minutes went by. Then footsteps approached. Darius pulled his shoulders back.

The door opened on a short, russet-skinned woman in a white shirt and jeans. Her wiry black hair was smoothed into a knot at the top of her head. There was more gray in it than he remembered. Her eyes, however, were as sharp as ever. They took him in, stopped on his face.

Her lips parted. "Darius?"

Darius inclined his head stiffly. "Hey, J."

She didn't speak, just stared at him. Minutes dragged by. Darius waited. His insides twisted, untwisted, twisted again.

The woman's lips pulled into a slow smile. "Well, if it isn't the prodigal son." Joy finally washed over her face. She opened her arms. "Get over here, boy, and give me a hug."

Darius swallowed the sudden lump inthe soft spot just underneath it. Georgia shivered. The tension in her chest shifted lower. Darius trailed his lips down her neck. Fire sparked everywhere they touched. Georgia slid her hand up to his head and cradled him close.

The feel of fingers against her belly made her jump. Darius stopped immediately, started to pull back. Georgia grabbed his wrist. He met her eyes, and she flicked her tongue over her lips. "Don't."

His gaze locked on her mouth. A growl rumbled in his chest, and he kissed her again.

At the same time, he slid his fingertips under the hem of her shirt. Georgia's breath caught. Darius skimmed up her belly, higher. He palmed her breast, and the air flooded from her lungs. She arched into him, a silent plea.