barreled into Matt’s room. Just as Evan was wondering if Kelly would say anything, she hugged Donna. “I appreciate you taking Matt. He’s been wonderful, but chafing at the short tether he’s been on since this debacle with Campbell.”
Donna’s concerned glance took them both in. “It’s been a bit of a roller coaster, I’m sure. Jack and I are happy to help. We’ll keep Matt safe. You all can use a break.”
“Evan and I are to be married at two tomorrow. Given the circumstances, it would be best if Matt was otherwise occupied. Thank you, and please thank Jack for us.”
Evan’s breath caught in his throat when she used the word us so naturally.
Donna laughed. “So soon! How exciting. And you told me nothing was brewing between you two.” She kissed Evan on the cheek and hugged her friend again. “When you called this morning to say you were getting your marriage license, I nearly fell off my chair. Now this.”
Evan draped an arm around Kelly’s shoulder. She looked like she could use a little support. “Kelly is such a private person that no one knows that we dated before I went overseas. I am more than happy now to claim my family once and for all.”
Donna looked dumbfounded. She turned on Kelly. “A man like Evan? You kept him in the dark?” She palmed her own forehead. “What were you thinking, girl?”
Kelly laughed. “Oh, you know how I feel about bossy men, Donna. I needed to get a bead on Evan’s flexibility issues before I could count him in.”
Much to Evan’s surprise, she reached up and kissed him sweetly on the lips. Briefly, but long enough to leave an impression on him—and Donna. If she was putting on a show of affection, she was doing a damned fine job. He wondered what was going through her head to present this change of heart so fast.
The boys skidded to a halt at the door. Donna already had the backpack open to receive the added items.
“Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad!” Matt hugged Evan around the legs and kissed his mom on the cheek when she bent over. Evan didn’t miss the odd look on Kelly’s face, as if she’d just taken a gut punch.
Then, the door closed, leaving Evan and Kelly staring at each other in the silence. Evan wasn’t going to question the conflict of emotions rising in her eyes. Instead, he took the one step between them, pulled Kelly into his arms and kissed her mouth with tender and insistent pressure. She didn’t resist. He inhaled the heat and taste that was unmistakably Kelly urging him to kiss her welcoming mouth until she lost her balance and they tumbled against the door. A murmur of protest rose in Kelly’s throat but faded as she returned his kiss with ardor.
Spurred on by her willingness, Evan kissed her more deeply, pressing her against the door with the full length of his body. She molded to him in all the right places, wrapping her arms around his torso and if possible, pulling him closer. He cupped her face with both hands, capturing her lips over and over, exploring her mouth, their tongues tangling as if they’d kissed every day of their lives. He was on fire with the taste of her, the warmth and softness of her mouth, the body heat rising through her clothes. And oh God, the press of her breasts into his chest with the rhythm of her breathing just about undid his sanity.
He broke the kiss. “Kelly...”
“He called you Dad.”
“Matt?”
She gave him a pleading look, her green eyes hungry, her voice husky with desire. “You stopped me last time, Evan. If you do it again now, you may not get another chance.”
He grinned. “Then as you wish, Red. I’m all yours.”
He swept her up and headed across the penthouse in slow easy steps, kissing her along the way while relishing the easy weight of her in his arms. This woman was soft, sexy, comfortable. Her perfume mingled with her kisses, invading his senses like an addiction. He wanted to make this first time with Kelly an encounter she’d never forget—and would want to experience over and over again.
She laughed. “You should put me down.”
“No chance. Consider this our first dance.” Humming a nameless tune, he slowly spun them around, kissing her neck and nibbling at her ear.
She let her head fall back. “Where are you taking me?”
“To my cave. I’m making you mine. But, more importantly, I’m thinking we’re