The fast and furious pace slowed. “Open your eyes.”
She hadn’t realized she’d closed them. “What do you want from me?” she asked him.
“Everything.” And then he thrust so deep she was sure they’d been joined for eternity. He moved inside her and she raised her hips, allowing him even fuller and deeper access, heightening her pleasure.
Catherine couldn’t look away from his deep, compelling gaze. No doubt that was his intent, and the crescendo came without warning, a tidal wave beyond her control.
* * *
The aftershocks still rippled through Logan’s system. He doubted he’d ever breathe normally again. He rolled to his side and glanced at Cat, who looked as sated as he was. Her cheeks were flushed pink, her green eyes were still heavy-lidded, and her breathing still sounded rapid and shallow.
He stretched his arms overhead. Huge strategic mistake, he discovered immediately. Catherine rolled onto her back, away from physical contact. That cleared his mind at once.
If she needed distance, he respected that. But not until she understood a few things. He’d never lost himself with someone before and he’d have bet she felt the same. He closed the gap between them and wrapped his arm back around her.
She didn’t pull away but instead surprised him by curling into him. “That was incredible,” he whispered in her ear.
“Mind-blowing,” she agreed.
He hoped she was referring to the emotion involved as much as the act itself. He waited a beat but she didn’t speak. Apparently, she needed space. Her next words confirmed it.
“It’s getting cold in here, don’t you think?”
“I’m pretty warm myself.” He nuzzled the side of her neck.
Her laugh sounded more relaxed. “You know what I mean.”
He did. Once she drew his attention to it, the crackle of the fireplace called to him. “Tell you what. Let me put out the fire and we can move to the bedroom.”
He held his breath. After the intimacy they’d shared, now wasn’t the time for her to be claiming the couch for the night.
She nodded. “Sounds good.”
Giving her some distance and privacy, Logan rose first and grabbed for his jeans before kneeling by the fire. It wasn’t easy, knowing she was undressed behind him, but somehow, he managed. He sensed she needed a combination of space and reassurance. Just one of the many things he liked about Catherine was her honest responses.
But he knew, given the chance, she’d run from what they shared instead of facing it. He’d finally found the one woman who liked everything in his life that was real and nothing that was related to the Montgomery wealth or status.
If he had his say, she wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Chapter Seven
Catherine woke to the sun streaming in through the window. Logan’s window, Logan’s room. She glanced over, but his side of the bed was empty. She heard the sound of the shower and lay back against the pillows. Every pull of her muscles reminded her of last night. And, Catherine admitted to herself, she felt good.
At first, she’d been afraid of the aftermath, afraid he’d find himself with a woman he’d had enough of. But when she’d rolled away, giving him the option of space, he’d rejected it. Everything before and since had been like a dream.
She’d been so depleted she barely remembered making her way from the den to the bedroom, and after he’d returned from putting out the fire, she’d curled into his warmth and fallen fast asleep.
There hadn’t been time nor energy for second thoughts then, but she had plenty of opportunity now. Yet the one thing she couldn’t do was regret her night with Logan. He’d been a generous and giving lover, attuned to her wants, her needs, and her feelings. But it did figure.
The only one-night stand in her life and she had to pick the wrong man. Oh, he was the right man in every way—just not for her. She was petrified their worlds would collide and destroy what they had shared.
The jarring ring of her cell shattered her thoughts. Good thing since she didn’t like the direction they were taking. She glanced at the screen to see Emma’s name and she reached for the phone. “Hi, Emma.”
“Too tired for an amusing greeting. That must be a good sign.”
Catherine laid her head against the pillow. It was no wonder Logan gave up trying to control the older woman. She probably had more stamina and antics up her sleeve than the two of them put together.
“So glad you recognized my voice, dear.” Catherine didn’t bother to remind her that her name had popped up on Catherine’s cell. “Long nights can sometimes cloud the brain. How are you feeling this morning?” Emma asked.
She refused to succumb to the bait. “Just fine. And you?”
“Just fine means my grandson’s technique needs work.”
Catherine choked at Emma’s blunt statement and a heated flush rose up her naked body. Logan’s technique had been beyond amazing, not that it was any of his grandmother’s business.
Catherine wondered how long it had been since anyone had given Emma a run for her money. She adored the older woman, but a lesson was in order.
“You know, you’re right,” Catherine said. “Maybe it was the long drive or the run through the rain, but he just wasn’t up to what I’m sure is his normal… potency.”
Emma coughed. And Catherine realized the bathroom door had already opened, in time for Logan to have caught the end of the conversation. He stood by the bed, his jeans riding low on his narrow waist, a towel hanging over his shoulders, and an eyebrow raised in blatant disbelief.
“Emma,” Catherine mouthed, pointing to the phone.
Logan placed a finger over his lips and motioned for Catherine to hand him the cell. She nodded and did as he asked. He hit the speaker button.
“You do realize sometimes men aren’t up to snuff their first time with a woman, but I’m sure it’ll get better, dear.”
Catherine couldn’t
