Erin’s sense of humor got the better of her and she gave a laugh. “Glad you liked it.” Letting her legs dangle over the side of the counter, she sat up and pulled down her top with her clean hand.

Abel stepped back and tugged his jeans back over his hips. Taking his time, he tucked in his shirt and zipped up his jeans. He looked exactly as he did when he’d arrived this evening.

She, on the other hand, was a mess. Her entire body felt sticky and she was in desperate need of a bath. Turning on the tap, she rinsed the remainder of the sticky pudding from her hand, before gingerly hopping off the counter. Abel’s large hand steadied her as she shook out her clothing and tugged on first her panties and then her jeans. As she was pulling on her sneakers, she noticed the toaster lying on the floor.

She looked at the counter and noted with some amazement that the curtains were half off the rod, a canister of flour was tipped over, and there was chocolate smears all over the counter and even some on the wall behind her. Erin said a small prayer of thanks that the canister of flour hadn’t opened.

Abel’s arms came around her from behind, hugging her tight. Erin allowed herself a moment to luxuriate in his embrace. She felt his lips on the top of her head, and then he heaved a huge sigh and released her. The wonderful feelings of a moment before had all but disappeared, and she was now filled with trepidation. The sound of a chair being pulled out told her that he’d settled himself back at the kitchen table. Briskly, she picked up the toaster, righted the canister, and fixed the curtains. Wringing out a cloth, she began to scrub the counter.

“Erin,” he began. “You know I’m sexually attracted to you.” He gave a wry laugh. “That’s an understatement.”

Tossing the cloth in the sink, she turned and faced him. He held up his hand before she could say anything. “Hear me out.”

Nodding, she propped herself against the counter, crossed her arms across her chest, and waited. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and clasped his hands in front of him, thinking for a moment before continuing. “The last year has been…” he trailed off. “Well, it’s been hellish and draining. I don’t have anything to give to a relationship.”

Burying his face in his hands, he sighed and rubbed his palms against his cheeks before raising his head. Erin wanted to wrap her arms around him and ease his pain, but she knew that now was not the time. Now, what he needed most was for her to listen.

“You’re a beautiful, desirable woman, but you just happen to be my best friend’s sister. You deserve more than I can offer you.” He looked at her and his eyes pierced her heart with the sorrow that was there. “But I want to fuck you anyway.”

Unable to keep still any longer, she pushed away from the counter and walked towards him. Wrapping her arms around his head, she pulled him close.

He buried his face in her stomach, breathed deep, and kissed her belly through the fabric of her t-shirt, before tugging her down to sit on his lap. “It’s okay,” she reassured him.

“I don’t know where my life is going from here, but I do know that I want you naked and willing in my bed for as long as I’m here.” He rested one hand on her thigh while the other one wrapped around her back. “We’re both adults and this is your decision to make. I only hope that when it’s over, I don’t lose your friendship or Jackson’s and Nathan’s for that matter.”

“That won’t happen,” she promised.

“You say that now, but sex always muddies the water.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “I just don’t care anymore.”

Abel shifted his hold on her and lifted her in his arms as he stood, which was no easy feat given that she wasn’t a small woman. Shocked, she flung her arms around his neck for support.

“Don’t decide now.” His eyes were serious as he stared down at her. “Think about it overnight. Think hard. If you decide that hot mind-blowing sex is enough to satisfy you, then come to me tomorrow night and we’ll take it from there.”

He released her legs until she was standing with her arms still slung around his neck. Bending down, he planted a hard, quick kiss on her lips before gently prying away her arms and heading to the door.

“Don’t forget to bring that magazine if you decide to come,” he shot back over his shoulder.

Erin had completely forgotten about the magazine, but readily agreed. “I think we covered two of the positions this morning. The shower was a variation of the standing backward position.” She knew that she sounded slightly bewildered as she continued to talk. “It never occurred to me to try it in the shower.”

His grin was wicked as he winked at her. “You give me the list and I promise I’ll improve upon it.”

