“Five?” She nodded. “I’m in.”

Competitive, Parker thought as she stretched out on her mat to start her ab work. Well, she couldn’t fault either of them for that. She was competitive herself—and was already wishing she’d done an extra couple of miles just because they were.

They looked so good together. Did they realize it? Not just the physical looks, she mused as she switched to leg scissors. But the way they moved, the way they connected.

She wanted them to be good together. More, she wanted them to be right together so much it was nearly painful.

She’d wanted that rightness for Mac and Emma, too, but this was more. This was her brother, and her sister in everything but blood. These were two of the most important people in her life, and she wanted, so much, for them to be happy. To be happy together would be like a gift for her nearly as much as it would be for them.

She believed, absolutely, that each person, each heart, had a counterpart—had a mate. A rightness. She’d always believed it, and understood that unshakable belief was a reason she was good at what she did.

“One down!” Laurel announced.

“You started before I did.”

“Not my problem.”

“Fine.” Parker watched Del dig in. “No more nice guy.”

Shaking her head, Parker started another set of crunches.

They’d passed mile three with Del taking the lead when Mac dragged herself in.

“There it is.” She bared her teeth at the Bowflex. “The enemy.” She scowled at Parker, who finished up her session with basic yoga poses to stretch out. “You’re already finished, aren’t you? I can tell by that smug look on your face.”

Parker put her palms together in prayer position. “My face reflects the centered peace of my mind and body.”

“Up yours, Parks. Hey, don’t look now but there’s a man in here.”

“They’re in a five-mile competition.”

“Jesus, why? Why would anyone want to puff on that monster for five miles? So, hey, what do you think?” She did a turn to show off her sports tank and cropped yoga pants. “I broke down and bought some buff-yourself-up outfits. To inspire myself.”

“Pretty and functional. Good for you.” Parker ended with a handstand that had Mac craning her head.

“Now that I have the outfit, do you think I can do that?”

“I’ll spot you if you want to try.”

“No, better not. I’ll hurt myself and I’m supposed to call Carter for a swim when I finish my self-imposed torture. Have you seen him swim?”

“Mmm.” Parker did an upside down split, then righted herself. “I might have caught a glimpse while stepping out on the terrace. Not that I was ogling, of course.”

“He’s worth an ogle. He’s pretty cute in his trunks. But the thing is, he gets in the water and suddenly he’s Mister Grace instead of Professor Klutz.” After setting the machine, she started with biceps curls. “Why is that?”

“Maybe because there’s nothing solid to run into or trip over in the water.”

“Hmm, that could be it. Anyway, when I finish abusing myself here, Carter and I are taking a morning swim. Swimming’s a civilized exercise. It’s probably the only one. Speaking of pretty cute,” she added, lowering her voice as she jerked her chin at the elliptical machines. “They are.”

Parker nodded as she hooked the towel around her neck, then gulped down water. “I was thinking the same thing earlier.” She checked her watch. “You know, I’ve got just enough time to sneak in a quick swim myself before I start the day. Ten o’clock consult, full staff.”

“I’ve got it.”

“See you then. Oh, Mac?Your shoulders look awesome.”

“Seriously?” Mac’s face brightened with pleasure and hope. “You’re not just saying that because you love me and I’m suffering?”

“Awesome,” Parker repeated, then walked out to get her swimsuit.

“Awesome,” Mac muttered and switched to her triceps.

“Mile four.” Del grabbed his water and drank deep. “Oh, look, you’re behind.”

“I’m saving myself for the kick.” Laurel swiped sweat from her face. No way she’d catch him, she thought, but she could make him work for it.

She glanced over. He’d sweated through the T-shirt in a dark vee that had lust curling in her belly. She used it to push herself a little harder.

His hair had darkened at the temples, and the damp brought out those sexy curls. His arms gleamed; muscles bunched.

He’d taste salty, she thought. He’d be slippery under her hands. That energy, that strength and endurance would be over her, under her, all around her. In her.

Her breath began to quicken from more than the exertion, and she hit mile four.

He looked at her, and she saw in his eyes what was quivering inside her. That drumming, primal need. Her pulse pounded along with the music, her skin hummed along with the machines. Beat slapped into quick beat.

She smiled slowly, spoke breathlessly. “I’m coming up on you.”

“You don’t have enough left to take me.”

“I’ve got plenty left.”

“You’re winded.”

“You, too. I can finish strong. Can you?”

“Watch me.”

Across the room, Mac rolled her eyes, and deciding there were some things even the closest of friends shouldn’t be part of, slipped out of the room.

Neither Laurel nor Del noticed, or gave her a single thought.

He slowed, just a little, and she understood the competition was over, and the sexual dance—hot and primitive—had begun.

They’d finish together.

“Let’s see your kick,” he demanded.

“You want it?”

“Yeah, I want it.”

“Then come get it.” She bore down, hard, driving herself until she was both thrilled and astonished to feel that dark pleasure build inside her. When he once more matched his pace to hers, she heard herself moan.

Closing her eyes she let it come, let it ride through her, all the hot and grinding need, all the aching anticipation.

They hit the finish together.

Breath fast and ragged, she opened her eyes to look at him. Her throat burned with a thirst water wouldn’t quench. She stepped off on unsteady legs.