Free Mr. February by Ann Roth

which was a total turn-on. But she’d been right to stop him.
    “As bad as I want you, Jillian, what we’re doing is crazy,” he said, for both her sake and his. “You’re looking for marriage and kids, and we both know I’m the wrong man for that.”
    She nodded and blew out a heavy breath. “When we’re apart, that’s easy to remember. But when we’re together and your eyes go hot and dark and focused… Then it’s hard to recall what I want. While you were kissing me and touching me… I didn’t want us to stop.” Hesitating, she glanced down at her hands for a moment. “I never felt this way before, and it scares me.”
    Rafe appreciated her honesty, but the words made him plenty nervous. “I don’t want to be the guy who breaks your heart.”
    Her eyes flashed. “You think I do? I’m not falling for you, Rafe. I just… I have this physical thing for you that won’t let go.”
    “You’re talking about sex.” Relief washed over him. He glanced down at the hard-on about to bust his fly open. “As you can see, I’m on the same page. The chemistry between us is off the charts.”
    “Exactly. And it’s keeping me from even looking at another man. I’m not at all sure how to fix that.”
    Through the closed studio windows, Rafe heard the dogs barking and JR’s voice. Thank God for the shuttered blinds. He’d been so hot for Jillian, he hadn’t even thought about privacy.
    Hadn’t thought, period. He shook his head in disbelief. But then, the same thing had happened the first time they’d kissed. With one big difference—today had been more intense.
    His cell phone rang. He slid it from his hip pocket and glanced at the screen. “It’s Adam. I’m supposed to be at his place, to help install a new shower. One of the many things he wants done before Sam and William move in this summer. Excuse me.”
    Jillian nodded and showed her back to him while she fastened her bra. Rafe also turned away, giving her privacy.
    “Hey, Adam. I lost track of the time. I’ll be over shortly.” He disconnected.
    When he faced her again, she’d smoothed her T-shirt into place and buttoned her jeans. She looked as if nothing had happened—if you didn’t count her flushed skin and kiss-swollen lips.
    Beautiful and passionate. Irresistible.
    Unable to keep his hands off her, Rafe brushed her silky-soft hair from her face, his hungry fingers lingering on the delicate shells of her ears. Her eyes went soft again, and her lips parted, testing his willpower to the max.
    He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Look, I don’t want to mess with your plans to find a guy who shares your dreams for the future. We probably shouldn’t see each other anymore, especially not alone. I’m not saying we should go out of our way to avoid each other, but if we are together, we’d best make sure other people are around.”
    “Agreed.” Jillian squared her shoulders and opened the door.
    As they stepped into the sunlight, JR’s eyes widened. Rafe gave him a terse nod, unpenned Calvin, then beat a hasty retreat out of there.

Chapter Ten
    ‡
    “I n the almost three weeks since I was last here, Georgia sure has grown,” Jillian marveled, gazing at the infant nursing at her mother’s breast.
    “She’s gained almost two pounds and a third of an inch in length,” Shannon proudly shared. “Which puts her in the eighty-fifth percentile for all babies her age.” She smoothed her hand over the little round head. “Isn’t she something?”
    Her tender smile tugged at Jillian’s heart and made her want a baby of her own all the more.
    “That’s some sigh,” Shannon said. “The second you walked in, I sensed something was off. What’s wrong?”
    “You know me so well.” Jillian crossed her legs and laced her fingers in her lap. Eager to spill her troubles, she got right to the point. “It’s Rafe.”
    “Hunky firefighter Rafe? The one who isn’t your type?” Shannon arched her eyebrows.
    “All right. I’m