Absolutely, Positively

mansion.

    Molly had no trouble guessing his thoughts. Her home looked like the work of a seriously deranged architect. It was a bizarre collection of Gothic arches and Victorian flourishes. The perfect setting for a mad scientist.

    “Interesting,” was all Harry said as he opened Molly's car door.

    She smiled as she got out. “Be honest, it bears a striking resemblance to Dr. Frankenstein's castle. What can I say? It's home.”

    “Were you raised in this house?”

    “Yes, indeed. You're looking at the ancestral manor. My parents bought it during a brief spell of Abberwick prosperity thirty years ago. Dad had just patented some new machine tool. He fell in love with this place. Said he needed the space for his workshops. The money didn't last long, of course. It never did with Dad. But somehow we managed to hang on to the house.”

    “I see.”

    Molly gave Harry a second card key. He took it from her as they went up the steps to the front door.

    Molly tried to think of a polite way to end the evening.

    “We didn't finish our earlier conversation,” Harry said as he opened the door.

    “No, we didn't, did we? But we can conclude it some other time. I'm sure you're anxious to get home so that you can chat with your cousin.”

    “He'll keep.” Harry surveyed the vast hall. “I believe you misunderstood something I said earlier about our relationship.”

    Molly stepped over the threshold and turned to face him with her brightest smile. “Don't worry. I've decided not to fire you.”

    Harry propped one shoulder against the doorjamb and folded his arms. “Is that a fact?”

    “Yes, it is,” Molly said briskly. “You're right when you say that there's not a lot of choice when it comes to the sort of consulting expertise that I require.”

    “I'm glad to know that you're aware of that.”

    “So it appears I'm stuck with you.”

    “Nothing like feeling needed.”

    “However, I want to make it clear that things cannot continue to go on as they have for the past month. We must make some real progress.”

    “I agree.” Harry moved.

    Molly was in his arms before she even realized his intention. He covered her startled mouth with his own and crushed her close to his lean, hard body.

    For an instant she was too surprised to react. She inhaled the warm, male scent of him. It acted like a powerful drug on her senses. She could feel the strength in his arms and the sleek power in his body. She could also feel the hard bulge in his close-fitting trousers.

    Harry wanted her.

    The knowledge inspired the choir of female hormones that had been humming inside Molly all evening. They burst into full-throated song once more.

    Molly wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into the kiss with a soft sigh of delight. Harry groaned softly and tightened his hold on her. Excitement welled up within her. A delicious warmth stole into the lower portions of her body.

    “Inside,” Harry muttered into her mouth. He urged her back through the doorway.

    Molly grabbed his shoulders to steady herself.

    “Let me get the door closed,” Harry said hoarsely.

    Molly ignored him. He was nibbling on her ear, and it felt wonderful. Nothing had ever felt so terrific. She heard the door finally crash shut.

    Harry swung her around and crowded her up against the nearest wall. He leaned over her and planted his strong, elegant hands on either side of her head, caging her. He kissed her throat and the hollow of her shoulder.

    “Molly. I knew it would be good, but I didn't realize…God, I want you.” Harry deepened the kiss.

    Molly thought she would collapse. Harry thrust his foot deliberately between her ankles, easing her legs apart. Molly felt herself grow damp even though he still had his hands flattened against the wall. She shivered.

    She was quivering. Trembling. The sensation awed her. She had never actually trembled with desire. She had assumed the phrase was nothing more than poetic imagery. Harry seemed to be shaking a little, himself, which was even more interesting.

    He trailed kisses along the line of her jaw all the way to her ear. “Take off your jacket.” His voice was that of the devil at midnight, dark, seductive, infinitely compelling. “Please.”

    Molly nearly went under for the third time. Somewhere in the distance the rational part of her brain was struggling to be heard. She thought it was yelling something along the lines ofget a grip , but it was difficult to be certain. An