When Robert stepped through the front door of Burk’s he swallowed hard. He gave a customary head nod to the couple he’d passed and tried to ignore just how openly amorous they were with each other. Especially because it was the way he wanted to be with the woman who stood across the way from him. He noticed that unlike most Saturday nights, there weren’t a lot of people out and about. The place almost seemed quiet, too quiet despite the music playing. Or it could be the fact time was standing still due to his close proximity to Kristina.



He had no idea she would be here or he might have chosen another place to go to. After the steamy kiss they shared last night it had taken everything he had to let her go home . . . alone. He stepped further inside of the bar and Kristina chose that exact moment to look in his direction. Immediately their gazes locked. He was rendered momentarily speechless by how quickly blood shot from his head straight to his groin. His mouth suddenly felt dry and every muscle in his body tighten—some more so than others—felt hard as a rock.



She was wearing a dark green sundress with spaghetti straps that revealed just what beautiful shoulders she had. An ample amount of cleavage was showing, enough to make him appreciate the firm shape of her breasts, as well. Then there was her face. She had well-defined features. He decided at that moment that Kristina wasn’t just exquisite; she was what fantasies were made of. There was an innate sensuality about her that had been hidden beneath her medical scrubs. The scrubs represented her profession. The outfit she had on now showed her beauty, especially her sinuous figure.



He continued toward her. She sat alone and he took joy in the fact. Unless there was a date hiding in the restroom she had no excuse to get rid of him. The slight tilt to one corner of her mouth made him relax a little. He couldn’t recall her ever looking at him with any resemblance of a smile. He knew she had a beautiful one because he had seen her greet the patients with it. At least she wasn’t frowning and he would take what he could get.



“Robert.”



His name was spoken in a soft tone and if he hadn’t been so close he probably wouldn’t have heard her. He watched her hands come to rest on her lap. For some reason he’d always enjoyed looking at her hands whenever she consulted with him on a patient chart and flipped through papers. Her nails were always neat with a simple manicure displaying a nonflashy look. The same extended to her fingers. He wondered if she played the piano. Her hands were long and graceful. Elegant. Sturdy. And he could just imagine those hands touching him, caressing the length of his hardened…



He sucked in a deep breath when he saw where his thoughts were headed. He tried to maintain his control, but found himself losing it and quickly recalled how long it had been since he’d had a woman for a bed partner and decided it had been way too long.



“Aren’t we on speaking terms?” she said as a teasing smile touched her lips.

Instead of answering her, he stepped even closer to her and pulled her to here feet. There was no need for formality. They both knew why they were there and as far as he was concerned, even if it wasn’t intentional. Now was just as good a time as any to get the ball rolling. And speaking of balls…he felt his tighten. His testosterone level was so high that he wouldn’t be surprised if he were to make good one the offer he made to her the last time they were here.



The thought of such a thing actually happening made him that much more aroused. It actually made his body ache. Seeing her again was doing a job on him, a real number. He couldn’t recall ever wanting a woman so badly. When he stood directly in front of her, he reached out and cupped the back of her neck to guide her mouth to meet his.



The moment their lips touched he felt it. Passion so thick you could cut it. And when he went past her moist lips and inserted his tongue inside her mouth, he knew he had been anticipating this very moment ever since the night they met.



Her response was immediate, absolute and totally appetizing. The reason they were here might be incidental, but predestined so to speak, but the sexual chemistry between them was as instantaneous and unprompted as it could get. The depth of her sensuality was enough to make him want to jump in Lake Nasworthy to cool off. A cold shower just wouldn’t work off the heat.



He had discovered ever since he had placed her proposal into her lap and he had accepted, that he desired her to the point of madness. And this was the result. He was getting a pretty good taste of her and she was getting a good taste of him, as well.



He heard her groan low in her throat and knew if he pushed hard enough they would be making love right here, possibly on the floor, which wasn’t where he wanted their first time to be. The spectacle they would cause would be bail worthy. He knew she could feel how aroused he was from the way his body was pressed against hers. He wanted her to feel it. Get used to it.



