Page 48 of Pure Temptation in Cowboy Boots

“Of course not. My brothers would have had a fit if they thought I was swimming nude in the river.” She gazed at him. “Have you?”

“A time or two.”

“With a girl?”

“Maybe.”

She was insanely jealous, but she didn’t want him to know. She glanced away. “It’s naive of me to think you wouldn’t have. Did you take them... down to our hideaway?”

He guided her chin around until she had to look at him again. “Do you honestly think I would take someone else to our spot? To go skinny-dipping and... other stuff?”

She hoped he wouldn’t, but she’d never asked him not to. “It’s a good spot.”

“It’s our spot. I wouldn’t feel right taking someone else there. I’m insulted that you could even think such a thing.”

“Oh, Mac.” She couldn’t help the happy smile she gave him. “I would have so hated you taking someone else there, even if you didn’t go skinny-dipping or have sex with her.”

“I know. That’s why I’d never do that. But I want to make love to you there, on the sand. And maybe even in the water.”

Her body moistened, imagining exactly that. “I don’t know if I can wait until Thursday night.”

“Me, neither. But we don’t want to ruin everything. In the meantime...” He leaned closer and kissed her, his tongue taking firm possession of her mouth.

She grew hot and dizzy from the suggestive movement of his lips and tongue and the memory of all the pleasure he’d given her. By the time he drew back, she was struggling for breath.

“Come to the corral about seven-thirty Thursday night,” he murmured.

“I will.” She tried to pull him back for another kiss, but he left the bed.

His voice was hoarse. “I really have to go, or we’ll be tumbling around on that bed all night and we’ll both be in trouble.” He finished dressing. “I’ll see you Thursday night.”

It seemed like an eternity, but she knew he was right. People were used to them doing things together, but not constantly. “Okay. Thursday night it is.”

He started out of the room and turned back. “I suppose you’ll have to change the room, in case anybody shows up.”

“I probably should. But I could put it back again sometime if you’d like.”

“Oh, I’d like. We have some unfinished business in this room — something to do with silk ties and furry gloves.”

She was going wild inside. “Mac, if you drove your truck down to the bar, and walked back, maybe we could⁠—”

“No.” He gripped the door frame as if to keep himself from walking back into the room. “Leaving is best. I don’t want anybody reporting my truck was at the bar all night, either. And there’s always the chance I’d be seen leaving your house in the early-morning hours.” He glanced at her. “If we really want this secret to keep all summer, then we have to be careful not to blow our cover.”

She sighed. “I guess you’re right.”

“Aren’t I always?” He gave her a cocky grin.

“No, you are not, you arrogant man!” She laughed and threw a pillow at him.

He caught it in one hand. “Your aim’s off, Blakely. You must be out of practice. When was the last time you threw a baseball?”

“I don’t know. Want to practice Thursday night instead?”

“Not on your life.”

“Then get out of here. I have more reading to do.”

The comment had the desired effect, making the flame leap again in his eyes. “You really know how to get to a guy.”