His laughter quietened and the mood shifted between them. Their eyes met and she smiled, overwhelmed by the affection she felt for him. She reached out to stroke his cheek and he moved his head slightly, as if he wanted to turn his face into her palm but thought better of it.

"Have you ever wondered what we'd be like together?" she asked softly.

His thumbs swept over the curve of her hips. "I told you before, you're kind and decent and all I want at this point in my life is wild, no-strings-attached sex. The two don't go together."

"You've never once thought of me in that way?"

His...