He really did need to slow down, he thought, as he continued to kiss her. He would take things slowly. This is what he wanted. What she wanted. And he was struck by the enormity of just how much passion was in one single kiss. Of how much tongue action was required. He was enjoying sharing both with her. There was nothing gentle about the kiss. Far from it.



There was hunger, gluttony and a desperation he hadn’t been used to before, but was getting familiar with now. For some reason she felt right in his arms. Right against his mouth. Right with her body pressed intimately against his.



It wasn’t easy, but he finally gained control and pulled back. She gasped for breath the moment their mouths separated. After pulling air into his own lungs he leaned back close to her, lowered his head close to her ear and whispered in a deep, husky tone, “Hmm, so much for us not being on speaking terms.”



* * * *



Kristina groaned softly and dropped her face into her hands. She couldn’t get her mind off of Robert. Saturday night had been hot and unexpected in so many ways. It didn’t help that he was in the next room finishing up the paperwork on their last patient of the day. She was trying to complete the notes on the last of her charts herself with no luck. All she could think about was Robert and his upcoming birthday.



He let the information slip while they enjoyed a few drinks at Burk’s. She wondered if he had anything planned. He hadn’t mentioned anything but it wasn’t surprising. They just returned to casual speaking terms.



She looked up in shock when the front door to the office swung open and Leslie came flying through it. Tears were streaming down her face and she had a frightened Jessica in her arms.



“Leslie, what’s wrong?”



“He’s back!”



Kristina stood up looking toward the open door making sure no one else was behind her. Not quite sure what to expect. When no one else appeared Kristina turned her gaze back to Leslie.



“Who?”



“Justin!” Leslie stated hysterically.



Kristina felt her eyes widened but tried to remain calm. “Okay Leslie. Sit down. We will figure this out.”



Leslie shook her head frantically. “No. I have to leave. Jessica and I have to leave. He has come back to take my baby. The courts must have served him with the child support papers. But the court date isn’t until two months from now.”



Kristina stepped closer to Leslie, her main concern removing Jessica from whatever was going on. The little girl was obviously scared.



“Calm down Leslie. Justin can’t take Jessica. You have custody of her. He would be arrested on the spot. Now how do you know Justin is back?”



“He stopped by my parents house looking for me,” Leslie replied in a shaky voice.



Shock reverberated through Kristina. The man had the nerves to show up at her parent’s home, unannounced at that. No wonder Leslie was beside herself. She would be too if the situation were reversed. Still she had to deescalate things or it might get out of hand.



Kristina reached for Jessica who amazed her by letting go of her mother without much resisted. The little girl clung to her body and she could feel Jessica trembling. She touched Leslie’s arm.



“Calm down. You are scaring Jessica.”



Leslie gripped Kristina’s hand and closed her eyes. When Leslie reopened her eyes some of the worry there had dissipated.



“Okay Kristina. I’m okay.”



Kristina gave her an understanding smile. “No you aren’t but it is understandable.”



“I’m going to take Jessica back with me and I will send Robert out here. He is just finishing up some paperwork.”



Leslie reached out to touch Jessica’s back with her free hand. Kristina squeezed her hand reassuringly.



“Everything will be okay Leslie. I will take care of her while you talk to Robert.”



Leslie gave a quick nod, clearly near tears. “Thanks Kristina.”



Kristina turned around with Jessica and walked toward the back. Robert was still in his office and he looked up in surprise when he saw her with Jessica in her arms. The look on her face must have told him something was wrong.



“What is it?”



“Go out to the waiting area and talk to Leslie. She will tell you.”



As Robert left the office, Kristina walked over to the chair he had abandoned and sat down. Jessica shifted in her arms. She pulled back and there were unshed tears in her eyes and her small chin quivered.



“Is he really going to take me from my mommy?”



Kristina’s heart turned over in her chest. She hated to see Jessica so scared. Brushing wisps of hair out of the precious little girl’s face she smiled with confidence.



