He took a step closer, and sat on the bed, at her side. He took a deep breath. “I’m not sure you understand why that wouldn’t work.”

Her eyebrows pushed together, making an unhappy face. “ Sure it would.”

“Maybe for you. But I wouldn’t get any sleep.”

She watched as his eyes freely scanned her bare legs.

The butterflies in her stomach turned into tennis balls bouncing around. Her heart was pounding. Just say something. Anything! He wants you! “Um… Well…”

She laughed at herself, for having so much trouble speaking.

Instead of trying to speak, she reached her hand toward his face, and gently touched his cheek. Leaning his face into her touch, he closed his eyes, as if gathering a reserve of self-control.

His expression changed. His smile turned into a serious look. He licked his lips, and then cleared his throat. Leaning forward, resting one hand on the bed across her body. His voice deepened, as if he were restraining himself. “Thank you for dinner, Taylor.”

He started to pull away from her, but she stroked his cheek, and continued down, running her fingers through his beard. Never having been with a guy with much facial hair, she didn’t know what it would feel like. Soft. Inviting.

Experimentally, she pulled on his beard, seeing if he would mind.

The side of his mouth curved upward, and he allowed her to pull his face toward hers.