Startled, Catherine shrieked and Logan whirled around.
He raised an amused eyebrow. “Don’t tell me. You’re afraid of the storm and came seeking comfort.”
She rolled her eyes, knowing she’d been had. “I give. You caught me red-handed.”
“You’re a bad girl, Cat. Now, turn around and wait in the den. I’ll be out in a second. Surely you can wait that long?” he asked with a charming grin.
“I’ll manage somehow.” She shook her head. “Me, banished from the kitchen. Who’d ever believe it,” she muttered.
His cell rang. “Can you grab that?” he asked before she’d headed into the other room.
She picked up his cell on the counter. “Logan Montgomery’s cabin on the ocean. Who may I say is calling?”
Emma’s distinctive chuckle was her immediate response. “She’s home safe and sound,” Emma said in a baritone imitation of Logan. “Did he really think I’d buy that line? His father may fall for that dry wit, but no way can he get anything past me.”
Catherine laughed, surprisingly not the least bit embarrassed to be caught by Emma at Logan’s place. “I am home safe and sound. It’s just not my home.”
“Minor point. At least you’re dry and out of the storm.”
“I’m out of the closet, too, no thanks to you.”
Emma made a tsking sound. “They don’t make those doorknobs like they used to. The sucker just came off in my hand. Imagine that.”
Logan glanced at her. “Keep Emma on the phone. I have a few words to say on that subject, too,” he said.
“Emma? Logan would like to speak to…”
“My weekly card game awaits. I have to run.”
“But…”
“I’m hanging up now,” Emma said before doing just that.
Catherine stared at the cell in her hand, then glanced up at Logan. “Weekly card game?” she asked. “On the same night as a huge party? Doesn’t seem plausible to me.”
He placed the tray down by the fireplace. “Solitaire on the iPad I bought her,” he explained and rolled his eyes, laughter dancing in his gaze. “She’s a master at avoidance. Ready for dessert?” he asked, picking up a tray.
“Ready to sample your culinary talents, you mean?” They walked to the den and Catherine sat on her knees as Logan moved the tray to a low table by the couch.
She leaned forward and glanced at two glass holders containing what looked like… She leaned closer and sniffed. “Chocolate pudding?” she asked.
“Only the best chocolate pudding you’ve ever had.” He dipped a spoon into the creamy dessert and held it out for her to taste.
She opened her mouth and Logan placed the spoon inside, his gaze never leaving her lips. Catherine’s body heated up all over again. She closed her eyes and swallowed the delicious chocolate confection.
“Yum.” She opened her eyes to find Logan still staring. His intensity had her shaking with need and anticipation all over again. She licked her lips, tasting the chocolate again. “Jell-O brand?” she asked, searching for ordinary conversation to calm down her body.
He placed a hand over his heart. “Would I serve such an extraordinary woman such an ordinary dessert? You wound me. Hell, you don’t give me enough credit, Cat.” He hesitated only an instant before caving. “It’s Jell-O,” he muttered.
She grinned. “It’s my absolute favorite dessert, too. When I was in culinary school, they used to tease me all the time that for someone with the ability to whip up the most intricate desserts, I had the taste of a peasant.”
“Did you just say culinary school?”
She grinned. “Yup.”
“I made Jell-O instant pudding for an expert?”
“Don’t worry. I know this was last minute and nothing’s easier than milk and mix from a box. I don’t expect anything like tiramisu until the second date, at least.” She glanced over. “What’s the matter? You look green.”
“Wounded is more like it. My ego is a fragile thing.”
She laughed and finished off her pudding in a couple of healthy spoonfuls. “That was the best pudding I’ve ever eaten. I don’t think even chocolate mousse can compare.” Giggling, Catherine continued. “Your talent in the kitchen is unsurpassed. I—”
He cut her off by swiping a finger across her lips. His touch was electric and her laughter came to a sudden halt.
“You had pudding on your lips. See?” He held up his chocolate-smeared finger.
She nodded, unable to speak, somehow knowing what would happen next. He met her gaze. His brown eyes, the color of the rich pudding, glittered with desire.
“Want to finish it off?” he asked.
Drawn by his compelling gaze, lured by the depth of his voice and the sizzling desire burning between them, Catherine leaned forward. She never wavered, never let her gaze veer from his, as her lips closed over his finger. Chocolate mixed with the salty taste of his skin as she licked and finished off the last of the pudding.
Long after he should have pulled back, his finger remained, and he traced the outline of her lips. “Better than licking the bowl, huh?” he asked.
“Much,” she whispered. He’d removed his hand, but she didn’t know if she could say any more. Her lips tingled. So did her body. Even her breasts had pulled into tight peaks that longed for Logan’s touch.
She wondered if he could read her mind. If he knew how much she wanted him. If he reached out and cupped her breasts in his hand, she wouldn’t mind. Right now, she’d welcome any touch he offered, anything to soothe the raging need he’d inspired.
She drew a deep breath. “I really should clean up.”
“Running away?” he asked, his breathing as ragged as hers.
“Taking a time-out.”
He leaned back, resting against his palms. His gaze never wavered. “Just don’t take too long.”
* * *
Catherine entered the family room in time to see Logan stoking the wood in the fireplace. He fed the flames, much the same way the desire raged between them, begging to be fueled with more than just a caress.
Since he’d cooked, the least
