Duncan had taken her back to his log cabin home. She'd been unconscious when she'd arrived and when she left his home the first time around, so it was nice to know it was located not far from the North Shore between Lake Bluff and Waukegan.

On the way there, she told him about Ronan's visit. He grudgingly agreed with her assessment saying, "As long as the damn vamp puts on some real clothes during our training, I'll bet Ronan teaching us will be an education in and of itself." He'd been quiet the rest of the way, choosing just to hold her hand while he drove her car to the house.

She smiled when the first drops of rain hit the porch's roof above her head. The sudden smell of damp earth and wet leaves combined with the gentle rain lulled her. She really loved it here. Duncan told her she had free rein on his place downtown, so she planned to add more color and change out some of the furniture to give it a warmer, more welcoming feel. She knew they'd have to live closer to the Five Star to help out her uncle, but she was glad to know they had this getaway house, too. She had a feeling it would provide many wonderful memories for them.

When Duncan's footsteps sounded on the wood floor of the porch, Rose glanced up at him. The smell of vanilla permeated her senses. Her lips tilted in amusement.

"In the mood for some ice cream?" she teased, throwing her legs over the side of the hammock as she sat up. Her bare feet hit the wooden floorboards to stop the swing from moving.

Duncan set the plate he was carrying down on a side table. Without a word he squatted in front of her and wrapped his arms around her hips.

Rose's heart tugged at the serious look she'd seen on his face before he placed his head on her lap. She threaded her fingers in his hair, tensing at his suddenly somber mood.

"What is it?"

Duncan blew out a breath. "When I saw you with that little boy, blowing bubbles. You were so patient. I knew you'd make a wonderful mother."

Rose's fingers stilled in Duncan's hair. She held her breath waiting for him to continue.

Duncan lifted his head. "You haven't talked about having a baby since the day we fought about me impregnating you. I know being a mother means the world to you. Do you still want a child with me, Roisin?"

Rose's chest tightened at the expectant look on his face. She rubbed the stubble on his cheeks and searched his troubled amber gaze.

"My heart broke to think you didn't want children, but when I saw you with Katie, I knew you'd make a great father. I love you, Duncan. Of course I want to have your children."

Duncan's smile took her breath away. The man was so devastatingly sexy, he made her heart ache.

His grip on her hips tightened and he pulled her closer, sliding his body between her legs until his lips touched hers.

Rose reveled in Duncan's kiss. She threaded her fingers in his hair to pull him even closer as her lips opened against his.

Duncan's fingers moved to the tiny buttons on her shirt and he whispered in her mind, I've thought of nothing else but watching you eat an ice-cream cone completely naked.

"Think you can handle waiting until I finish the cone?" Rose teased between kisses as she raised his shirt, then lifted it over his head.

Duncan pulled her to a standing position. He quickly tugged her shirt, pants and underwear off. Picking up the ice-cream cone, he handed it to her.

"Think you'll be able to finish it?" A devilish look reflected in his gaze.

Rose smiled at Duncan as she sat down, then laid back on the hammock in a relaxed pose. Digging her toes in the hammock's mesh, she mentally popped open the buttons on his jeans. As she slowly slid the material down his hips, she licked the cone all the way around.

"Think you'll want me to?" she countered with a wicked gleam in her eyes at the same time she let her legs fall wide open in a sexy invitation.

Duncan's amber eyes darkened. He took the cone from her and touched the sweet cream to her nipples before sliding the cool treat across her belly and down between her legs.

Rose's body trembled all over when he handed her the cone.

His hungry gaze locked with hers as he lowered his mouth to her nipple and spoke in her mind. Let's finish it together, a ghra.

About the Author

Born and raised in the southeast, Patrice has been a fan of romance novels since she was thirteen years old. While she reads many types of books, romance novels will always be her mainstay, saying, "I guess it's the idea of a happy ever after that draws me in."

Patrice welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora's Cave Publishing at 1056 Home Ave., Akron, OH 44310.

Also by Patrice Michelle

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Kendrians: A Taste for Revenge

Bad in Boots: Harm's Hunger

Bad in Boots: Colt's Choice

Cajun Nights anthology

Dragon's Heart

Ellora's Cavemen: Tales from the Temple II anthology

Hearts Are Wild anthology