"What time is it?" she yawned.

"Nearly midday! Hell, how did we sleep so late?"

"We didn't leave that nightclub until four," she said, leaning against his chest, her eyes closed. "Then, when we got back-"

He grinned. "Yes," he said slowly, and they both laughed.

"Where do you keep the coffee?" she asked. "I can never remember.''

"I'll make it," he said hastily, guiding her to a chair. "You sit down and let me wait on you."

She gave him a sleepy smile. "Not too much cream, please.''

"As though 1 didn't know how to care for your figure by now," he said, starting to grind coffee.

She opened the robe wide, giving him a grandstand view of her perfect shape. "It takes work to keep it like this," she observed.

He grinned. "Cover yourself up. I'm still worn-out after last night."

"No, you're not. You're never worn-out, Luke." She came up behind him and put her arms about him, pressing close in a way that nearly made him drop a spoon. "And I'm not worn-out, either-at least, not with you."

"I noticed that," he said, smiling, as some of the riper moments of the night came back to him.

"We go so well together-in every way." When he didn't answer she gave him a squeeze and persisted, "Don't you think so?"

Luke was glad she couldn't see his face right then. A life spent avoiding commitment had left him with antennae on permanent red alert. They were yelling now, warning him where this conversation was leading, telling him that the next few moments would be crucial if his pleasant life was to remain pleasant.

"1 know we go perfectly together in one way." he said lightly. Turning, he kissed the tip of her nose. "And who needs more?"

She pouted. "Sooner or later, everyone needs more."

Oh, Lord, she's going to take it right down to the line!

"Not this baby," he said, still keeping his tone friendly. He kissed her again, this time on the lips. "Let's not spoil a beautiful friendship."