’re avoiding discussing you and your future plans, but I’ll humor you for now.”
“Go for it.”
He planned to. “First off, you’re beautiful. Count it as an attribute or not, but you are. Second, you’re bright.”
“And you know this by what? My getting stranded by the side of the road in a wedding dress, Mr. Charmer?” Her eyes glittered with amusement and desire. She was enjoying their easy banter as much as he.
“You’re warm and compassionate and before you ask, I know this by how you act with my meddling mother, my family and friends.”
“So you like me, huh?”
His groin pulsed against her soft body in response. “Yeah,” he said in a husky growl. “I do. Now quit evading questions and tell me what I want to know.” No matter how much he wanted to be inside her now, he needed her to confide in him more. He needed to know his growing feelings weren’t one-sided and cementing that emotional connection was a start.
For years he’d told himself he refused to get emotionally involved with a woman, believed he was denying himself the ability to get hurt again. But the truth was, Rick didn’t have any control over what he did or didn’t feel. He never had. Since meeting Kendall, he felt like he’d been mowed down and damned if he didn’t need her to feel the same way. Though he doubted bonding would make him feel any better when she drove off in her little red car, he couldn’t control the compulsion to learn more.
So while she tried to keep her plans to herself, Rick figured if he got her to reveal them, it would be like giving a part of herself. Something his ex-wife had never done, he realized now. And something he needed from Kendall.
With his legs, he pushed her thighs aside and nudged his erection between her moist, feminine heat. “Now talk.”
“Police interrogation at its finest.” Her voice grew deep with wanting. “I figured I’d go west to Arizona. Sedona. Someplace artistic where I can learn more about design, and where I can perhaps make a name for myself by selling my work.” She sighed and the admission seemed to cost her. As if by revealing her innermost dream, she risked it not coming true.
And though he knew he’d hurt when she was gone, he responded to her need now. “If you want something badly enough, I’m sure you’ll make those dreams come true. After all, how long do you really think it’ll take us to get the old house in selling condition?” He encouraged her to leave even though his heart betrayed him now by wanting her to stay.
“Working together we’ll finish it in no time.”
Rick figured he imagined the wistful note in her voice. Obviously he was destined to pick women who chose to leave.
