Page 102 of Hot & Heavy

Ian's heart was breaking over this strong, broken woman in his arms. He'd been in his office when he heard her go into the shower at least a half hour ago. When the running water had continued for such a long time, he'd gotten up and walked to the bathroom door. He'd rapped and got no answer. Then he'd opened the door a crack and heard her heartwrenching sobs.

"I am not crying," she cried.

"I know, honey. You never cry."

"And I am not cry… being sad over you."

"I hope not. I'm not worth it."

"You are so."

"Okay."

"I will never bear children, you know."

"That's what this is all about? Children?"

"Nay! I just thought I would mention that." Another sob escaped her. "Do you plan on having children someday?"

Now, there's a loaded question if I ever heard one. "I don't know. Finding someone to love would be more important than finding a mother for my children."

He turned off the shower and pulled an oversized towel off the rack behind him. Wrapping her in it, he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. Sitting down on the side of the bed, he began to move his fingers through her wet hair like a comb so it was off her face.

For a few minutes she allowed him to minister to her and make soothing sounds to stop her crying, but then she began to struggle. Her arms were bound at her sides by the towel. "Let me out," she demanded when he just held tighter. "I am over my… self-pity…"

Self-pity? Hah! More like all-out bawling.

"… I am back to myself again. Let me go."

"No. I don't think so."

Her head shot up. "What do you mean?"

God, she was beautiful. Even with red-rimmed blue eyes. "I mean, I like you in this position. You're easier to talk to this way."

She squirmed.

He chuckled. "Give it up, baby. I've got you now."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm not sure. Perhaps I'll start here." He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her startled lips.

She was startled for only a second, before she squirmed some more.

"Have you any idea what your squirming is doing to my… lap?"

She stopped instantly, probably feeling his erection through the towel. Her cheeks flushed and she turned on him. "You would take me against my wishes?"

"No. Never. You'll be willing."

"Troll."

"You say that like an endearment. I've decided that every time you call me troll, you are really saying,

'Darling.'" He kissed her then, in earnest. Long, drugging kisses that went on forever. He kept his tongue in check at first, figuring she might just take a bite out of him. But when she moaned and opened for him, he entered the hot wetness of her mouth, and moaned himself.

He never knew there were so many ways to kiss a woman. Truthfully, he was probably inventing a few new ones. A woman like Maddie made a man creative.