Hearing his feet on the stairs, she took a deep breath and rinsed her face once more. By the time Abel came through the door with a tall cool glass of water in his hand, she already had a smile on her face.

* * *

Erin sat back in her chair and rested her hands on her stomach, thankful that they’d cleared away the supper dishes before indulging in their dessert and coffee. “I can’t eat another bite.”

“Are you sure?” Abel pushed the cheesecake closer to her, grinning.

“You are totally evil to tempt me with more after the supper I’ve already packed away.” The two of them were seated across from each other, at the patio table, with the remnants of their late supper scattered around them. She’d been impressed by the fact that not only had he cooked her a mouthwatering steak, baked potato and salad, but he’d also remembered dessert. And not any old dessert, but a rich, creamy cheesecake that had a swirl of chocolate through it and was topped with a thin layer of dark chocolate.

She eyed the cheesecake and wondered if she could squeeze in another tiny piece. Abel laughed and pulled the plate back closer to himself.

“You’ll hate yourself if you do.”

“I know, but I can at least think about it.” Erin sighed wistfully, and contented herself with sipping her coffee instead.

“Come over tomorrow and you can have another piece.” Abel was sprawled in a patio chair, the picture of a man totally at ease with himself and his surroundings. He hadn’t bothered to get fully dressed after they’d made love, but had just pulled on his jeans. He’d opened the button on his jeans shortly after he’d started eating his dessert. His torso looked almost bronze in the setting sun, his muscles glistening beneath a light layer of sweat. Even though the sun was almost gone down for the day, the air was still hot.

“I’d really like to…” she trailed off, uncertain how to explain it to him.

“But you’re worried about your brothers.” The look on his face said that he was less than pleased, but he didn’t say anything else about it. Instead, his expression turned thoughtful at first and then mischievous. “How about a picnic at three o’clock tomorrow afternoon at the old swimming hole?”

Abel’s family was lucky enough to have a small pond near the far end of their property. As kids, they’d all snuck away from chores whenever they could and head straight for the pond. Erin hadn’t been there in years, but she’d spent many happy hours there with her brothers and Abel. “I’d love to. I don’t know if I can be there exactly at three, but I’ll be there.”

“Good enough,” he said.

They sat there in silence for a while, and it was a comfortable silence. The slight breeze felt good on her skin and she closed her eyes enjoying the sensation. Hitching the tails on the shirt she was wearing out of her way, Erin extended her long legs in front of her, trying to get more comfortable.

“Are you feeling okay?” The concern in his voice washed over her, making her feel very cared for.

He had probably asked her the same question a half dozen times since he’d helped her out of the bathtub. She opened her eyes and she gave him the same reply she’d been giving him all evening. “I’m fine.”

Abel had returned to the bathroom just as she’d been about to climb out of the tub. He’d helped her out, carefully drying her slightly burnt skin for her, before applying a liberal amount of the aloe gel to her entire body. There had been no teasing comments as he’d stroked her breasts, belly and behind. He’d been totally absorbed in what he was doing and occasionally scowled when he reached a particularly red patch.

When he was finished, he’d held open one of his soft, white cotton shirts while she’d slipped her arms into the sleeves. Then he’d eased it over her shoulders and buttoned the shirt until it just covered her breasts. The long tail of the shirt hung down to cover the tops of her thighs much like a short dress. He’d escorted her back down to the deck seated her at the table, and proceeded to cook and serve her supper.

She couldn’t seem to convince him that the burn wasn’t serious and that she’d probably be fine in the morning. At least she hoped she would. Her breasts still stung slightly and it would be impossible to wear a bra if it didn’t subside overnight. But there had been no harm done, and it had been well worth it, in her opinion.

Abel spoke again, drawing her attention away from her meanderings. “I started going through the boxes of Mom and Dad’s stuff today.”

Erin sat up straight and gave him her total attention. This was a big deal for Abel. After his parent’s sudden death, he’d packed up all their papers and personal belongings and stashed them in several closets in the house before donating their clothing to charity. It had been too much for him to deal with as a young man, and it was only now that he was an adult, that he’d been able to even consider facing the painful task.

