Rory couldn't stifle a chuckle, and truth to tell he didn't try too hard. "Never?" he teased gently. "If you say so, sweet. I think it's adorable though."

Glancing down at Pippa made his breath catch just a little. Her fair skin and bright curls looked soft and touchable, still damp from her shower. The bit of weight she'd gained had clearly wound up in all the right places, and her scent ... enticing. She looked much like the Pippa he'd met years ago.

But she wasn't, and he had to remember that. Rory contented himself with tucking a curl behind her ear and letting his fingers trail down the lobe. "Tiberus decided to take his lordly presence elsewhere. You can do whatever you need to without fear of feline attack."