He remembered the first time he’d met her. Even then he’d been unable to decide which he admired more-her spirit or her beauty. His dilemma had not changed.

“Those seem to be the salient points,” he said.

“Great. I need more coffee.”

She took a step and stumbled on the uneven ground. He reached for her, grabbing her arm and holding her upright. She reached for him with her free hand-to steady herself, he was sure-which left them standing very close.

He found himself staring into her brown eyes. He could feel the warmth and enticing curves of her body. Her mouth called to him. Whatever else might or might not have happened with Mia, he had always wanted her. Apparently time apart hadn’t changed that fact. How convenient.

“Mia,” he whispered.

“Don’t even think about it,” she told him, but she didn’t move away.

“Why would I think when action is so much more pleasurable?” he asked as he lowered his mouth to hers.

Her breath caught. She stiffened but stayed in his arms.

Then a loud voice cut through the morning and broke the mood completely.

“Step away from my sister. Do it slowly and I probably won’t shoot you in the back.”

2

Rafael straightened but didn’t move away. Mia took advantage of his momentary distraction and stepped back so she could look at Joe.

Sure enough, her former Navy SEAL brother held a mean-looking handgun inches from Rafael’s back. While she appreciated Joe’s concern about her safety and that he was willing to be all macho and protective, she wasn’t sure shooting the father of her son was an especially good idea. Not yet, anyway. Although she kind of liked seeing Rafael at the business end of a gun.