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“I brought condoms.”

“Condoms.” She grinned. “How many?”

“Um. Several.” He lifted his shoulder as his cheeks reddened. “We were on a date.”

Jodie grinned. “So naturally you packed provisions.”

“I like being prepared.” He shook his head, grinning again. “You’re never letting me live this down.”

“Absolutely not.”

His smile turned serious as he looked at her. “I was hoping,” he said quietly. “Not assuming.”

That touched her more than she expected. Jodie reached for him and pressed her forehead against his.

“I know. And for the record, I’m on the pill. And I’m tested.”

“Me too. But I’ll still use one. If you want to…if we’re going to⁠—”

Jodie cupped his face. “Mac.”

“Yeah?”

“I invited you inside my home. I brought you into my bedroom. And I’m seriously considering whether I can lock you in here until Monday.”

His mouth twitched. “So that’s a yes?”

“That is a very enthusiastic yes.”

NINE

Mac set the condom aside.

“What’s wrong?”

“I haven’t finished with you yet. You’ve still got this on.” He hooked one finger under the strap of her bra.

She glanced down as if she’d forgotten. “Huh. So I do.”

He slid the strap off her shoulder and followed it with his mouth, then did the same on the other side. She propped herself up on her elbows and he slid his hands around to her back. He unhooked the clasp on the first try.

“That was suspiciously smooth,” she breathed.

“Beginner’s luck.”

Jodie laughed. “If you’re a beginner, then I’m a goner.”

He pulled the bra away and tossed it toward the chair with her jeans.

Jodie’s hand drifted up to cover herself. A half second later she caught herself and let it fall back to the sheet.

Mac noticed, but he didn’t say a word about it. He took his time instead, cupping her breast and brushing his thumb over her nipple until it tightened, watching her expression go soft and hazy. When he lowered his head and drew it into his mouth, her fingers slid into his hair and held him there.

“Good Lord, Mac.”

He trailed his tongue along her skin to her other breast, unhurried. Her hips shifted restlessly beneath him, and she tugged at his belt.

“Pants,” she said. “Off. Now.”