She stood and reached down to take his hands, tugging until he stood to face her.  “I know we’ve only known each other for one day, but I want you to know how special you are.  I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and for my brother.”

    He smiled, his tension easing.  “It’s been my pleasure.”

    She smiled back and lowered her eyes.  “You’re a terrific guy, you know that?”

    He stepped forward until they stood toe to toe.  He hoped she couldn’t hear his pounding heart as her sweet, powdery scent drifted through his senses, igniting the desire he’d tried to resist since the moment they first met.  “You’re not so bad yourself.”
 
    He wasn’t sure how he expected her to respond, but her next move caught him completely by surprise.
 
    She gazed up at him, her eyes filled with ardent promises that sent his imagination in a tailspin.  Raising up on her toes, she slowly tilted her head to the side and her lips met his in a chaste yet provocative kiss.
 
    Every nerve in his body jumped to attention, and he fought a yearning to pull her close, to fully taste her mouth and explore its sweetness.  It had been some time since he’d been with a woman, but he defied his natural impulse to sweep her up in his arms and tumble them both to the blanket in a rush of passion that threatened to melt the fillings in his teeth.  It was important that he keep his mind clear for the job Kelly had hired him for.  As much as he wanted her, now wasn’t the time to show it, at least not like this.  Why had she chosen tonight to lure him over the edge?  His breaths came hard and fast, and the sweat of his resistance dampened his neck and forehead.

    Kelly’s lips lingered against Sam’s, craving his response.  Kissing him had been impulsive, but she couldn’t help herself.  She wanted to prove to him that even an independent woman is feminine, affectionate, filled with desire.  She couldn’t deny her attraction any longer and she hoped he felt the same.  But his lack of reaction was answer enough.  So she’d been right all along; she didn’t measure up to his need for a woman as deep and adventurous as himself.  She meant no more to him than any other paying client.

    She started to pull away, but Sam caught hold of her arms and firmly pressed his lips to hers.  He moaned, then gently pushed her away.  “I’m sorry.”

    What was he sorry for?  Kissing her back?  She gazed up into his unreadable gray eyes that glinted in the starlight.  Lightly touching his forearm, her fingers tingled with his warmth.  “Sam, I –”

    “I can’t…”  He heaved a breath while stepping away from her.  “I’ve got to keep a clear head when I go into Star Mother’s camp.”

    Ashamed of her forward behavior, Kelly turned away from him to stare out at the hilly landscape beyond the rise of Keys View.  He sure had a convenient excuse for keeping his distance.  Through a constricted throat, she said, “I understand.”

    “I don’t think you do.”
 
    He came up close behind her, his breath rustling the hair on top of her head.  A shiver ran up her neck when he stroked her arm, a slow caress that had her holding her breath, savoring his touch.  His lips close to her ear, he said, “You’re special to me, Kelly, but the timing’s all wrong.”

    What a sweet man for trying to let her down easy.  “It’s okay, Sam.  I told you I understand.  I’m the one who should be sorry for throwing myself at you.  That’s not like me.”  She forced out a laugh that sounded way too bitter.  “I’m a fool who has limited experience with men.  Let’s just pretend it never happened, okay?”
 
    Blinking back tears of humiliation, she shrugged off his hands and headed for the Jeep.

    “Kelly, you still don’t get it.  I want you, but you couldn’t have picked a worse night to show me how you feel.  Please don’t be upset –”

    “Save it, Mr. Arrow.”  She climbed into the passenger side.  “No need to rub salt in the wound.”

    He slid in beside her and gripped the steering wheel with both hands.  “You’re not listening.”

    What was it with this guy?  She felt like climbing under the seat to hide.  Controlling the quaver in her voice, she practically shouted, “Just drop it!”

    The silence between them grew thick and cold, broken only by the sound of four trotting feet.  Cody hopped into the back and whined.  Sam turned around and scratched the coyote’s ears.

    “Can we leave now?” Kelly asked, the beauty of the park now branded with disappointment and rejection.  She never wanted to come here again.

    Sam faced forward and turned the key in the ignition.  His voice close to a growl, he said simply, “Yes, ma’am.  Whatever you say.”