Gift of Gold

times you made love to me. There is a pattern here, isn’t there?”
    He frowned at her, confused. “What are you talking about?”
    She shrugged, the action causing her nipples to push against the sheet. “I’m talking about the fact that the only times you’ve ever made love to me were after a trip into that damn corridor. It seems to have a distinct effect on your libido. You haven’t shown any interest in me outside of those two occasions, unless you count that kiss in the spa.”
    Jonas was stunned. “Are you telling me that your libido got overcharged tonight due to that test we ran?”
    She shifted her gaze toward the ceiling and pretended to yawn. “This is going to be one unusual affair if it turns out the only time we get sexually excited is after a trip into the corridor.”
    Rage flared in Jonas. “I told you I wanted you that first night down in Mexico. I wanted you that night we kissed in the spa. And I’ve wanted you every night in between.”
    “Really? Then how come we only wind up in bed on the nights you play psychic time voyager?” she asked quietly.
    “Probably because those are the times when my self-control is at its weakest,” Jonas grated. “The rest of the time I’ve tried to take things easy and not push you. Don’t you understand? Going into the corridor doesn’t by itself make me horny. I never got a hard-on during all those tests at Vincent. My physical reaction is connected with you, not the psychometry.”
    “Is that right?” She looked dubious.
    “Damn right. What about you? What was it that got you so excited tonight?”
    “Relief, I suppose,” she said with a sigh.
    “Relief at getting through the test?”
    She shook her head on the pillow. “No. Relief that you didn’t get shot inside that corridor.” The wary, teasing tone was gone from her voice. Verity’s expression was very serious as she stared up at the ceiling. “I thought you were going to get killed in there. When we got out, all I wanted to do was throw myself on top of you and reassure myself that we were both all right.”
    Jonas pondered her answer. “I told you, I wasn’t in any danger.”
    “I know what you told me.”
    He drummed his fingers impatiently on her sheet-covered thigh. “You’re saying you jumped on me out of a sense of relief after what we’d gone through in the tunnel?”
    “Something like that. I’m not sure I can explain it completely.”
    “And you’ve been assuming I get turned on enough to take you to bed only after I’ve been into the corridor?” he persisted, wanting to get the facts straight before he decided what to do next. “You think this affair of ours is dependent on frequent use of my psychometry?”
    “Well, it does appear that way, doesn’t it? Be honest, Jonas. You’ve admitted that the only reason you followed me out of Mexico was because of my connection to your talent. You wouldn’t have hunted me down if you thought the only thing you’d missed that night was a good lay.”
    “I ought to take a belt to your sweet ass, lady. Talk about jumping to conclusions.” Jonas was infuriated by the fact that part of what she said was absolutely true. He had come after her because of the mystery. And he had made love to her only on the occasions when he’d made a trip into the corridor.
    “Don’t yell at me, Jonas. I’m just stating facts.” She smiled wistfully and touched his cheek. “I don’t want to argue. Not tonight. I’m much too glad to have you here safe. Let’s forget about the facts and all the reasons we got together and just enjoy being together. You’ll go away one of these days and I want to be able to say I took full advantage of my first love affair. After all, given the statistics, I may never have another one.”
    Anger mixed with a sudden flare of guilt. “Why do you say I’ll go away?”
    “Men like you always move on. You’re like Dad. You don’t really want responsibility or long-term commitment. Don’t worry. I knew that going into this affair. I had my eyes wide open. Besides, I’m not looking for marriage anyway. I’ve told you that, so relax. I’m planning on growing into a bossy, independent, tyrannical old lady. A real shrew. But at least I won’t be an old maid.”
    “Verity, this is getting all mixed up. I don’t think I like being written off as useless in the long run. And I don’t like your assumption that I’m staying here only because of your ability to anchor me when I go into that