Gil felt himself trapped under that intense blue-eyed stare. It wasn’t unusual; he’d been on the receiving end of her stares before, but this time it was different. Only through sheer force of will did he keep from trembling. Then again, her stares always unnerved him.

Why did it have to be her that wandered in here, catching him and his lover dozing in the post-orgasmic bliss? Why couldn’t it have been someone else? He closed his eyes, praying that when he opened them again, she would be gone.

She was glaring at him, one perfectly shaped eyebrow arched to its zenith and he recognized the emotions in those deep blue eyes. Shock, confusion, embarrassment and hurt. He supposed he could pull the blanket over his head, but he knew that wouldn’t make her disappear. And neither would the guilt and shame he felt for getting caught with his pants down. Okay, they weren’t down, they were off. As were the rest of his clothes.

His mind flashed back to the night before, reliving the events. A lot of things contributed to this…situation he now found himself in. A lot of self introspection, a lot of loneliness, a lot of yearning. Of course, the bourbon they shared didn’t help matters. Truthfully he’d already made his decision, the alcohol helped loosen his inhibitions just enough for him to act on his feelings instead of burying them.

He opened his mouth to say something. Maybe utter an apology. But then again, why should he be ashamed for following his heart? But that didn’t erase the feeling that he’d just hurt someone very precious to him.

She whirled on her heel, her long hair flying about her slim shoulders as she stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

The warm body plastered next him stirred and raised herself on one elbow, shoving hair from her face.

“Gil?” she croaked, her voice husky from sleep. She pressed kisses to his jaw and neck. “Did something fall?”

Gil fought the urge to shove her away because of his guilt. But she felt so damned good and her lips were so soft and despite it all, he felt his body reacting to hers. He turned his face to hers and kissed her, wondering how she could taste so good first thing in the morning. Didn’t this woman know about morning breath?

After drinking his fill, he pulled back. “No,” he muttered. “Nothing fell. We got busted.”

Catherine let her eyes slide closed. “Lindsey,” she breathed.

“I told you we should have set the alarm,” Gil grumbled. “That way I could’ve been gone and we could have told her without her having to walk in on it.”

“She’ll be fine,” Catherine said as she slid out of bed and reached for her robe. She leaned down and kissed him. “But just in case, stay in here until I come get you.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. In fact, I’m thinking of leaving by way of the window.”

“Don’t you dare!” Catherine walked to her door and looked back at him, the smile he fell in love with gracing her face. “Don’t worry about it. She’ll come around. Besides, I love you and I’m not letting you go.” She wanted to laugh at the look of fear on his face. “Gil, she’s just a child. It’s not like she’s going to come after you with a shotgun, wanting to unload buckshot into your ass.”

“Yeah, but…” he didn’t know if he should really admit it, but he couldn’t help it. “I’m…I’m scared of her.”

Catherine laughed freely. “Honey, kids are like dogs.”

Gil folded his arms across his chest. “And how is that?”

“They can smell fear a mile away. Never show you’re afraid.” With that she opened the door and left him by himself.

He kicked off the covers and climbed out of bed, gathering his scattered clothing and padded to her bathroom.

“Yeah, says she,” he harrumphed. “Both dogs and kids can bite. And I happen to bruise easily.”