Chapter 42

Cora had no idea how much time had passed when Val finally eased himself off her and collapsed beside her on the bed. His hand gently cradled her face and he used one thumb to wipe a tear off her cheek. Where had that come from?

"You okay?" His voice was gravelly, and she couldn't help feeling a thrill of pride at the tremor in it.

"Yeah." She had to swallow twice before she could manage another word. "Never better."

"Amen to that." He leaned over to gently kiss her swollen lips. "Thank you."

"Mmm. You too." She gave a sleepy yawn before continuing. "But you cheat. Now I have to go with you, who could resist a whole weekend of that?"

"Not me, that's for sure. I'd love to spend the weekend having sex with you." He slipped out of bed and disappeared into her bathroom, though he didn't bother to close the door.

Cora was just beginning to nod off when he came back to bed and pulled the covers up over both of them.

"Sorry," she murmured. "I know it's too early to go to sleep." It was