Page 44 of Endurance

“Mars is the planet of sex. Venus is the planet of love. When they align, they promote sexual attraction and compatibility.”

His grin widened, and he placed a light kiss on the top of my nose.

“Whatever you say, Rainbow Brite.”

“It’s true!” I protested.

“Maybe it is. Why don’t we go inside and see if your theory is correct?”

“We could, but the outcome depends on certain things.”

“Such as?”

“Your birthday. When is it?”

His brows pinched together in confusion.

“May 2nd. Why?”

I eyed him knowingly as a slow smile spread across my face.

“You’re a Taurus. That’s a good match for me—a Gemini—especially if you want to test my theory,” I told him before leaning in so I could whisper in his ear. “Because make no mistake, you’ll need great endurance in the bedroom to keep up with me.”

14

Kallie

My eyes fluttered open at the sound of floorboards creaking. I yawned and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Rolling over onto my back, I saw Sloan standing at the foot of the bed in the morning light, completely in the buff and entirely shameless. He had just come from the shower and was towel drying his wet hair, the action causing droplets of water to rain down from his head and glisten on his shoulders and chest. I sighed inwardly. He was truly magnificent.

“Good morning, gorgeous. Did you sleep okay?” he asked.

Perfectly content admiring his physique, I let my gaze roam over his body one more time before answering.

“Really good, actually. What time is it?”

“It’s almost nine.”

“Nine! I never sleep that late. If I were home in D.C., I would have already finished my morning yoga routine and be in my office by this point.”

“Don’t beat yourself up over it. I kept you up late—you know, that whole endurance thing,” he added with a wink, then flashed me one of his cocky and swoon-worthy smiles. “Besides, skipping yoga once isn’t going to hurt. You proved last night how flexible you could be.”

I nearly melted as I recalled the heights he’d taken me to during the night—over and over again—once more in the pool, then twice in my bed. But now, my body was craving something else. Holding the sheet up to cover my naked chest, I sat up.

“I can’t handle your tricks pre-caffeinated and on an empty stomach. I need sustenance.”

“My tricks?” he asked as he slipped into the jeans he’d worn last night. They were tight in all the right places, yet slightly faded in spots, as if he’d spent countless hours working on cars while wearing them.

“Yeah. And you’re doing that smilking thing again. Cut it out.”

“Oh, so you like that, do you?” he countered with a suggestive smile, emphasizing his smilk even more until my toes wanted to curl.

I frowned and tossed a pillow at him.

“Food first.”

Catching the pillow in the air, he laughed and tossed it back.

“You’re cranky in the morning before you eat. Good to know. I’ll go whip up some grub while you get dressed.”

---