Expecting Thunder's Baby. Sheri WhiteFeather

to see who was visiting them. The dog followed along. So did Thunder. He liked watching Carrie. He liked the way she moved, the way her hips rocked.

      She turned, then blindsided him with a question. “How long has it been since you’ve been with someone?”

      He tried not to wince, to let his discomfort show. He didn’t keep score. But he always played it safe. He used condoms and got regular HIV tests. “I’m not going to answer something like that.”

      She pressed the issue. “Why not? Because it’s only been a month? A week? A few days?”

      “A few days? How would that be possible? I’ve been sleeping here.”

      “In the barn?”

      “At my parents’ house, smarty.”

      “I don’t want to bump into your current lover in California, Thunder. I don’t want to get into a catfight with some jealous blonde.”

      He couldn’t help but smile. “Does that mean you’re coming home with me?”

      “No. It just means that I’m assessing the situation.”

      His smile fell. “There isn’t anyone who’s going to be jealous. I’ve never been involved with a woman who’s cared about me that much.” He paused, reached out to touch her, to brush his knuckles along her jaw. “No one but you.”

      “And look what happened.” She covered his hand with hers. “We lost everything.”

      “But we’re keeping it light this time. We’re embarking on friendship.”

      “And sex, if you get your way.”

      “Sex doesn’t have to be complicated.” He leaned in to kiss her, to taste what he’d been missing, but she slipped away.

      Leaving him hanging, waiting and wondering what her final answer would be.