Truth and Dare

“I’ve never been in a house with a tin roof,” she said, leaning back against the headboard.

He glanced around searching for a place to sit, this room only had one of those small white wicker benches and he knew it couldn’t handle his weight.

“Do you mind if I sit on the covers over there and watch the rain through the window. It really is relaxing for me.”

Cade didn’t wait for her to answer him. He walked to the other side of the bed and sat on top of the covers. Propping up the pillow, he mimicked her action and leaned back against the headboard.

“Cade?”

Silently, he gathered her in his arms.

She hesitated, as if she were making a life or death decision. Then she snuggled into him and he tugged a blanket up over her shoulder.

Her nearness was almost his undoing. He wanted to kiss her pain away, and the honeysuckle scent of her was enough to push him to try it.

But that wasn’t what she needed.

Clearing his throat, he began, “Tomorrow, well, later today, I’m going to work on fixing the barn door out at the ranch. The structure is good, but like everything else on the property, it needs an overhaul.”

Cade talked and stroked her hair until he could hear her breathing steadily. He didn’t want to move for fear of disturbing her. And he convinced himself to stay through the night, in case she had another bad dream.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Romeo.

PATIENCE HAD A SHARP PAIN in her neck. She shrugged her shoulders as she opened her eyes. There was a pair of strong jean-clad thighs in front of her.

Sitting up she found Cade staring at her with a warm smile on his face. “Morning.”

The night before came rushing back to her and she almost cringed when she realized what she’d done. “Hi,” the word came out a whisper. A little cough escaped her throat. “Did you get any sleep?”

“A couple of hours. That’s all I need.” There was something in his eyes that she couldn’t read. Her usual lack of understanding human emotion was nothing less than frustrating at times like these.

She sat up on her knees accidentally touching his thigh as she did so.

He jerked slightly as if her touch repulsed him.

“Sorry. For—that and for everything,” she said quickly. “You were so sweet to stay with me.” She leaned forward to grab her pillow as he lifted his head. Their lips touched.

Before she could pull back, his mouth moved against hers, challenging and taking everything she had to give. She tried analyzing what was happening, but his tongue slid across hers and it was Patience who lost her breath. The man was delicious.

What are you doing?

She had the sense to push away and sat back.

Patience’s cheeks were hot and she knew they must be a dark shade of pink. “That was nice.”

“Nice?” One eyebrow went up.

“Yes, and unexpected,” she added.

“Yes, unexpected is a good way of stating it.” His hand caressed her cheek. “I’d be liar if I said I was disappointed.”

“Yeah, I’d be liar if I said that, too.”

The man looked at her as if ready to eat her up, and she was more than happy to be his dish. For a second she thought he might reach for her, but he rolled off the bed.

“Is there something wrong?” she asked.

“No, I’m checking for leaks. GG said the roof was leaking and we had a good soaking rain last night, thought I’d better see if there was water damage.”

Why wouldn’t he look at her? Had she done something to turn him off?

“Oh,” she said.

“I’d better check the other rooms.”

Patience had offended him. She tried to think back to what happened directly after the kiss, but she couldn’t think of anything.