Without Saying a Word by Amanda Ward Page A

him taking command of her, taking her to new heights of pleasure she had never experienced, and for a novice, he was an Olympic athlete. His kisses really were gold medal material. As Laura pressed closer into his body, her fingernails instinctively raked over his chest and she squeezed one of Rhean’s hard nipples gently.
    Rhean gasped out loud. He pulled away from her, leaving her momentarily disorientated and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. His warm smile, as intimate as the kiss they had just shared filled Laura with desire. It was all she could do not to pull him back into her arms again.
    “I think I’d better go before I forget I’m a gentleman and drag you upstairs,” he said in a rueful manner, as he gathered up his things in a rush and walked to the door.
    “I know it’s all a bit soon for you Laura, but I hope that you will come to love me as much as I do you.” Rhean’s voice was tender, almost a murmur as he left, walking outside into the cold night air.
    Laura knelt down next to the fire, her hands absorbing its heat, trying desperately to warm her chilled body. To Laura’s disappointment, this was nothing compared to the raging fire that had Rhean lit inside her.

    ****
    In his cottage, frustrated and most definitely aroused, Rhean poured himself a drink and flopped down on his sumptuously soft leather couch. The fiery liquid burned the back of his throat with an intensity that he welcomed. He thought about what Theo told him earlier; about the increase in phone calls, how jumpy Laura had been recently and that she made every excuse not to leave the house. Rhean’s thought about how he could help Laura through it. He was disappointed that Laura hadn’t confided in him about the calls. He’d thought that after their conversation on Saturday, she would have been able to tell him anything. An idea came to his mind, and after glancing at his watch, he reached for his mobile phone.
    Chapter Four

    Thursday evening, Laura curled up on the couch, relaxed for the first time in weeks. There had been no telephone calls, she had caught up on her workload, bills were paid and her children were in their rooms. Listening to the smooth tone of Ronan playing softly in the background, she jumped at a tap on the window. She sat up and pulling the curtains aside, saw Rhean motioning to the door. Laura went to the door and opened it, letting Rhean in, along with a blast of frigid air.
    “Brrrrrrrrrr.” Rhean shivered. “Tis a tad nippy out there.” Laura took a frank and admiring look at him as he took off his coat and hung it up.
    “Come in why don’t you?” she told him, as Rhean dropped a kiss on her open lips. He smiled at her, and went into the living room, crouching down in front of the roaring fire. Laura closed the door to keep the warmth in.
    “You can’t be that cold, just coming from next door,” she admonished. Rhean shook his head, rubbing his hands together.
    “I haven’t been home yet; there was a PTA meeting at the school,” he told her. “Unfortunately it went on longer than any of us thought.” He sighed wearily. Laura thought for a moment and then realized that he probably hadn’t eaten.
    “Are you hungry? I think there’s some leftover beef casserole from tonight,” she offered. Rhean turned and smiled at her. His face lit up with what appeared to be pleasure.
    “That would be wonderful, but only if it’s not too much trouble,” he told her wistfully.
    “It’s not. Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in a moment.” Laura left Rhean sitting in front of the fire stroking Tubs while she went into the kitchen to get his meal.
    They sat on the couch together while Laura sipped her hot chocolate and Rhean ate the casserole with dumplings.
    “I knew you were a good cook Laura, but that was amazing,” Rhean told her patting his stomach contentedly. His bowl was clean and he drank the rest of the hot chocolate Laura gave him.
    She smiled at him.”Comfy?” she