Erin laughed. If nothing else, he had a healthy ego, but so far he had more than backed up any claims he’d made. Another thought crossed her mind. “The article was right.”

“About what?” She strolled towards him and Abel held the door for her as they both stepped outside.

Shading her eyes with her hand against the glare of the setting sun, Erin glanced up at him. “Men do seem to like having sex from behind. Do you think it’s an animal instinct?”

“I don’t know about animal.” Reaching behind her he gripped her behind with both hands. “Personally, I think it’s because you have such a great ass.”

She glanced nervously towards the barn, but relaxed when she saw no sign of either of her brothers. “That’s what all the men say.” Erin couldn’t believe she was flirting so outrageously with Abel. Something about him allowed her to be more herself. She felt freer and more womanly around him.

“As long as all they do is talk,” he growled.

Erin was surprised by the possession behind his remark, but decided that it was because he wanted to make sure she wasn’t seeing anyone else as long as he was here. It must be a guy thing, she mused. “Don’t worry. You’re more than I can handle.” He seemed pleased by her remark, so she decided that she had been right in her assessment. It was simple male possessiveness, kind of like marking his territory, no need to read anything more into it.

Abel opened the door to his truck and climbed inside. He closed the door and leaned against the open window while he started the vehicle. “I’ll be cooking supper tomorrow night if you decide to come over.”

She chewed on her lower lip as she considered the possibilities. It was going to be harder than she anticipated if they were going to keep their relationship a secret. Her mind pondered the logistical problems involved. “I can tell the guys I’m going to my friend Carly’s house. She’ll cover for me.”

Abel frowned. “I don’t like skulking around like we’re doing something wrong. We’re both adults. I’ll talk to your brothers.”

“No!” The scowl on his face deepened at her reply. “I don’t want them to know. I have to live with them when you’re gone.”

Abel’s expression grew even darker at her words. “Trying to get rid of me already?”

“Of course not, but we both know you won’t stay here forever.” Erin searched for the right words to make him understand. “I just don’t want to cause any trouble between you and my brothers.”

He nodded slowly, and she could tell, with great reluctance. “If it becomes a problem for you, I will speak to them.” His voice was firm, brooking no argument.

“That’s fine, but for now just let things be.” If Erin had her way her overbearing brothers would never know about her and Abel.

“It’s settled then. I’ll see you tomorrow night about six.” Abel gave her a look of understanding as he put the truck in gear. “If you don’t show up, there’ll be no hard feelings. And thanks again for the meal. It was the best I’ve had in years.” Passion flared in his eyes once again. “Especially dessert.”

With that, he was gone. She stood there watching until his truck had faded from sight. The night seemed empty and lifeless without him. Deep down, she knew that he didn’t expect her to take him up on his offer. He’d made no effort to pretty up what he was offering her. Erin knew that he wanted her in his bed, but he also liked her. That was enough for her.

When it was over, it was over. She was woman enough not to pout or complain about that. Her brothers would have to be kept in the dark as they’d never approve or understand. There was no way she’d let Abel lose their friendship. Not when he was giving her what she desired most.

Hearing her brother’s voices again in the distance, Erin hurried back into the house, rushed to the sink, and pulled the plug. Giving the kitchen one last look to make sure everything was in order, she headed for the stairs. The dishes that weren’t dry could stay in the drain rack overnight. Erin had more important things to do.

Chapter Seven

Erin relaxed and enjoyed a long, hot bath. It had taken her quite a while to calm down after the sexually charged episode in the kitchen. She still couldn’t believe that she’d had sex on the kitchen counter with her brothers only steps away in the barn. But it had been incredible. Just the thought that they might be caught had added to the excitement and set her blood to pumping. Maybe, she was a little more daring than she’d given herself credit for. Abel was the quintessential healthy male animal and gave off a sexual heat that was incredibly exciting and arousing. Her skin tingled as she thought about what might happen tomorrow night.

For the first time in her life, she’d had fun performing all those feminine rituals that she usually found a chore. Shaving her legs was a sensual experience, as she’d wanted them to be silky and supple when they rubbed against Abel’s rougher, hairier legs.