wolf."
"I guess. Crazy though, I can't even walk by the Dingo's at
the zoo. I'll have to ask one of the doctors at work why when
I go in again."
Max pulled a chair out when she sat down. "When do you
go back to work?"
"Tuesday. What about you?"
54
Before the Moon Rises
by Catherine Bybee
He watched her eat, his expression unreadable. "I might
have to go back tonight, it depends."
She wanted to question what he did, but didn't know if it
was her place. She had known the man a little over twenty-
four hours and yet she slept in his home, made herself
comfortable in his kitchen and met his family. She didn't think
prying into his life more was wise. Funny, yesterday she
quizzed him relentlessly on his naked and unconscious state.
Today she could care less.
"What is going on in that pretty little mind of yours?" Max
had stopped eating and studied her.
"Nothing."
"Oh, I doubt that."
"All right, I was thinking about how long we've known each
other."
His lip turned up, "And..."
"And... how much I feel I know you."
Max put his fork down and laced his fingers with hers. "I
thought the very same thing about you all night long."
"Really?"
His eyes did the swirly thing again, like a hidden signal of
desire only she could see.
"Really!"
Little beads of sweat formed on her brow. She fanned her
shirt away from her body searching for a breeze. But she
knew it was the way he looked at her that made the
temperature rise. She remembered his naked body lying on
the gurney and suddenly the temperature soared in the room.
"What's the matter, Janet? You look a little flush."
55
Before the Moon Rises
by Catherine Bybee
"I do?" she gasped.
"Like maybe you need to lie down." He placed a playful
smile on his face and put the back of his hand to her forehead
as if checking her temperature.
"But I just woke up. I'm not tired." And where did the
breathy voice come from?
His body was inches from hers, his eyes searching. "You
don't have to be tired to go to bed."
"No, I suppose you're right." She licked her bottom lip.
"There are plenty of things to do in bed when you're not
tired."
"Plenty," he agreed.
He moved in more, but damn it, he wasn't kissing her.
"Max?"
"Yes."
"Can you stop talking and kiss me already?"
Like two single flames, they came together as one bright
fire. Every part of her body tingled in response to his lips on
hers. His hands caught her head as he plunged into her
mouth, desire, red-hot and willing, soared through her.
Sitting on a kitchen chair proved awkward, Janet tried
moving closer and almost fell in her effort.
Max urged her to her feet where at least she could feel his
frame against hers. She tugged at his shirt, reaching to feel
his skin beneath. He, too, pulled at her clothes. He leaned
back briefly and surveyed the room.
"Not here, not the kitchen."
Janet remembered his butler and shook her head. The last
thing she wanted was an interruption.
56
Before the Moon Rises
by Catherine Bybee
He dragged her from the room and up the stairs. Hand in
hand they tumbled into his bedroom, slamming the door
behind them. He gathered her back into his arms the second
the door clicked.
Janet scrambled with his clothes.
Max pushed her toward his bed. She fell back with part of
his shirt clasped in her hands.
"Take this off," she pleaded.
He chuckled and did as she asked. In turn, Janet removed
hers.
"You are so beautiful," he told her before stretching out on
the bed beside her.
"Show me."
His smoky eyes simmered before he bent to kiss her again.
"I plan on it."
He pushed her hair back, and made passionate love to her
neck, moving down to her shoulders. His fingers drew circles
over her skin, and dipped under the lace of her bra.
Her hands explored every muscle on his broad chest while
he worked the fabric off her body. Once free, her breasts
reached out for him to taste, to savor. And thankfully, he did
just that.
She was utterly explosive and
M. S. Parker, Cassie Wild