ut time was short。 Too soon； afternoon arrived and the
moment of parting。
〃Are you sure you won't stay the weekend？〃 Mitch asked。 〃You shouldn't
be driving so far yet。〃 Her car was packed。 They stood beside it。
His wistfulness added to Anne's regret。 〃I wish I could。 But I promised
my folks I'd attend a hospital benefit with them tomorrow night。 I can't
let them down。〃
He wrapped an arm around her。 〃Even if you're letting me down？〃 His eyes
dropped to her lips。 Seconds later he kissed them。 It was a gentle
caress； sweet torture to Anne's reawakening body。 She wound her arms
around his neck and felt him tighten in response。 She was well now。 Her
departure was imminent。 If ever there was a time for ardor； this was it。
The kiss deepened and the fire grew hotter。 With a wildness borne of
desperation； he thrust his tongue deeper into her mouth； and Anne reeled
at the sensation。 She would have happily returned to the house； to that
same bedroom； that same large bed if he'd asked just then。 But he
didn't。
With a shaky breath； he drew back。 He took her hand； pressed something
in it； and closed her fingers。 〃I want you to take this。 It's a key to
the place。 I have a few hectic weeks ahead； but I'll be up again at the
end of March。 If you want to e at any time； I want you to。〃
Anne was deeply touched； but that wasn't the only reason her eyes