Rafe exhaled a deep sigh, rolled up into a sitting position, and swung out of bed. “There might be some at the main house. I’ll go look.”
“Why didn’t you say so before?”
“Because I’m not sure there are any.”
“Someone could look, couldn’t they, and bring them over?”
He smiled. “Thanks for the advice. But I’d better do it.” He didn’t say the party last night had probably decimated the supply of condoms, and if there were any they’d be somewhere obscure enough not to have been found when Roddrick was tearing the house apart screaming, You gotta be kidding? We’re out? “I’ll send Simon into town but he won’t be back for a while. Are you desperate?”
“No more than you,” she said pleasantly.
“Yeah.” He grunted, reached for his shorts, and said a little prayer his search wouldn’t be in vain. Because desperate didn’t begin to define his ache for her.
“I’ll come with you. Let me get my backpack and put on some clothes.”
“Grab one of my robes.” He pointed to the dressing room. “Just for the record, I’m fucking desperate, so hustle.”
She walked back into the bedroom a few minutes later wearing one of his shirts. “Your robes all dragged on the floor. And you have ten of these blue oxford cloth shirts. I figured you wouldn’t miss one.” She’d rolled up the sleeves and the shirttails covered her legs to her knees.
He didn’t want to think about her nakedness under his shirt, so he moved toward the door. “Come on.” He reached out his hand. “I called Simon. He’s on his way into town. In the meantime, let’s see if we get lucky.”
“At least I’m thinking semi-clearly again,” she said, taking his hand.
“I’m trying. No guarantees though.” Although the small break had mitigated the worst of his loot-and-pillage mentality, his remaining horniness was mildly problematic.
But once they were outside and the world intruded, Rafe was better able to restrain his libido. The flagstone path to the main house was smooth and warm on their bare feet, the gardens scenting the air, and when Nicole gently squeezed his hand, they both felt the same warm enchantment.
“Nice,” she said softly, smiling up at him.
He nodded.
“I’m glad I went to your party.”
“Me too.”
She grinned. “Are we having a moment?”
“If it’s not going to piss you off, I’d rather not talk about shit like this.”
“Gotcha. I have another question. No romance, strictly business.”
He finally smiled. “That I can handle.”
“Are you really superclean? I mean, even with all the women? And don’t look at me like that. You know you and your dick are notorious.”
He sighed. “Everyone’s a goddamn voyeur. As for the women, I use condoms.” He frowned. “You happen to be the exception condom-wise, like you are in every other way, okay? And don’t ask me why because I already told you I haven’t a clue.”
She glanced at him sideways. “That’s really kinda sweet.”
“No, it’s a mind fuck,” he grumbled.
She had no intention of arguing with him, especially since she was feeling all warm and fuzzy about him when no other guy had ever made her feel that way. She knew better than to belabor the point, since it had to do with feelings—a universal male phobia. “You said you had a doctor on staff? Is he here?”
“Actually, I have two and, yes, they’re in town. With the size of my crew and various households, having private doctors is convenient. You can’t always find a local one you like.”
“Maybe they could show me your clean bill of health and one of them could check me out. Not that I’m worried because I always use condoms, but to ease your mind. I mean, if you’d like.”
He dragged her to a sudden stop, slid his hand around the curve of her hip, and pulled her close. “Fuck yes.” He laughed. “You’re just so contrary, I didn’t dare mention it.”
She grinned. “So I scare you?”
He dipped his head and held her gaze. “Uh-uh, I’m just being selfish. I want you in my bed. That means not pissing you off.” Then he raised his head, smiled, and pulled his phone out of his shorts’ pocket. “I’ll call one of the doctors. Simon can bring him up.” He paused. “You sure now? I don’t want to force you into anything.”
“I’m sure. I’m selfish too.”
He went silent for a moment, struck again with that strange happiness he’d prefer not to be feeling. Dropping a quick kiss on Nicole’s nose, he murmured, “Selfish. Good word. We’ll check it out.” Then he punched in a number on his cell.