“I can help if you want.” Her offer came straight from her heart, but she didn’t want him to feel obligated to accept. “But I understand if it’s something you want to do on your own,” she hastily added.

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind if I start to get bogged down.” He moved his feet closer to hers and started to play with her toes. “So far I’ve been through a couple of boxes of old papers and shredded just about all of them.” He laughed, but the sound held a touch of bitterness. “It’s been so damned long that none of it matters anymore.”

Leaning over, she wrapped her hand around his forearm, offering him what comfort she could. “It will always matter.”

Abel stared at her for a moment before giving her a slight nod. He twisted his arm around until their places were reversed and he was gripping her arm in his hand. “Sit with me.” He gave her a little tug of encouragement and she soon found herself ensconced in his lap with his arms wrapped around her.

“Let me know if I’m hurting your sunburn.” He kissed the top of her head as she placed her head on his shoulder and got comfortable.

“I will,” she promised softly.

They sat there until the sun was long sunk behind the distant hills. The night was alive with the sounds of crickets and various other insects. The air cooled slightly, and at one point Erin heard the hoot of an owl. It was only then that Abel stirred.

“Let’s go to bed,” he whispered in her ear.

Goose bumps slid down her spine as he placed a kiss on her neck. Erin slipped out of his lap and began gathering up the few remaining dirty dishes. Abel checked to make sure the barbecue ashes were all out and then held the door open for her as she carried the dishes inside.

“Just dump them in the sink. We’re both beat, and I can do them tomorrow.” Abel closed and locked the back door, and then waited patiently as she piled the dishes in the sink. She was sure he could hear the sound of her heart pounding over the clinking sound of the plates and glass as she stacked them.

Her stomach was filled with butterflies and her legs felt like jelly as she walked up the stairs to bed. Abel followed close behind her, his hand resting on the base of her spine. It was such a small thing, but it was very intimate, like the sort of thing a man did for his wife on the way to bed.

Erin experienced a sharp pang in her heart, yearning for that kind of committed relationship with him. If she let herself, she could easily imagine herself living here, and suddenly an image of a dark-haired baby popped in her head.

Enough, she warned herself. He’d already given her more than she’d thought any man ever would. Straightening her spine, she kept climbing straight up the stairs. She wasn’t going to ruin this moment with regrets.

Erin was quick in the bathroom, and Abel went in when she was finished. She was brushing out her hair when he joined her in the bedroom. Swiping the brush across her hair a few more times, she tossed the brush onto the dresser, and headed for bed.

Abel stopped her before she climbed into bed and undid several of the buttons before sliding the shirt down her arms and letting it drop to the floor. “You’ll sleep better without it,” he promised her.

Erin climbed gingerly into bed, watching Abel while he shucked his jeans. Her mouth watered as he casually eased his arms over his head and stretched. It was impossible for him to extend his arms fully given his height, so his elbows were bent. He was the perfect picture of masculinity. As she watched, his cock stirred and began to grow. Her breasts swelled slightly in response and she accidentally brushed them against the sheet. Caught off guard, she winced slightly. Her chest seemed to be a little sorer than she thought it was.

Abel, of course, noticed immediately. “I knew it was worse than you let on.” He climbed into bed and carefully settled her into the warm crook of his arm.

Erin let her hand drift to his groin and grazed his growing erection. Her fingers had barely touched him before he gripped her hand and pulled it away. She looked at him, surprised by his action. “Why?” she questioned, lifting her head so she could see him. After all, he’d asked her to stay the night.

Cradling her face in his hands, he kissed her. Long and slow, it was a kiss that seethed with underlying passions. His tongue discovered every crevice of her mouth before he withdrew. He caught her lower lip between his teeth and nibbled on it for a moment before soothing it with his tongue. Placing one final kiss on her lips, he drew her body back down into his arms.

“I want you. Don’t for one second think that I don’t.” His hand smoothed a lock of hair away from her face. “But not when you’re not feeling well. If it can’t be good for you, then it won’t be good for me. Understand?”