He wasn’t sure yet what he was going to do. There was only one thing he was sure of. He wanted the woman before him more than he wanted his next breath. Stepping closer, he watched her eyes widen.

“Are you really tired, Emma?”

“No.”

Her reply was quick and truthful. Aware of her telling admission, her tongue came out to lick her lips, leaving the pink bow glistening. Kellon felt the effect of that small act all the way to his groin. There was something about Emma that drew him in spite of his intention to stay away. Something stronger than his own will. As unfair to her as it might be, he couldn’t leave Conifer without knowing what it was like to have her. She was like a balm to his shattered soul.

Setting his glass on the kitchen counter, he placed his hands on her waist, allowing himself a moment to enjoy the lush feel of her hips before pulling her closer. Silence filled the room, broken only by the sound of their breathing and the soft hum of the refrigerator. Angling his head, he bent to kiss her, groaning at the feel of her body meeting his from thigh to chest.

She kissed with the same passion she put into everything she did. It was one of the things Kellon remembered from kissing her before. No artifice, no attempt to seduce. The honesty and innocence was as sexy as hell, ramping up his need. The feel of her in his arms was better than he’d imagined in his dreams and he’d had some damn good dreams.

They came up for air a full minute later, their lips still close, breathing labored. “I didn’t think you wanted… this. What changed your mind?”

Kellon pushed the soft locks of hair behind her shoulder, admiring the way the silky strands shone in the light. She’d worn her hair down tonight and, in place of her usual jeans and t-shirt, she’d donned a simple sundress that buttoned all the way down the front, leaving her feet bare. The look, to Kellon, was sexier than anything he’d ever seen on a woman.

You, he wanted to say. I got to know the real you and now I can’t get you out of my mind. I can’t keep my distance anymore.

But that wouldn’t be wise. As much as he wanted her, he had no place in his heart—or his life—for anyone else. He was through being responsible for anyone but himself. Using her for his own needs was selfish, but it was all he had. Better to tell her the truth.

“You’re an incredibly sexy woman, Emma, and I want you. I want to make love with you tonight.”

Emma bit her lip. Would she understand what he was saying? “Just tonight.”

Kellon took a deep breath, knowing he was probably going to be seeing the barn within the next couple of minutes. “Or as long as I’m here.”

Hearing his own words, he grimaced. Hell, he’d send himself packing if he was her. She was everything any man could possibly ever want or need, and here he was, a loner, a drifter, with only a bedroll, dented truck and a few clothes to his name, asking her to give herself to him in exchange for a few nights of loving—on his terms. He closed his eyes. He had to be the stupidest man alive.

“Okay.”