Chapter One

"Do you have to go?"

Sophia rolled over on her side and stared as Quinton pushed from her and sat up. "Yes I do, Sophia. We talked about this. I need to go. My son is expecting me to help him with his toy boat."

His son was his excuse this time. . . .

Stop Sophia! His son is important. You know that. She pushed up onto her hands. The covers slid down to pool about her stomach as her dark brown hair spilled in a mass of unruly curls. She hated her hair, but at this moment it provided a much needed veil against Quinton's eyes. She stared as Quinton pulled up his breeches and slid the button through the holes at the waist. He was beautifully built; stocky with a broad chest and large powerful thighs. He certainly did not spend his days idly. Her brow pinched tight. What did he do all day?

"Don't give me that look, Sophia! You know how much I hate that look."

She tore her gaze away from him but she couldn't keep it away. Her gaze snapped back as he pulled his cotton shirt over his head, hiding his hairy chest from view. She so loved to play with the tiny curls as her head lay on his shoulder and she listened to him breathe. She loved those moments . . . skin to skin.

He tucked his shirttail into his waistband.

He did need to go. She simply hated that they never did anything besides this.

"Pardon my behavior, Quinton. I simply wish you didn't always rush off right after bedding me. It makes me feel . . . well like futter is all you came here for." Tears welled up in her eyes and her heart pinched.

"Not true, Sophia. I enjoy your company. You are my lady. I simply need