He saw only Colleen, naked in his arms, her face flushed with passion as he brought her pleasure. She’d brought him pleasure, too—ecstasy he’d never known before. And never intended to experience again. He couldn’t risk it. He’d already fallen for her, and if he fell any deeper he might fool himself into thinking she could fall for him, too. That she could love him, not just now but forever. And forever wasn’t possible. For one thing, she was too young. She’d change her mind about him, grow bored staying at home alone while he worked long hours—like his sister-in-law had grown bored, and Josh’s first wife. Even with the shorter hours of private practice, he’d be busy, preoccupied with patients or the past. He didn’t have enough to offer her, to keep her. Something wet and thick splattered his face, and he turned his attention to the roller. But the foam had dried out since he hadn’t bothered to dip it in the pan of paint again. More paint drops splattered his face and slid down his neck.
