Page 5 of Fool's Gold

Sarah sucked in a deep breath and entered the room. No use dwelling on the past. This was a different place and time. She was determined to set things right and walk away, even if it did break her heart. It was better than love with strings attached.

Rafe strode into the bedroom behind her. "I cleared out a few drawers for you."

Sarah laid her bag on the bed and pulled out a bunch of wadded-up garments. She glanced at Rafe. His face was a gambler's one, closed and calculating. Not wanting to delve too deeply into his emotions, Sarah turned away and went to the closet.

"Thanks, but I probably won't need all the space."

The bed creaked as he sat. She could feel his gaze on her as she shook out a green dress and hung it up. She walked back to her bag, only inches from Rafe, and hesitated with her hand on a stack of frothy undergarments, unwilling to share such intimate things with him.

She glanced at him. There was a softness in his brown eyes and a slightly dazed expression on his handsome face. The sensual awareness sizzling between them took her breath away.

Suddenly, he frowned and got to his feet. "I've got some paperwork to do. I'll be back in half an hour."

She could only gape at him when he strode from the room as if the devil himself were on his heels.

She finished putting her few things away. It didn't take long. In her line of work as a nature photographer, she had to be able to move quickly.

RAFE STRODE DOWN THEhall and made his way to the study. His hand shook as he shut the door behind him.

Oh God, how he ached to throw her on the bed and ease his frustrations inside her beautiful body. And she'd like it, too. He knew she would. He stalked over to the desk and slumped in his chair. To have her here, smell her perfume, and brush up against her was more than he could handle.

He jerked open the bottom desk drawer and pulled out the bottle of whiskey he had stashed inside. Reaching for a glass, he poured out two fingers of the amber liquid. He brought the glass to his lips, swirling the liquor around and inhaling its intoxicating aroma.

Gazing into its honeyed depths, he saw the fiery flash of her green witchy eyes and the pouty curve of her mouth. Would her lips still have the potent kick of the alcohol? He groaned at the tempting thought and closed his eyes. Shifting his hips, he tried to loosen the hold his jeans had on his burgeoning erection.

Scowling, he slammed down the glass, splashing his hand with whiskey. Damn it, he wouldn't turn into a lovesick fool over her again. Last time, she'd nearly cost him his sanity. Picking up the bottle of whiskey, he stuffed it back into the desk drawer. He wouldn't let the little witch in the bedroom weaken him, either.

He wiped his hand on his jeans, stretching his legs out in front of him. His gaze fell on the paper lying on the desktop. He picked up the document and scowled at it again, although he knew the words by heart. That skunk, Nevell Blackthorn, had been a burr in his side since they were kids. And now the polecat was trying to force him to sell the ranch. Rafe crumpled the offer from the realtor. He'd see Blackthorn in hell before he'd fork over the deed to the Double-H to him.

He threw the paper in the trash and leaned back to think of a more exciting subject. Sweet Sarah, with her witchy eyes, soft sexy body, and fiery hair. Would she be just as hot? He smiled because he would do his best to find out.

SARAH GATHERED HERsleep wear and went into the bathroom to change. She wasn't willing to risk Rafe walking in on her.

When she came out, Rafe sat on the bed, pulling off his boots. He did a double-take when he saw her. "What in the heck are you wearing?"

Sarah smiled and glanced at her red long johns. "My pajamas." She made her way around him and got into bed.

"It looks like an old union suit that's seen better days." He frowned at her obstinate smile. "In case you haven't noticed, it gets hot here in the summertime. You're going to roast in that thing."

She decided he looked as disappointed as a child denied a piece of candy.

"Tough, it's what I feel like wearing to bed." She watched him unbutton his shirt, pulling the tails free of his jeans. When he unsnapped his fly, she cleared her throat. "Aren't you going to go into the bathroom to change?"

"Nope."

The wicked twinkle in his eyes made her grit her teeth. He was aware of his effect on her nerves, and was enjoying it. The rat! She laid down and turned her back to him, determined to hide how rattled she was. As the covers flipped back, she cautiously glanced over her shoulder.

He stood there, naked as the day he was born. Good heavens, he was magnificent.

"Slide over, princess. I'm ready for bed."

"Naked?" she squeaked and sat up.

His nude body was everything her imagination had conjured up in spades.

"That's right. Nothing is what I want to wear. Any objections?"

"Suit yourself. Makes no difference to me."

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