His tongue seduced hers with an exotic rhythm. She wasn’t sure how long the kiss went on. It could have been hours; it could have been days. She was drunk with champagne and desire, and she never wanted it to end.
He drew back a bit, staring down at her with fire in his eyes. His breathing was harsh and erratic, and he lifted a trembling hand to delicately trace her face.
“Make love to me, Sarah,” he whispered, his voice dark and desperate. “I want to make you mine forever.”
Forever. Against her will, she remembered her last wedding night and the promise of a lifetime together that had been cut heartbreakingly short.
He peeled off his shirt, exposing his broad chest to her appreciative gaze. Forcing thoughts of her first marriage away, she hurried to get out of her own clothing.
She discarded the beautiful dress and hung it carefully on the foot of the bed so it wouldn’t get wrinkled. Then she kicked off her shoes and slid off her delicate lace stockings.
A quick glance at Luke confirmed her wildest dreams. He was completely, gloriously bare. Her gaze drifted down his back and lingered on the taut, rounded perfection of his buttocks. He’d taken off the boot and was steadying himself with one hand on the nightstand, patiently waiting for her to finish.
He turned awkwardly, and a bit of humor softened the hunger in his eyes when she discarded her chemise. “I thought you were exquisite in that dress, but I like you this way even better.”
“I like you better naked, too,” she blurted then looked away as heat suffused her face.
“I’m glad.” He put his hand on her chin and made her look at him. “There’s no one else I’d trust to let see me this way, Sarah. I didn’t expect to ever find someone who would accept the ugliest part of me the way you do.”
She attempted a smile. “Thanks to Matt, we both got exactly what we were looking for.”
Luke looked a bit startled. “I guess you’re right. But let’s not tell him that.”
He pulled her close and brushed his mouth over hers. But before long, his kisses grew frantic. He guided her to the bed, pressing her down into the soft mattress. Then he rolled onto his back, taking her with him until she was straddling his hips, and he was buried deep within her.
She gasped, taken off guard by this new twist. Until she’d met him, she’d thought there was only one way to make love, but he continued to surprise her.
He smiled wickedly and caught her hips, showing her the way to move. “This time you can set the pace,” he whispered. “Show me what feels good to you.”
She was awkward and embarrassed at first, feeling his stare on her breasts and face as she moved against him. But soon the magic she always experienced in his arms flared to life, and she forgot about everything but the way he made her feel.
He lifted his head and caught her nipple between his teeth, gently scoring it as she moved frantically, seeking release. He reached between them, stimulating her with his fingertip as he powered deep within her. The combination of sensations washed over her, and she cried out as he surged deep, adding his soft moan to hers.
* * * * *
LUKE LAY COMPLETELYstill. Even the simple act of breathing seemed to be an effort. Sarah lay atop him, her face pressed into the crook of his shoulder. Never in his life had he known such completion, such peace.
After a long time, he regained enough strength to lift his head and stare down at her. To his shock, tears were streaming down her cheeks.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, wiping her tears away with one fingertip. He’d thought Sarah was enjoying herself as much as he was, but in the end, he’d been so wrapped up in his own bliss he’d ceased to think about hers. He’d pounded into her like a mindless animal.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, spreading kisses of remorse over her lovely face. “I’m so sorry, Sarah. I never meant to hurt you.”
“You didn’t hurt me,” she sobbed, returning his kisses with artless passion. “I’m just crying because I’m so happy.”
“Happy?” He drew back and read the truth of it in her damp green eyes. Relief flooded him. “I thought I’d hurt you.”
“Not at all,” she assured him. “It was just so overwhelming. So consuming.”
Relieved, he pressed his lips to her temple. “Make no mistake, sweetheart. This thing between us is special. I’ve never known anything like it.”
“Never?”
He sensed that she was seeking assurances now, wondering about his relationship with Christine. He wanted to tell her she didn’t need to worry. He’d never made love to his fiancée. He imagined Christine would have been stiff and unyielding, silently daring him instead of eagerly participating.
“Never.” He hugged her tight. “I’m very glad you showed up on my doorstep, sweetheart.”
“Me, too,” she said on a sigh. “I hope you know how grateful I am for all you’ve done for me.”
