Page 79 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

Was there a right answer to this? “Where are you going with this?”

“Let’s pretend, for a moment, that you’re eighteen instead of twenty-eight.”

Eyeing the woman suspiciously, Remy nodded. “Okay, eighteen.”

“So, you’d go out for several months. Fool around, make out. If you like each other, you might talk about making love. This could take up to a year.”

“I thought teenagers had sex.”

“Some do, but lots don’t want to go there. Plenty of kids are still virgins into their twenties, especially this new generation. So, let’s take that tack. Imagine you two are teenagers. You just started dating seven weeks ago. He’s a very patient young man. Respectful, even. He’s kissed you a few times, but that’s about it.”

“Does it even work that way?” Even as she said the words, she nodded—it just might. Rusty had dated his ex-wife for four years before they’d gotten married, and they’d both been virgins. Granted they’d been much younger…

“It’s called courtship, Remy. Even some adults do it. Don’t believe everything you’ve heard. Not everyone has sex on the third date.”

And yet that was exactly what she’d been thinking. She processed things like an adult, not a teenager. “Are you saying it might be a year before I’m ready to have sex with my husband?”

Kennedy’s grin was wide. “I think you may might move up that timetable a bit, but you get the idea. Kissing is good. Good kissing can go on for months. When you’re ready, you can move up to petting. Making out,” she clarified. “Don’t think any further than the nextdateyou’re going on.”

“We’ve never even been on a date.”

“Well, see—” The counselor hooked a cowboy boot on a lower rung of the riding ring and indicated the barn. “—courtship is important. Plan dates. Plan furtive kisses in the car. Enjoy the time it takes to get to know each other.”

“And then go to bed together each night?”

“If you need to, consider sleeping in separate rooms. Maybe that’s what you need to do.”

“But I like sleeping in the same bed as Rusty. I just…” Just what? Froze up? Couldn’t handle theadultstuff?

“Adult Remy can handle this. Teenage Remy might have more problems with it. It’s just an idea. Just another way for you to see things.”

“You make it sound so easy.” Weariness overwhelmed her sometimes, and this was one of those instants.

Kennedy met her gaze. “None of this is easy, but you have to talk to him. I’d bet all the degrees on my wall that he’ll understand. You said it yourself—he’s patient with the girls. He’ll bestow that same patience upon you, so stop putting pressure on yourself.” She turned just as the girls were coming out of the barn with Rusty and Rainbow and waved at them. Turning back to Remy, she winked. “There’s nothing wrong with a really good kiss.”

The girls ran up and began chatting away about the horse they’d met, but Remy only had eyes for her husband. When he was within range, she snagged his hand and pulled him close. She raised on the balls of her feet and pressed a kiss to his lips.

Kennedy was right. There was nothing wrong with a really good kiss.

Chapter thirty-four

OnTuesdayafternoon,Remysnuck out of the office for a much-needed lunch break and a breather. She’d spent the morning preparing a young woman to testify in an upcoming rape trial. The woman, Danica, seemed strong, but Remy knew that could be a façade. Once facing a competent defense lawyer, even the strongest of witnesses could crumble. Graham Henrikson had good counsel and, despite Danica’s inner resources, it concerned Remy. The late lunch was to clear her head.

“So, you’re the woman who stole my husband.”

What the hell?Panic seized her, followed by annoyance. The interloper was apparently unconcerned as she took the seat across from her in the booth.

“How did you find me?”

Sissy smiled.

The younger woman’s subtle beauty struck Remy. Long chestnut-brown curly hair with lighter streaks, dark-brown eyes, and a face that radiated with a smile. She looked relaxed—but appearances could be deceiving.

“I followed you from the office.” She looked at Remy with a sly expression. “You really should care more about your safety.”

Remy sat up a little straighter. “Is that a threat?”

Sissy drew back, her brow furrowing. “I have no reason to threaten you. Think of it as more of an observation. You deal with some nasty criminals, I hear.”

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