“No sweetheart. He isn’t going to take you away. I promise.”



She hugged Jessica to her tightly. If she had a little girl she hoped she was half as adorable and well-mannered as Jessica. Kristina had no idea how long she sat there holding the little girl but she felt Jessica’s breath even out as the little girl fell asleep.



Several minutes later Robert and Leslie walked into the office. She was a lot calmer but her eyes were still red, her forehead and cheeks splotched. Robert didn’t look any better.



Leslie walked over to her. “Is she asleep.”



Kristina nodded. “Yes she is.”



Leslie sighed, her shoulders slumping a little. “Good.”



Kristina could see she was still upset and nervous. “Leslie if you don’t feel safe staying at your place you can stay at mine.”



Robert jumped in before Leslie could respond. “That’s a good idea. Even though we don’t know why he is actually back in town I don’t want him to be able to confront you with Jessica around.”



Leslie rubbed her temples. “Yeah. I guess you are right.”



Kristina smiled. “You can stay with me as long as you need to.”



Robert reached out and touched Leslie’s shoulder. “I will go with you to your place so you can pack a few things for you and Jessica.”



Leslie looked over at Robert. “What about Jessica?”



Kristina stroked Jessica’s back. “I will take her with me. We will go get something to eat then head to my place.”



“Good idea,” Robert stated.



Kristina nodded and reached for a piece of paper to write her address down. She slipped it to him and he tucked it in his back pocket before reaching for Jessica.



“You get your purse and keys. I will carry Jessica to the car for you. Leslie you come with me to switch her car seat over.”



“Thanks.”



As they headed out to her car, Kristina couldn’t help it as another chink of armor around her heart fell away. She had come to grips with the fact that she was attracted to Robert now she had to face the realization that she might actually like him.



* * * *



Kristina released a nervous breath before reaching out to ring the doorbell. She had never been this nervous in her life. It was Robert’s birthday and according to him he didn’t have any plans. He stated he wanted a quiet night in. Well he would have it.



After the adventuresome week they all had she couldn’t blame him. Leslie and Jessica were still at her place laying low. According to Leslie’s parents Justin had shown up a few times looking for Leslie and Jessica. He had even been brave enough to stop by Robert’s once. The next day Robert had been in rare form. She now knew he had a not so pleasant side. Nice to see he wasn’t human. Still she had taken a chance by getting his address from Leslie and coming here tonight.



The door swung open and a surprised Robert stood on the side of it. All mental function escaped her even as she opened her mouth to speak. Robert was definitely comfortable…and shirtless.



Sweet Mary did he have a gorgeous chest.



“Kristina what are you doing here?”



Her gaze jerked open and her mouth snapped shut when she realized she had been caught staring.



“Um . . . I-I j-just came by to say happy birthday and bring you your gift.”



Robert’s left brow arched upward then a second later her stepped back and allowed her to step inside. She jumped when the door shut. The sound of the locks turning made her heartbeat speed up. She turned to face him hoping she didn’t pass out before she said what she had to say.



“So you came by to bring me my birthday gift?”



She nodded. “Yes.”



He studied her for another moment then smiled. “Where is it?”



She exhaled shakily. “Right here. I’m your birthday gift.”



* * * *



“Excuse me?” Robert’s body tightened as Kristina’s words reached his ears. He couldn’t have heard her right. If he had it wasn’t what she meant. It couldn’t have been. He had never been that lucky on his birthday.



But she smiled and damned if his groin wasn’t hardening in response. Which meant that his day—hell of a week—might not end on such a bad note after all. Her gaze traveled from his chest to his mouth then remained transfixed on his lips.



“You heard me correctly,” she whispered.



He heard her, all right. Every fiber in his body had heard her—and responded accordingly. He still didn’t believe his ears. But if he heard her right, she wanted him—in his bed. If they made it there. Taking in the sensual expression in her brown eyes and the flush on her cheeks, he was sure he was right.



The only question that remained was why? He wasn’t stupid enough to delay the situation by asking. If she said she wanted him. He would take it at face value.



