"I'm sure you have many questions," Anders said quietly, almost stiltedly. "But do you feel safe enough with me to go have that brunch we planned on, and then hit the grocery store?" "You're kidding, right?" she asked with disbelief. He looked uncertain. "No." "Geez," Valerie muttered and pointed out, "I just woke up from passing out after jumping your bones. I think you can take it that I feel pretty safe around you." "Oh." Anders grinned, but then said, "Well, one doesn't necessarily mean the other. The shared pleasure is pretty addictive. You might not have been able to help yourself." "Because of your superior lovemaking skills?" she teased, remembering his words from earlier that morning in her bedroom. "Exactly," he said and walked over to pull her against his chest with a chuckle. "Oh no," Valerie said, ducking the kiss he tried to grace her with. "That leads right back to getting naked which is awesome, but I need food. My stomach is killing me." Concern crossed Anders's face. "I'm sorry. I should have realized. Come. We'll leave right away." Valerie smiled crookedly as he urged her toward the door. She liked his caring and concern. She could get used to it, she thought as they walked out to the SUV and got in."