Page 26 of Double Take

An extension only postponed the inevitable. He had to return to Earth. If he didn’t go to Dark Ops, they would come for him. That could not happen! If they learned about him reaching out to Faith, they would eliminate the problem by eliminating her. The organization did not leave loose ends.

He had tonight, plus almost three weeks, and would make the most of it. But, however fast time flew by, he didn’t wish to rush her into something she would regret.

“Maybe we should…finish our dinner. Eat some peaches.” His breath sounded ragged in his ears. His pulse raced. His cock ached.

She tilted her head and pursed her lips. “Maybe after”—she leaned in—“I kiss you again.”

He gave her the kiss she asked for then summoned his willpower and reached for the jar of peaches on the hearth.

“Okay.” She mock-pouted and took the jar, scooping out a slice then chewing it slowly.

He riveted on a bead of peach juice on her lip. He stifled a groan. “How is it?”

“See for yourself.” She licked the juice off her lip and passed him the jar. Firelight danced in her eyes, and her lips curved with a sly smile that left no doubt what was on her mind.

“I would hate for you to have regrets,” he said.

“Until you came, I didn’t think I was ready to…see anybody. You’ve made me realize five years of solitude is enough.” She shrugged. “I feel a connection to you. Maybe it’s because you look like Mark—”

He felt like she’d kicked him in the nuts.

“But I honestly don’t think that’s it. First, that would be a turn-off, not a turn-on, and second, you are your own person. You are you, not somebody else.”

He could breathe again.

“I know you can’t stay, but I’m hoping that while you’re here we can make the most of the time.”

Her words echoed his thoughts, but she’d gone from fainting when she saw him to reluctantly agreeing to coffee to desiring his company? Could he trust that? “What do you think we should do?” he asked. His cock had a rock-hard suggestion, but he tried to think with his rational brain.

She lifted a shoulder in a casual shrug. “I’ll tell you what I don’t want.”

“What’s that?”

“Peaches.” She took the jar and set it back on the hearth.

Chapter Ten

He probably had no idea how much his face expressed his longing, desire, and fear. His vulnerability called to her, stirring her own yearning for a deep, binding connection—a soul mate. When she’d married, she assumed she’d found everlasting love, but her husband hadn’t loved her. She suspected he didn’t even like her.

More than an artist and an entrepreneur, she was a passionate woman with a need to be held, hugged, kissed, loved. She desired a man’s touch, company, warmth, strength, devotion.

Not any man’s—thisman’s. Sometime between departing Willow Wood, crashing, and reaching the cabin, inner turbulence and ambivalence had calmed.You’re the one I’ve been waiting for.

John was a good person. Honorable and honest. Logic might question how she could be certain when she’d been wrong before, but her prescient, intuitive inner wisdom had no doubts.

He’s the one.

Her inner wisdom had recognized him when she opened her cottage door and found him standing there. Her eyes had deceived her, mistaking him for Mark. But her inner wisdom wouldn’t let her turn away. It urged her to take her pleasure, make lasting memories.

They should have had forever, but it couldn’t be so. His imminent departure would bring sorrow and tears, but that motivated her to capture and savor every precious second.

He stared at her, wary, uncertain, hopeful.

She felt bold, seductive, powerful. Mostly.

She palmed his smooth, heated chest. His heart was racing.

“Wh-what are you doing?” he asked.

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