“I—I’m sorry,” she stammered, and he realized he hadn’t answered her aloud. “This was a bad idea. I should go—”



“Wait.” The word exploded from him causing her to jump. Reaching out, he brushed his fingers over her bare arm, enjoying the little moan that escaped her lips. “You can’t say something like that to me, and then leave.”



“Too ill-mannered?” The smile returned to her face and he was glad to see when her shoulders relaxed a little. He didn’t know the exact thought racing through her head, but if the even was going to lead to where he hoped, he didn’t want her tense.



“I’m not sure you could ever be ill-mannered.”



“Impolite?” She offered.



He hesitated and she punched him. Groaning he caught her hand and pulled her to him. She went willingly pressing her heat against his.



“Then again being polite is a little overrated.” He body tightened, and his erection pressed painfully against the confines of his sweat pants. With his other hand he tracked a path from her ear to her cheek, down her throat, to her collarbone and she shuddered in response.



“Is it?” She questioned and he heard the hesitancy in her voice read it in her eyes.



“Yes it is.” He took her hand and began to move backwards leading her toward his bedroom. He wanted her as much as she wanted him and he meant to show her. Not until he understood fully what she wanted from him besides the moment they were in right now. He didn’t know if his rationale made him gallant or hedonistic, and he didn’t care. He just wanted to figure it all out because then he could lose himself deep within her. Which was a strong motivating factor.



As they entered the darkened room, she tugged her hand from his. He let her go giving her the space she needed.



She pulled her bottom lip in between her teeth. “I shouldn’t have started this.”



Even as she stated the words he saw the longing in her eyes. He stepped closer to her and brushed her cheek with his fingertips.



“But you did.” She moaned and leaned into his touch making him smile with pleasure. “Now I want to finish it but the decision is yours. So what do you want Kristina?”



* * * *



What did she want?



Robert’s question hung in the air, and she struggled to find a rational answer. Earlier, it had all seemed so simple — she wanted him. But not that she was here she was being overtaken by nerves. After Warren she never thought she would be here like this with another man, especially one as virile as Robert. Truth be told, she had expected him to shy away from her advance.



Sure he had flirted and teased her. Even propositioned her but she never dreamed he would say yes when it came down to it.



Or had she?



But he had said yes. He had accepted her gift to him, with gusto. Which meant what had started out as an impulsive plan, was suddenly a reality. And now she had no idea what to do.



“Kristina?”



His amused expression made him look even more handsome than usual. “I hope you have an answer for me tonight because I don’t plan on wasting this opportunity tonight.”



She staggered backward, unable to think. His scent did something to her brain. Something breathtaking, and it made it hard for her to keep her thoughts together. “I shouldn’t have—”



“Propositioned me? Humor danced in his eyes. “But you did and I’m not complaining, at least not yet. You still have told me what you want to do about it.”



He moved toward her as he spoke, and now she was backed up against the edge of his bed, unable to escape. Not sure she wanted to. Instead she wanted to pull him to her and demand he kiss her with the fervor she saw mirrored in his eyes.



She knew she should say the words that would turn him away but her throat wouldn’t cooperate. His index finger found it’s way underneath her chin and tilted her head back. A tiny voice in the back of her brain told her to run away, protect herself. Do anything to get away from him. She knew she was playing with fire and bound to get burned.



But she wanted him, wanted this. God help her, she did, and when he lowered his lips to hers, all she could do was whimper and open her mouth in quiet invitation.



His arms tightened around her waist, pulling her against him into the warm solidness of his body.

“Are you sure about this? If not, say so now, because I have wanted for you too long. Wanted you too badly. I won’t be able to stop if we take this any further.”



Common sense told her she should stop him. Once they went down this path there would be no going back. Everything would change. Permanently. Instead she responded in a husky, raw voice. “I’m sure. I don’t want you to stop.”



He took her invitation and lowered his mouth to hers tasting and teasing in a frenzy of passion that left her breathless and moaning. When he lifted his head she groaned.



“Please don’t stop.”



