The Secret Child

Marni struggled for something to say. "Jenna had a wonderful time. She really cares about you." So do you, Rodgers.

Cole reached forward and gently pushed a wayward curl off her face. "Me, too.

He brushed his knuckles along her jawline, sending little shivers of awareness coursing through her, then he cupped her cheek in his warm palm. "What about her mother?"

Marni turned toward the warmth he generated as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "We were a long time ago."

Using his thumb, he pushed her chin up so she had no choice but to look into his eyes. "Not that long."

One simple touch and he had her wanting him. This was ridiculous. "Cole, we have a twelve year old daughter!"

Cole stepped closer, his gaze traveling from her eyes to her mouth while his hand massaged the muscles tensing in her neck. "Hmm, we do, don’t we."

Marni stepped backward until she came into contact with the fence surrounding the beach house. "Cole."

"I always thought you looked beautiful in moonlight."

He cupped her neck and pulled her close. When he lowered his head and sought her lips, her eyelids fluttered closed. The moment his lips touched hers, all thoughts of refusing him disappeared and she opened her mouth for his gentle intrusion. Tiny shivers of delight thrummed through her and settled in the pit of her stomach. His slow, sexy kiss said, I want to make love to you.

He was hard and hot and all man. He was no fantasy, no long-treasured memory. This was Cole, passionate and real. Marni slipped her arms around his neck and sank against him, giving in to the flash fires of sensation.

His hand slid from her jaw, over her shoulder, and down to her breast. She cursed the thick cotton sweater, wanting to feel his hands on her breasts, to feel him run his palms over her pebble-hard nipples. She arched against him.

Dear God, what am I doing?

She pulled away. The clouds of passion slowly parted and Marni attempted to regain her equilibrium. "We can’t." Her voice sounded strained even to her own ears.

Cole rested his forehead against hers, trying to get his breathing under control. In a way, he was glad she’d ended the kiss. Otherwise who knew what might have happened? God, he wanted her!

Marni flicked open the latch on the gate and stepped through decisively, closing it behind her. "Good night, Cole."

He chuckled. "It could have been." He reached forward and pushed that wayward curl off her face again, tucking it behind her ear. She sucked in a breath at his light touch, but didn’t move away. "Sweet dreams, sweetheart."