Chapter 7

“Condom.”

“Where?”

“Bedroom.”

“Where?”

Melanie looked up and nodded toward the corridor. “Down the hall.”

“Right.”

Without warning, Derek was on his feet and she was clinging to his neck, his arms strong and secure beneath her. Melanie peppered his face and neck with kisses as they abandoned the cool living room for her bedroom. He paused long enough to flick the switch, bathing them in yellow light, and allowing her the first really good look at his body.

She skimmed her fingers over the bruise on his chest. “Are you sure this is okay?”

“Melanie, trust me,” he said, lowering her to the bed, “I don’t even feel them.”

Melanie smiled. “Then I guess I’ve accomplished my goal.”

“Which was?”

“Making you forget everything,” she said softly.

Derek towered above her, almost like a statue. When he didn’t move or speak for the space of several heartbeats, she became convinced she had said the wrong thing.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”