Megan's mate

He pressed his lips to hers again, and followed her over.

The rain was still drumming. As she slowly swam back to reality, she heard its steady beat on the roof. She lay still, her hand tangled in Nathaniel's hair, her body glowing. She realized she had a smile on her face.

She began to hum.

Nathaniel stirred himself, pushed back lazily to lean on his elbow.

What are you

doing?

Singing. Sort of.

He grinned, studying her.

I like your looks, sugar.

I'm getting used to yours.

She traced the cleft in his chin with a fingertip. Her lashes lowered.

It was all right, wasn't it?

What?

He waited, wisely holding back a chuckle until she looked at him again.

Ob, that. Sure, it was okay for a start.

Sbe opened her mouth, closed it again with a little humming sound that wasn't at all musical.

You could be a little more... flattering.

You could be a little less stupid.

He kissed her frowning mouth.

Making love isn't

a quiz, Meg. You don't get graded.

What I meant was... Never mind.

What you meant was...

He hauled her over until she was splayed on top of him.

On a scale of one to ten...

Cut it out, Nathaniel.

She laid her cheek on his chest.

I hate it when you make me

feel ridiculous.

I don't.

Possessively he ran a hand down her back.

I love to make you feel

ridiculous. I love to make you feel.

He nearly followed that up with a very simple I love you.

But she wouldn't have

accepted it. He'd barely done so himself.

You did.

She kept her head over his heart.

You made me feel things I never have

before. I was afraid.

Trouble clouded his eyes.

I don't want you to be afraid of me.

I was afraid of me,

she corrected.

Of us. Of letting this happen. I'm glad it did.

It was easier than she'd imagined to shift, to smile, to press her mouth to his. For a moment, she thought he tensed, but she dismissed that as foolish and kissed him again.

His system snapped to full alert. How could he want her again, so desperately, so quickly? be wondered. How could he resist those sweet, tantalizing lips?

Keep that up,

he managed,

and it's going to happen again.

The shiver of excitement was glorious.

Okay.

She shared her anticipation in the

kiss, torturing his mouth, teasing his tongue. Amazed that there could be more, she gave a low sound of delight when he rolled, shoving her beneath him and crushing her mouth.

For a heady moment, he let those violent needs hold sway, trapping her beneath him, devouring her lips, her skin, dragging a hand through her tousled hair until her throat was exposed to his hungry teeth and tongue.

She moaned, writhed under him. Whimpered.

Rolling away, he lay on his back, cursing himself, while his heart pounded the blood through his veins.

Confused, shivering with needs freshly aroused but unmet, Megan laid a tentative hand on his arm. He jerked away.

Don't.

The order came out harsh.

I need a minute.

Her eyes went dead.

I'm sorry. I did something wrong.

No, you didn't.

He scrubbed his hands over his face and sat up.

I'm just not

ready. Look, why don't I go down and rustle us up something to eat?

He was only inches away. It might as well have been miles, and she felt the sharp sting of rejection.

No, that's all right.

Her voice was cool and calm again.

I really

should get going. I need to pick up Kevin.

Kevin's fine.

Regardless.

She brushed at her hair, tried to smooth it. She wished desperately for something to wrap around her nakedness.

Don't pull that door shut on me now.

He battled back fury, and a much more dangerous passion.

I haven't shut any door. I thought that is, I assumed you wanted me to stay. Since you don't, I'll

Of course I want you to stay. Damn it, Megan.

He whirled on her, and wasn't

surprised when she jerked back.

I need a bloody minute. I could eat you alive, I want you so much.

In defense, she crossed an arm over her breasts.

I don't understand you.

Damn right you don't understand me. You'd run like hell if you did.

He fought for

control, gained a slippery hold.

We'll be fine, Meg, if you wait until I pull myself together.

What are you talking about?

Gripped by frustration, he grabbed her hand, pressed it against his, palm to palm.

I've got big hands, Megan. Got them from my father. I know the right way to use them and the wrong way.

There was a glint in his eyes, like the honed e.g. of a sword. It should have frightened her, but it only excited.

You're afraid of me,

she said quietly.

Afraid

you'll hurt me.

I won't hurt you.

He dropped his hand, left it fisted on the bed.

No, you won't.

She lifted a hand to touch his cheek. His jaw was tight, urging her fingers to stroke and soothe. There was a power here, she realized, a power she'd been unaware of possessing. She wondered what they could make between them if she set it free.

You want me.

Feeling reckless, she edged closer, until her mouth slid over his.

You want to touch me.

She lifted his fisted hand to her breast, her heart pounding like a drum as his fingers opened, cupped.

And for me to touch you.

Her hands