Page 61 of Switching Places

When his lips left hers to trail damp kisses across her cheek, down her neck, she shivered. But was it heat or cold that trapped her body? Icy fire trails followed his every caress and Emma followed each touch in her mind. Her hands kneaded his shoulders, moved to trace the strong line of his chest. His followed a like trail, coming around to cup one full breast.

She felt warm and cherished, hot and bothered, and craved more touch than a soft caress through her dress.

“Stay,” Logan whispered in her ear, his tongue tracing the outline, his breath causing shivers of delight.

“I can’t,” she replied, knowing she wanted to.

What held her back? Slowly she turned her face and found his, staring deeply into his green eyes, wishing the light was off and they could see by moonlight.

“I really have to go,” she said, turning and almost running from the room.

“Lily, wait,” he called.

She dared not.

She could not lead him on any more without telling him the truth. If he was truly falling in love, he’d understand. At least she hoped he would.

There would be questions galore, she knew. She should have insisted he listen last night. Should have told him the entire story, and explained why she’d wanted to live life like Lily for a while.

Letting herself out, she quickly ran across the dew-damp grass. Opening the kitchen door, she stopped suddenly.

“I wondered where you were,” Lily said, smiling broadly.

“Oh. Lily, I didn’t know you were coming home today.”

I caught an earlier flight. I’ve only been home a short time. I looked for you but you weren’t here. Have fun?” Lily asked, leaning against the counter.

“Actually I did,” Emma said. “I went to a barbeque party in the Valley.”

“I’m all for people having fun,” Lily said mildly. “I want to hear all about it, but tomorrow. It’s late and I’m exhausted. I’ll take the guest room and we can change sheets in the morning.”

“Sounds good to me, I’m tired, too.”

Of all times for her sister to return. Couldn’t she have had at least one day to herself to sort through her emotions?

The sun was well up when Emma entered the kitchen the next morning. The jeans and cotton shirt she wore were her own. No more pretending to be her sister, no more wearing Lily’s clothes. The faded blue denim molded her figure like an old skin. The pink top was one of her favorites. She needed all the comfort she could get. No matter how many ways she’d thought of to tell Logan, they all sounded inadequate.

She felt comfortable, but not a bit glamorous. So much for living life as Cinderella. Now the pumpkin had returned and the slipper was lost. And some time today she had to tell Logan Beckett who she really was.

“Thank goodness the coffee is already made,” she said as she headed for the counter to pour herself a cup.

Lily sat at the table, lounging in one of her vividly colored silk lounge suits—this one a hot teal, which glowed in the sun from the window.

“Help yourself. I had toast. If you want some you can help yourself to that, as well. Or we could go out for breakfast later. I like a big leisurely Sunday brunch. What do you think?”

“No, just coffee.”

The thought of food on an already churning stomach was more than she wanted to consider.

“So, want to talk about what all you did this week?” Lily asked when Emma sat opposite her.

“Not especially.”

She sipped the hot beverage. Her nerves jangled. She probably should have had decaf.

“Who took you to the party? Anyone I know?” Lily persisted, her eyes dancing in amusement.

The knock at the door caught Emma off guard. Stunned, she turned toward the door. She knew who was there. She wasn’t ready.

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