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kitchen and make a morning coffee, Carlos snuck up behind her, encircling her waist with one hand, pulling aside her hair to kiss her neck with the other. Kate jumped, still expecting him to be snoring heavily in the bedroom.
    “Mmm. How’s my favorite woman?”
    Kate grinned and turned her neck into the kiss. “Better now that you’re up.” She turned so that Carlos’ mouth had to leave her neck and find her mouth. She wound her hand around Carlos’ neck to pull him in closer, immediately feeling him respond. She smiled against his mouth as she realized just how much she affected him.
    “What’s so amusing?” he asked, pulling back.
    “Oh, nothing. I just like hugs and kisses first thing in the morning.”
    “Really! Well, you know how I like to see you in those skimpy bits of fabric.” He gave her a wet kiss on the neck.
    “Thanks for staying last night. It’s nice to have company.” Kate’s fingers brushed his cheek.
    “Of course. I need to make sure you’re totally over your little episode last week.” His hand mauled Kate’s breast. He leaned in to kiss her but she lightly pushed him back.
    “I’ll be fine, don’t worry. I’ve got more than enough work to keep me busy and out of trouble today. I haven’t had any more pain, so whatever it was has long gone. You need to focus on your business trip tomorrow.”
    He took a step back, grabbing his neck with one hand. “Okay. If you’re sure.” He looked to the ground. Kate tried to place his sudden mood change. She could feel a sliver of guilt pass though her. Was it Carlos’ guilt? Was he keeping something from her?
    “I have an article I need to finish which should take me well into the night. How about you? Are you packing for your trip?”
    Just ever so slightly Kate saw Carlos flinch before smiling and nodding. “Yes, sweetheart, and I’ve got to get all my paperwork in order. Make sure I’ve rehearsed my sales pitch, stuff like that.”
    Kate watched his face redden as he spoke but she let it go. It was probably just stress about having to leave her on her own again after having been together all week.
    “Fancy a coffee?” Kate needed to change Carlos’ mood in order to lift her own. She closed the gap.
    “You know I would.” He watched her approach and licked his lips.
    As she put a light kiss on his mouth, a vivid image blinded her. Hormones raged. A sexual urge hit hard. A feeling she hadn’t had since… Oh God! She swayed, almost falling over.
    “What is it?” Carlos tried to grab both her arms but she shrugged him off, letting herself feel the sensations in her body. Charges of energy pulsed through her veins. Amazing currents of desire that had no connection whatsoever to the man that stood in front of her. It was incredibly naughty but she held onto the feelings just for a second, letting herself surrender, closing her eyes, returning to a place she swore she’d never go back to. Time stopped in that one instant and she was transported to another part of Vernazza. Hair shorter. Face glowing. Body riper. She was a woman in love. Truly, painstakingly in love, oblivious to anything but the warm, toned, athletic body lying next to her, his fingers tenderly tracing the outline of her face with hands so strong. Hands inscribed into every sensory part of her body.
    Kate’s heart became erratic. Fingers clammy. Overpowering thoughts that had been pushed down for so long erupted forth. She was back in time. His energy was with her: In her. Filling her. His lean torso sizzling against her aching body, dazzling blue eyes burning, searing into her soul. A touch like a hot poker. Branding her as if to be his forever. She had been his. Totally. One hundred percent. Until—
    “Kate!”
    “Mmm?”
    “What’s wrong? Is your chest sore again?” Carlos’ voice was high pitched with panic.
    Kate could see him start to come unhinged again.
    “He’s here!” It was out before she could stop it. Shit! Jake was here! She knew it as