Free In Plain Sight by Marie Harte Page B

Destiny isn’t choice , she tried to caution her animal spirit, but the bird refused to be denied. Just another reason to accept Cullen’s seed. It kept her bird happy and herself sane.
    Though realistically she knew a happily-ever-after wasn’t in the cards, that stupid part of her refused to give up hope that someday she might have a family. Though Cullen hadn’t expressed anything more than lust and behaved like a decent human being, he might someday grow to care for her as a mate. But not if she stayed in this town.
    In Cougar Falls, Sarah could never be anything but a woman who’d made a horrible mistake. But outside the town, she might find herself. She could grow, be a woman who took risks and made a name for herself. If only she could do it with Cullen by her side…
    “A penny for your thoughts,” he murmured.
    Sarah forced herself to live in the moment. In a few days, life would change. Best to accept that and treasure these days with Cullen. And who knows? Maybe when I leave, he’ll keep in touch. A long-distance friend would be better than no friend…or lover.
    “Sarah?” He sounded concerned. Cullen turned her in his arms, so that they lay on their sides facing each other. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
    46
     

    “Nothing a lot more of that won’t cure.” She wound her arms around his neck and licked her lips, pleased when his focus narrowed on her tongue. “Enough talk, more action.”
    Cullen didn’t disappoint.
    The next night, they lay on his bed together, sweaty and exhausted. Sarah wasn’t sure what had changed, but Cullen now made it plain that he wanted her—several times a day. Whereas before she’d had the feeling he was holding back, now she knew he wasn’t. Perhaps he noticed every dripping icicle and pool of melted snow, the way she did.
    Sarah was running out of excuses to stay. The mountain pass wasn’t cleared. The ice might make the road too slippery. Sure she could shift and fly out, but she needed her things. She couldn’t possibly leave town without her things . A few outfits she’d packed in haste when she’d tried to leave town the first time.
    Truth be told, Sarah cared less about three pairs of jeans and a few tops than she cared about leaving Cullen.
    “You really wore me out,” Cullen said in that low, sexy voice that made her heart do somersaults. He rubbed her belly, his gaze warm and curiously satisfied.
    “I think you wore me out.” She ran her hand over his muscular arm, transfixed by the play of muscle beneath her palm. She continued to trail her hand over his forearm until she found his fingers. Entwining her hand in his, she held him close, and her heartstrings pulled tight.
    “The snow’s melted,” Cullen said. “You’re going to try to leave me soon, aren’t you?”
    To her bemusement, he didn’t sound upset.
    “I guess that won’t bother you, will it?” she asked, annoyed, and tried to pry her hand free.
    His cool smile faded. “Sarah, stop. You aren’t leaving.”
    “Oh? Why? Because sex with you is better than anything I’ve ever had?” Hurt, she sneered at him, demeaning the special time they’d had together. She wanted to slap a hand over her mouth, but she couldn’t stop herself. “You forget, Cullen. I haven’t had that much sex. Maybe the next guy will be—”
    He shook his head and gave her a tender smile. She stared at him, stunned. That look in his eyes couldn’t possibly be—
    “Sarah, stop. I’m not upset, because you aren’t leaving me. I have to tell you something.” Damned if he didn’t look cute when nervous, but his anxiety only exacerbated hers.
    The sudden boom of a door opening, followed by loud voices and louder footsteps, froze them both.
    The bedroom door flew open and one of Cullen’s brothers asked, “Cullen, what’s that incredible smell…?”
    Cullen swore and fought to cover Sarah.
    She couldn’t move, shocked at the sudden intrusion into their fantasy life, a world where only Cullen and she