His voice rasped with emotion in her ear.“Jane, you’re a goddess.You make me feel strong...virile...empowered.”
She sighed with satisfaction.
Afterward, she lay encircled in his arms, his muscular chest firm beneath her cheek.Her fingers played in his hair, uncurling each soft brown spiral to its full length in fascination before releasing it to resume its former curl.She blushed to think of how she had held him tightly in her arms, kissing him ardently and urging him with her whole body to take his pleasure from her.She had acted like a wanton until he submitted to her wish.Now she was at peace.Perhaps for the first time in her life.
Chapter Eighteen
BOXING DAY WAS THEfirst morning in the week with the weather warm enough for Jonathan to risk riding his favorite horse out of the stable yard.The return to his usual morning routine after his enforced idleness made him as exuberant as his restless mount, but most of it came from the wonder that a night spent in Jane’s arms could bring so much happiness.This week together had fulfilled his every hope that his feelings for Jane would be matched by compatibility in their daily lives.Now he also had proof that their passions were in synchrony.
Jonathan relived that moment last night when Jane had invited him to her bed.He had stood riveted to the Axminster carpet.His gaze had held hers.He’d closed his eyes, blocking the sight of her.Decisions, decisions.It was a hard one.He had wanted her, as he had since he first saw her, but he was an honorable man.
She had bitten her lip and glanced down at their clasped hands before looking up at him again.Longing was in her eyes and determination showed on her face.And her words had proven it.“You’re wrong!”She was so sure.
It was the hardest thing he had done to resist her enticement and lead her from the room.
And then she had insisted.It had been a dream come true and so unexpected.Hope swelled his chest.
When he first met Jane, he had wondered how her loosened hair would curl around her slender shoulders and had tried to envisage how far down her naked back it would drape.Now, he had seen it glimmer in the candlelight as it swung to her waist.Her glorious hair.He had pushed it to one side to kiss her neck.Everything that had followed had been sublime.His happiness was complete.There was no way in which he would contemplate withdrawing from their engagement now.He was a satisfied man.
He turned his horse for home and breakfast, eager to see Jane.Eager for their new relationship.Finally, the woman he wanted and needed to marry returned his love.Astounding!
***
JANE STRETCHED SINUOUSLYin the cozy cocoon of her bed, remembering the night before.Her body felt deliciously alive and energized.She blushed at the thought of the things they had done.
Her Christmas gift lay on the table beside the bed.She reached over to stroke the volume and open its pages, smiling again in remembered joy at receiving the well-considered present.His gift showed he understood and approved of her interests.She now knew that Jonathan was generous, gentle, and kind, but also strong, decisive, and brave when necessary—as his actions to help save Charlotte showed.Their proposed marriage of convenience was going to work.Surely there could be no better man for her.
Jane floated from bed to breakfast room, her thoughts wrapped up in the happiness and experiences of yesterday.Today had a dreamlike quality.
Elizabeth sat at the table, an untouched cup of tea by her side.
Once seated, Jane watched her friend fiddle with her toast, breaking pieces off without eating any of them.Jane began a number of conversations but none led to a sustained chat.Jane finished her breakfast.Elizabeth still fiddled with her food.
Jane set her cup down with a clatter.“Elizabeth, tell me what is the matter.I have never seen you so distracted.”
Elizabeth looked up and apologized for her absorption.“Marcus is meeting with Jonathan in the library to ask him if we may marry.He has been in there half an hour!”
