Free Midnight Thunder(INCR) by Vicki Lewis Thompson

realized that the condom was gone. “Did you...?”
    â€œYep. You were out like a light, so I took the liberty. It’s not like I’ve never helped you dispose of one before.”
    â€œTrue.” He searched the floor for his briefs.
    â€œLooking for these?” She dangled them from one finger.
    â€œWhere were they?”
    â€œCaught on the desk lamp.” She tossed them to him and went back to stroking Ringo, who was purring loudly.
    â€œOn the lamp?”
    â€œYou put on quite a show. Clothes flew in all directions. I thought about gathering them up, but I couldn’t resist letting you see the chaos you created.”
    He glanced around. “My God.” His shirt hung from the top bunk. His boots had ended up in opposite corners of the room, and his jeans were over by the door. “Where’s my hat?”
    She pointed to Damon’s and Finn’s bunks, where his hat had scored a ringer on the bedpost.
    â€œI must have been out of my freaking mind.”
    Her smile was pure feminine triumph. “As a matter of fact, I think you were.”
    She was so cute about it that he had to laugh. She’d nailed him, no question, and she had a right to gloat.
    But he had something to say, and he didn’t want to leave the cabin without saying it. “Okay, so here’s the deal.” He began pulling on his clothes. “Right now circumstances are preventing us from continuing what we started. Or more accurately, what you started.” He paused to look at her.
    â€œI’ll own it. I was definitely the instigator.”
    He nodded, satisfied they were in agreement on that point. “So you started something, but it isn’t finished. Not by a long shot.”
    She met his gaze. “I hope not.”
    â€œCount on it.” He’d walked away once. He wasn’t planning on repeating that mistake.
    Â 

6
    W HILE C ADE FINISHED getting dressed, Lexi remade the bed. Ringo must have taken that as an invitation because he returned to his former spot, curled up and closed his eyes.
    Lexi smoothed the wrinkles from the pillowcase. “There. Nobody will be the wiser.”
    â€œExcept me.” Cade pulled on his boots. “I’m a hell of a lot wiser. Two people who make love like that should not be living hundreds of miles apart.”
    That was the second time he’d hinted at changing his situation. She turned to face him and risked asking the question. “Does that mean you’re considering moving back?”
    He stood and walked over to retrieve his hat. “It’s been on my mind. How would you feel if I did?”
    â€œHerb and Rosie would love it.”
    Holding his hat by the crown, he settled it on his head, completing the picture of a rugged cowboy. “I assume they would. That isn’t what I asked.”
    She hesitated. Now might be the time to set the record straight. “There’s something you should know. I’m not the same person I was five years ago.”
    â€œSo what? I’m not the same person, either. We’ll get reacquainted. Could be fun.”
    â€œIn my case, my focus has changed. I’m extremely dedicated to my career as a riding instructor.”
    â€œI think that’s great. You were always good at it.”
    â€œThat’s nice to hear, but it’s not the point I’m trying to make.” She gazed at him. “Five years ago, I built my schedule, my whole life, really, around you. I’m not willing to do that anymore. Not for you or any guy.”
    He frowned. “Okay, but we’d see each other, right?”
    â€œSure. When it’s convenient.” She was saying it as much for her benefit as his. He was potent, and she couldn’t allow his charisma and sex appeal to turn her into the dependent woman she’d been five years ago.
    â€œYou’re still ticked at me for leaving. I don’t blame you, but—”
    â€œI’m not upset