He lowered his head again and her enthusiasm matched his. She squirmed closer as his hands cupped her butt, pressing her tight against him, So tight he would have entered her had it not been for their clothes.



“Robert, please. I need . . .” Her voice trailed off on a gasp as his lips found the sensitive column of her throat.”



He lifted his head when she didn’t continue. “What do you need?”



She met his eyes, losing herself in the pleasure his intense smoky gaze guaranteed. “I need you to touch me.”



Her words were all the assurance he seemed to need. His hands came up and went to work on her clothes undressing her slowly. Somehow he managed to lose his sweatpants as well. Before she knew it, he was right there, hot and hard. She was so ready.



He inhaled deeply as she when his thumb brushed over her nipple and he cupped the full globe, bent his head to kiss it, then looked up to meet her gaze.



“I want you Kristina.”



“I want you too,” she whispered. She didn’t doubt his words in the least as he lifted her and placed her on the bed. She felt the proof his desire for her, saw it.



She wanted him to enter her, but instead he continued to stroke her breasts, his mouth dueling with hers, his stiff sex taunting and torturing her. His hands skimmed down her luscious body, then back up again. He kissed her throat, then licked and lightly sucked because he couldn’t get enough of the taste of her.



He was beyond sexy to her. Beyond size and strength and manliness. The pressure in her very center that had been building was coiled tight, waiting to burst free. She reached for him when he moved away but he was back before she could. He placed a condom in her hand.



“You do the honors,” he whispered.



She realized what he wanted her to do and why. Yes she had said she was sure but now she had to show him as well. Robert wasn’t going to force her to do anything she didn’t want to. She took the condom out of his hand and ripped the package open. She sheathed him, smiling at the primitive sound he made. A gasp of surprise escaped her when he rolled onto his back pulling her with her.



Before she could draw her next breath he was lifting her over him. She braced her hands against his chest, lifting slightly then easing down encasing himself within her slick heat.



She moaned, tightening her thighs against his hips as they moved together. Her back arched and she took him as deep as she could, relishing in the feel of his body against hers. Robert was a hard slab of muscle beneath her, his hands spanning her waist, his face full of pleasure. He penetrated her, filled her up, filled the emptiness that had been inside of her for the past several months. She had never been so physically possessed.



She moved with him as if she had been doing it all her life. Moved as graceful as horse and rider. Excruciatingly slow at first, getting her bearings, adjusting to the thickness of him. She stretched out on top of him, her face cradled against his neck. She rocked her hips, pushing lower and lower until her cleft pressed directly against the base of his hard arousal.



“Yes Kristina, that’s it, that’s it,” he whispered.



She continued to move, spurred on by the passion in his voice until something changed. A deep need raced through her. Her body opened even more to accommodate him and slowly she sat up. This time when she began to move it was with urgency. To obtain something they both had denied themselves for too long. Her hips began to move again in the age-old rhythm, speeding up with each rise and fall, until her bottom was smacking against his hips, eliciting the most erotic sounds from him she had ever heard.



Soon the bed began to vibrate. It seemed the whole room was vibrating from the frenzied motions of their bodies. She tried to prolong the pleasure but it was a waste of effort. Her body flew apart her climax hitting her with the force of an oncoming freight train. Her entire body was engulfed in a scorching, quaking release that started between her legs but unfurled throughout her entire body.



She gasped incoherently, shuddering holding on as Robert threw his head back and roared, delivering two more long, deep thrust into her. His whole body convulsed underneath hers as he reached his own explosive release.



She collapsed against him and laid her head on his chest. His heart was pounding and his breath matched in rhythm. They were both covered in sweat but the moment couldn’t be more perfect. She snuggled into him, amused when he kissed her forehead. Several minutes later he surprised her by maneuvering her so that she was under the covers before joining her. Worn-out, she cuddled closer to him and tried to stay awake. She wasn’t going to spend the night. Yet the warm, coziness of his arms overpowered her and she fell asleep. His gentle kiss on the tip of her nose was the last thing she remembered.