But he caught her arm as she reached for the handle and leaned close enough to whisper in her ear, “We’re not done here. Not even close. Later, when all this is over, I’m going to make you scream with pleasure. Tell me you want that, too.”
“Yes.”
They’d moved beyond fantasies and rules. She was his, at least for now.
She opened the door and stepped into the corridor. Eloise, wearing a simple black dress that hugged her petite figure, stood with her arms crossed. Her cousin’s eyes narrowed as she studied Amy.
“I’m fine, really,” Amy said, heading for the whelping room. Eloise might wonder, but maybe the others wouldn’t if she brought a puppy out with her to distract from questions.
Eloise followed at her side. “Just taking a break and you managed to lose your pantyhose?”
“They had a run.”
“Uh-huh. I always abandon my ruined stockings on the exam room floor, too. What happened to your hairpins? Wait, let me guess, they fell out.”
Amy stopped in front of the whelping room and turned to her cousin. “Not another word, Eloise. Please. Not to anyone. If any of the brothers find out...”
“They won’t from me.” Eloise wrapped her arms around Amy, hugging her tight. “If he’s what you want, I’m happy for you.”
Amy closed her eyes. “It’s just a fling.”
But now that someone else knew, it felt like more.
“Just be careful, Amy. I don’t want to see you hurt again.”
“Me neither,” she said softly.
“And whatever you do, don’t fall in love with him.” Eloise released her. “That’s the first rule. Trust me.”
“Said the woman torn apart by Gabe’s departure.”
“I’ll be fine by tomorrow.”
Amy squared her shoulders and reached for the doorknob. “Me, too.”
* * *
“YOU’RE GOING TO HATE ME,” Amy said, plopping down on the couch beside Mark, kicking off her heels. She should go upstairs and change. Mark had already swapped his dress clothes for jeans and a long-sleeved blue T-shirt.
Mark raised an eyebrow. “I doubt it. But try me.”
“I’m too tired,” she continued. “I know it’s only our second night, and we were interrupted earlier, but I don’t think I have an ounce of energy left.”
“Don’t be sorry. You had a long, rough day.” Mark scooted farther down the couch, away from her, and patted his thigh. “How about a foot rub instead?”
Her eyes widened, and for a moment Amy thought she might cry. “Seriously?”
“Seems only fair since I had the pleasure of watching you walk around in those heels all day.”
Amy laughed, shifting on the couch until her bare feet rested on Mark’s lap. His large, strong hands went to work kneading her sore muscles.
“I didn’t think I’d be in them for so long. But the last dozen or so people simply refused to leave. They wanted tours and to meet the dogs, play with the puppies.”
“Can you blame them?” He punctuated the question by running his thumb down the center of her foot, sending a pulse of desire through her tired body. She shifted on the couch as he returned to a deep, intense massage.
“No, I can’t. And the Hardwicks offered to adopt Rosie.” His hands stilled, but just for a second.
“She isn’t cut out for military life,” Amy added. “Even home security is questionable. That little girl just loves everybody.”