Free No Regrets by Joann Ross

overlooking the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean beyond was more expensive than a resident couldafford, but Reece was independently wealthy. He’d inherited a generous trust from his parents, who’d died in a plane crash when he was a boy.
    He slanted her a sideways glance. “How are you with all this?”
    â€œStrangely, although I was panic-stricken when you first called, I’m doing pretty well.” Lena shook her head. “All my life, even when we were separated, I knew that Molly would be there for me if I ever needed her.”
    â€œIn a heartbeat,” he agreed.
    â€œI think, although she meant well, her protective behavior kept me from growing up.”
    Since there was no way he was going to get trapped into agreeing that the woman he adored was immature, Reece didn’t say anything.
    â€œThen, of course, I married you, who took over where Molly left off.”
    He laid a hand over hers. “I think it’s only natural for a man to want to protect his wife.”
    â€œI suppose.”
    Lena thought back to the tarot card reading. Amazingly, the destiny foretold that night seemed to be coming true. Out of apparent evil, she remembered the young woman saying sagely, much good can come.
    â€œWhat happened to Molly made me realize I can’t always count on other people taking care of me. It’s time I learned to stand on my own two feet.”
    Something inside Reece went still. And cold. “Are you saying you want a divorce?”
    â€œA divorce?” Shocked, she looked over at him. “Of course not.” Turning her hand, she linked their fingerstogether. “You’re the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me, Reece. I just think it might be a nice change if you were to discover that you were married to a woman. And not a girl.”
    Reece thought about that and decided she was right. As much as he adored his bride, there were times when he found being the sole focus of her life—along with her desperate desire for a child—more than a little wearying.
    â€œYou certainly don’t have to change on my account. I love you just the way you are.”
    â€œI know. And I thank God for that every day. And I’m not changing for you. I’m doing it for me.” Lena smiled, pleased with the plan she’d come up with while drinking far too many cups of that toxic waste the hospital cafeteria tried to pass off as coffee. “Although I think you’ll find some side benefits.”
    There was something in her voice. Something lush and sensual, an impression that was heightened by the way she’d begun trailing her fingernail up his thigh.
    â€œWhy, Mrs. Longworth,” he murmured, “are you trying to seduce me?”
    She laughed at that. A silky, womanly laugh designed to get beneath a man’s skin. “I am going to seduce you, Dr. Longworth.” Her fingers trailed higher. “And you’re going to love it.”
    The sound of his zipper lowering was the sexiest thing Reece had ever heard. Or felt. When she freed his erection from his jeans, blood rushed from his head straight into his groin.
    â€œJesus, Lena.” The words clogged in his throat, his breath was trapped in his lungs. “If you’re not careful, you’re going to make me run off the road.”
    â€œDon’t worry, darling.” She bent her head and pressed her lips against the tip of his penis. “I promise to be very, very careful.”
    Her breath was like the Santa Ana winds that blew in from the desert, fanning flames he’d banked for too long. From the first night of their honeymoon, wanting to prove himself different from all the users she’d gotten involved with before him, Reece had gone out of his way to treat his bride with consideration and respect. Their lovemaking, while enjoyable, had remained restrained.
    After she’d become obsessed with having a child, the only times they