In the spacious sunny yellow kitchen, Caroline found the scent of coffee wasn’t just the remains of last night. A fresh pot, along with a plate of scones and a bowl of fresh fruit salad waited for her. She helped herself to the salad and coffee, wondering where Lucky was.

“Good morning.” Lucky entered the kitchen and leaned against the edge of the breakfast bar where Caroline was eating. Caroline met her gaze, finding tired brown eyes.

Her chest warmed and butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

“You didn’t sleep much,” she said.

“No, but you seemed to have rested well,” Lucky said with a little smile. “That’s a good thing. You and Gail both looked tuckered.”

“Emotionally drained,” Caroline corrected and speared a blueberry and held the fork out to Lucky. “Have you eaten at least?”

Lucky leaned in and closed her lips over the fork. The full, well-shaped mouth that made her wet.

She tore her gaze away to rest on Lucky’s brown stare. Lucky’s gaze darkened and Caroline shivered.

“I had a scone. You should try one. They’re really good. The bakery is fantastic.”

Caroline picked up a strawberry slice and held it out to Lucky and Lucky took it, nipping her finger lightly.

“The berries are nice and sweet, aren’t they?” Caroline asked as she leaned toward Lucky. Her skin fairly pulsed and her nipples hardened.

“Yes.” Lucky didn’t draw back and Caroline kissed her. Lucky moaned and she reached up to cup Lucky’s nape.

The sweetness of the berries burst onto her tongue, melding with the kiss as their tongues tangled. Lazily, Lucky tasted her and Caroline pushed her fingers into Lucky’s hair to clench in the softness.

Lucky broke the kiss and Caroline’s eyes fluttered open to meet the hungry stare.

“So are you,” Lucky said breathlessly.

“Give me a chance,” Caroline said in a pleading tone. “I can’t go back to my life the way it was after those two months with you. I know what it feels like for the first time to really be in love.”

“Cari.” Lucky cupped her face and pressed a kiss to Caroline’s lips before straightening.

Fear flashed in Lucky’s gaze before it slipped away.

Caroline’s stomach tightened in anger with herself for hurting this handsome woman who’d done nothing but let her in and treat her with respect.

“I mean it. I don’t know if we can make this work, but I want to try,” Caroline whispered. The ache inside her chest was like a gaping whole without Lucky.

“And how long before you tell your family that?”

“Not long. A few weeks. I promise, Lucky. Nothing is more important to me than being with you.”

Lucky sighed, her expression guarded. “Let’s play it by ear. No promises from either of us.”

“I won’t disappoint you, I promise,” Caroline said, reaching out and capturing Lucky’s hand.

“Don’t lead me on just because you’re lonely,” Lucky said quietly. “I’d rather know you’re using me for sex. Then, I can either enjoy the moment or let it pass.”

“Some people search a lifetime for a fraction of what we had before,” Caroline murmured. “Letting you go now, knowing you’re my knight would be insane. So, don’t be afraid to fall for me again, because I’m not going anywhere.”

Emotions flitted across Lucky’s face before the mask of neutrality settled. “We have to get going,” Lucky said. “Or you’ll have to wait until I get back.”

“What time is it?”

“It’s a quarter to eight. I need to run to the office.”

“I’ll go now,” she said looking forward to the ride alone in Lucky’s company. “I need to get home and change and go to the office myself.”