Chapter 3

Jaina emerged from the shower in a cloud of steam, a smile on her face, almost an hour later. She was toweling her hair dry with a large, midnight blue towel, the fabric soft against her scalp and hands, deliberately dawdling to give Kyp time to cool off. "Kyp? I'm out."

She continued to dry her hair, walking into the living room. "Kyp?"

She couldn't hear him on the main level, the cracking of the fire the only sound as a piece of wood popped. "Kyp?" She placed the towel over the back of the couch, going to peak in the kitchen. The pots gently bubbled, delicious aromas mingling together, but there was no Kyp. She laughed, shaking her head as she turned to the nook where a table was set for two, the wilted roses and lillies claiming the dubious position of center piece. Though, she had to admit the colors complimented the display. She ran a finger across the rim of one crystal goblet, feeling her heart swell. He really did care.

"Kyp, where are you?" She turned away reluctantly, going back into the main living room. She frowned, stretching out with the Force. Of course; he was upstairs. She paused at the base of the steps, looking up into the rafters. Did she dare interrupt him in his bedroom?

She grinned suddenly. Of course she dared. She took the steps two at a time, her earlier reluctance forgotten, and stopped at the small landing only long enough to knock on the door.

It swung open under her hand and her jaw dropped.

His back was too her, sweat glistening off his skin, as his head swung around in surprise.

She swallowed, her gaze dropping to his feet and climbing slowly.

Bare feet, his strong toes grasping the carpet underneath, black leggings, a shade too loose to be considered indecent encasing well honed, muscled legs. Bare torso.

She swallowed again, her mouth going dry.

Bare torso, his back muscles rippling as he turned to look at her, revealing as equally a well muscled chest. His strong neck, leading to a face full of character. Well formed lips, with laugh and smile lines, eyes that hinted at crows feet to the side, his clear, polished jade colored orbs regarding her in surprise. His hair dipped down across his forehead roguishly, black streaked with silver strands she hadn't noticed before.

She gripped the door jamb, trying to get the starch back into her knees. "Kyp..."

Kyp observed her reaction and his lips tilted into an amuse half-smile. "Do you need something, goddess?"

She licked her lips. You. She shook her head. "I... I..."

"Nexu got your tongue?"

She flushed, closing her eyes against his powerful pull on her senses. "Could you... put some clothes on?"

"I'm dressed, what's on your mind?"

She squeezed her eyes more tightly closed. What was on her mind? Something that he would probably never believe but was totally appropriate, and yet inappropriate for her current location. She pushed the thought away with difficulty, unable to remember why she'd been searching for him in the first place.

"Jaina?"

She peaked at him through her lashes, noting that he was coming towards her, but hadn't put anything on over his chest. Force, she didn't need another reason to be attracted to him. He already drew her, had been drawing her since before she'd met Jag, and now he was gorgeous under his robes too? Force, but she was in trouble.

Kyp stopped advancing, sensing her distress, and noting that it was steadily rising with his approach. He forced himself not to smile, enjoying the power over her state of mind. "Jaina, are you alright?"

"No."

At least she could be honest.

"Why not?"

She waved one hand at him weakly. "Please put something on."

"Am I that revolting to you?"

She shook her head wildly, cracking the side of it against the door jamb with the violent motion and stumbling as she fought to keep on her feet.

Kyp leapt forward, his arms encircling her before she was able to regain her balance, and she was pulled against that wonderfully sculpted, bare chest. Her breathing caught in her throat as she felt his warm skin against her hands, almost electric in its effect.

Jaina felt her world spin, her head beginning to throb as the impact registered belatedly. She felt her feet leave the ground as Kyp swung her around and placed her into soft, crisp sheets all in one motion. The pillow under her head was soft and smelled of Kyp. A mysterious scent, rich yet exotic and somehow comforting in its commonality; sweat and masculine pheromones. It was a heady combination. She couldn't help but wonder just how long he'd been in the cabin for the pillow to smell like him.

She idly remembered her examination of Jag that morning and amended it. Almost Perfection. Kyp was pure perfection. A combination of confidence and caring so artfully arranged that he'd drawn her so completely he'd spoiled her for any other man. Yes, he had his flaws, but he was perfect for her.

It was a shame she hadn't seen that perfection, hadn't acknowledged it, until after she'd been involved with someone else. A clone of his no less, what must he think of her?

Her mind wandered and she felt his hands, rough from years of work, yet gentle in their touch, as they examined her head. She felt as if she were floating, lost in a cloudy sky without the pull of the gravity compensators. Almost as if she were flying in space again.

"Jaina?"

She turned her head slowly towards his voice, loving how it echoed in her head and reverberated through her body. "Hmmm?"

"Jaina, stay with me, you've knocked your head pretty good."

She tried to lift her hand, and frowned when it felt like lead weights. "I'm not going anywhere, Kyp. Not that I finally have you where I want you."

He chuckled. "I think that's the other way around, goddess."

She stuck her tongue out at him, glad he could laugh. "Quit calling me that and get your shapely tush on the bed."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Shapely tush?"

"Kyyyyp!" She wined his name. "My head hurts."

"It must, you're complimenting me."

She opened her eyes wider, feeling something cool touch her forehead. "Where'd you get that?"

"It flew to me,"

"Cheater."

He smirked. "Why bother leaving your pleasant company? It's not often I get such a gracious compliment."

"You have a cute butt," she winked at him, feeling the ache starting to diminish, but she felt like she was in a dream. "I never knew you were so ripped either."

He blinked in surprise. "You must not be feeling good, should I get the medic?"

She tried to roll but he caught her so the wash cloth wouldn't fall off her forehead. She settled for rolling her eyes, the fuzzy edges of her vision starting to diminish. "Give the man a compliment and he can't believe it. You're gorgeous, Kyp Durron. Is my mouth running away with me again?"

He chuckled, "I think so. I need to get you delirious more often; it's good for my ego."

She made to stick her tongue out at him but ended up yawning instead. He smoothed her hair down. "Take a nap, Jaina, I'll wake you in a couple of hours when dinner is ready."

"You sure?"

He left his hand on her hair, adding Force compulsion to his voice. "I insist."

Her eyes drifted shut. "Anything for my Kyp... anything..."

He watched as she drifted into sleep, checking to make sure her breathing was even before shaking his head and letting out a long breath. What a woman! He reached for his shirt, shrugging into it casually and doing up the buttons while he examined Jaina's peaceful face.

Jaina, the woman he'd been dreaming of for years now, was finally in his bed. Her hair was spread out across his pillow, her face relaxed in sleep. He chuckled. Ok, so he hadn't imagined needing to have her hit her head first to get her there, but maybe, some day, that wouldn't be a necessity.

His laugh was self mocking as he turned away to go check on their dinner. "With the effect you have on women, Durron, who needs a war?"

The door clicked closed behind him.