Kim couldn’t meet his eyes. Her fists were clenched, and her slim body shook a bit. Clearly she was taking his offer as a serious one, which it was meant to be, but he was afraid she would overthink it—something he refused to do. He wanted to run with emotion. He was tired of all the years of pent-up feelings, worry, and doubt. “Kim?” he asked again. “It’s so hot in here I can’t think.” “Come here.” He didn’t wait for her to protest; he didn’t listen when she finally did. He led her to the back of the cabin and a covered porch where rain beat a tattoo on the slightly listing roof, and puddles danced with bouncing droplets. His hand was on her arm. He ached to pull her close. Shooting a sideways glance at her, he noticed the lushness of her pink lips and the thick curve of her lashes. Her skin shone with health. He longed to reach over and run a finger down the hill of her cheek. “Tell me about Pauleen,” she said unexpectedly. “Pauleen?” Stephen hesitated.
