Free Midnight Thunder(INCR) by Vicki Lewis Thompson Page A

about that anymore. In retrospect, it was the best thing that could have happened to me.”
    He looked as if she’d slapped him. “Is that so? Then maybe I’d better reconsider the idea of moving back. I’d hate to cramp your style.”
    â€œI didn’t mean it like that. I only meant—”
    â€œIf you see me as a potential problem, why the hell did you climb into my bunk this morning?”
    â€œBecause I thought it could be simple like you said. No expectations, no agenda, just...”
    â€œSex.” Hurt shone in his green eyes.
    â€œNo, it was more than that.”
    â€œDamn straight it was. Look, I have to get to the airport, and we both need to concentrate on Rosie, anyway. If and when that settles down, and I have to believe it will or I’ll go crazy, we’ll compare schedules. Maybe you can fit me in.”
    â€œDamn it, Cade! You’re being ridiculous.”
    â€œMe? You’re the one who was wild for me a few hours ago but now you’re saying we’ll get together when it’s
convenient
.”
    â€œI was just—”
    â€œLook, I gotta go. Thanks for...everything.” He left, closing the door behind him.
    Stupid man!
She followed him out, making sure the cat stayed inside. Fortunately Ringo seemed uninterested in escape. “I’ll probably come to the hospital later,” she called out.
    â€œSuit yourself.” Cade didn’t break stride.
    Lexi sighed and leaned against the doorjamb. “That certainly went well.” How ironic. Five years ago they’d fought because she’d wanted to marry him and have his babies, but he’d been determined to keep his lone-wolf status.
    Now she was the one setting boundaries and he had the hurt feelings. Maybe she shouldn’t have used the word
convenient
, but in the end, that was the bottom line. She would no longer drop everything when he beckoned as she’d done during their dating years. He might not have demanded that of her, but it was her pattern. She’d thought they should have an understanding from the get-go that things had changed.
    But she’d upset him, and he’d stomped off. Not a good beginning. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything while his nerves were so raw with Rosie in the hospital. He hated hospitals, but he was making himself go there, anyway.
    So maybe climbing into his bunk had been a big mistake, except he’d seemed so miserable. Because she’d wanted him, too, she’d thought sex would do them both good. Now she wasn’t so pleased about the outcome.
    The cabin had an excellent view of the Bighorns from the front stoop, so she stayed where she was and focused on the scenery until she heard Cade’s truck drive away. He’d said that their relationship used to be simple. In a flash of insight, she knew why that had been absolutely true. He’d led and she’d followed. Whatever his plan, she’d fallen in with it, at least most of the time.
    Who could have blamed her? He was gorgeous, funny and amazing in bed. Making love with Cade was the single most inspiring activity she could imagine. She’d like to do it again, assuming Rosie’s health scare turned out to be nothing major and she hadn’t ticked him off to the point he’d leave again.
    Today’s argument aside, she thought the chances of another round of satisfying sex were excellent. Cade wasn’t capable of holding a grudge, one of his other endearing qualities. But they hadn’t communicated very well regarding this issue. She’d have to try again before they became any more enmeshed.
    He was right, though. They wouldn’t have much chance to be alone together for the next few days. That would give her time to get her bearings, because she had a feeling he was back to stay.
    And she wanted him to. Maybe they’d come to a workable arrangement and maybe they wouldn’t, but knowing he’d be around