Always

Originally published as A MATTER OF TRUST by Zebra Books.

Dr. Dolittle meets Northern Exposure....

Gordon closed the door behind her and walked woodenly to the bed.

He wanted to forgive Taylor. Desperately. But he couldn't trust

her. If he allowed himself to trust her, she'd have the power to

hurt him. No matter what, he couldn't give her that power ever

again.

The floor creaked just beyond Gordon's door, and he held his

breath as the doorknob turned. His heart thundered and he wanted

desperately to call out to her.

Slowly, the door opened, and Taylor stood framed by firelight.

"Dear God." His gaze drifted down the length of her, savoring

every inch of bare leg. His body sprang to life even as his mouth

formed the words, "Taylor, don't..."

"I've been lying awake, and I can't stop remembering." She padded

barefoot to his bed. "Look at me, Gordon."

He raised his lashes and met her gaze. Something bright and hot

and dangerous burned in her eyes. "Do you know..."

She put her knee on his bed and cupped his cheek with one hand,

then brought her other knee onto his bed and framed his face with

both hands. "I only know this," she whispered, leaning closer to

cover his mouth with hers.

Gordon held his breath as she pulled him closer, stroking his

lips with her tongue until he growled and wrapped his arms around

her to tug her down on top of him.

He should hate her. He should fight this.

He couldn't.