It was a win-win.
Then why did he feel like last night had changed everything?
He bit back a groan, trying to sort through his tangled emotions. He'd begun believing he was in charge and could seduce her. Instead, she'd seduced him, ripping away his carefully erected barriers and challenging him on every level. Buried deep inside her body, his gaze locked on hers, fingers entwined, his entire being had shuddered with a sense of rightness. Belonging.
Homecoming.
He'd made a big mistake believing sex would finally sate his hunger. It had only made him ferocious for more of her, and he didn't know what he was going to do.
Her eyes flew open. She blinked, frowning, and he remembered she was always a bit grumpy in the morning before coffee. She slowly sat up, pressing the sheet against her, and stared at him with confusion.
He stiffened, waiting to meet her challenge. Would she deny last night? Still try to keep separate rooms? Pretend to ignore the whole encounter?
"Where's my coffee?"
He relaxed, a smile curving his lips. He wanted to kiss that pout off her mouth, but he knew the conversation had to happen with caffeine. "I didn't want it to get cold, since I didn't know how long you'd sleep. Be right back."
He poured her a mug and walked back into the bedroom. She snatched it, allowing the sheet to fall, and he happily feasted on the vision of her perfect bare breasts, nipples pebbling in the cool morning air. "Thanks," she muttered into her mug.
"How are you doing?"
She grunted. "Between horseback riding and you, I'll be hobbling around today."
Satisfaction curled in his gut. Good. A man had done his job if his woman couldn't walk the next day. "Now you're just flattering me."
She snorted a half laugh, still sipping. "I need to call Morgan and check on Becca."
"As soon as you get dressed, we can go together." He studied her, looking for any sign of tension or defense. "Do you want to talk?"
Amusement flickered in her emerald eyes. "Do you?"
Damn, she was hot. His heart squeezed. He adored her smart-ass ways and her constant surprises. "Yes. I feel like I need reassurance."
This time she gave a full laugh. "We're married already, so it's not like I can call you a one-night stand."
"Will you stop sneaking out of our room at night?"
"I guess," she muttered. "Though it was starting to get fun."
"I'll find a new game we can both enjoy."
Her brow lifted. "Like last night?" she teased.
"Yes. Like last night. Though I'd rather not have to chase you through the house next time."
Her smile slowly disappeared. She dropped her gaze, and a strange fear clutched at him. Was she having second thoughts? He didn't want to force her into his bed every night. He needed her to want him just as bad. "Syd? Look at me."
She raised her chin. A strange mixture of emotions swirled in her emerald eyes. Was that a glint of sadness or just a trick of the light? "I can't fight this anymore," she said quietly. "I want you. There's no use denying it. But I also can't have you doing this to-to get back at me. For hurting you. I can't play those types of games."
He put his mug down and went to the bed. Grasping her arms, he leaned over her and met her miserable gaze. "Baby, that was no game last night."
"I can't take the coldness anymore. There's no way I can be in your bed and deal with such distance in the morning."
He let out his breath and took her in his arms, hugging her tight. Yes, he was still struggling with the truth about Becca, but she was right. They couldn't go on with him holding her away because of lingering resentment. He tried to put it in words. "I'm sorry, baby. When you told me about Becca, I was so angry I didn't know how to act. It was easier to push you away and keep you there until I wrapped my head around it. I'm still struggling with knowing you kept her from me, but I want you just as badly as you want me. I've never been able to fight our connection. It's not about revenge, Syd. I want to try to move forward in this marriage for all of us. Especially Becca."
She nodded against his chest. "Okay. We can take it slow, day by day."
"Deal." He tipped up her chin and pressed a hard kiss on her mouth. "Finish your coffee, and I'll call Morgan."
As he left the bedroom, his spirits lifted. Everything had slid into place. He'd have Sydney in his life, and in his bed.
He began to whistle as he picked up the phone to call his daughter.
Sydney sipped her coffee and stared at the empty doorway.
Last night he'd finally given her hope. The stirring tenderness and blinding intensity as he made love to her told her what words never could.