He brushed her cheek with his thumb, his eyes full of something she couldn’t define. Shifting his body, he nudged her legs apart with his knee.
Yes, what she waited for. His hand slid down to circle her sensitive bud with his palm. Her eyelids grew heavy, but she stayed focused on his flushed features. Her legs quivered as he parted them further.
She jerked, awareness climbing from the tips of her toes to spread through her entire body. “Jesse, please.”
Poised to enter her, he whispered. “What, sweetheart, tell me what you want.”
“I want you. Please, don’t wait.”
Their fingers intertwined as he slid into her warmth until fully seated. Tori arched, meeting him, relishing the fullness. Aware of every place their bodies touched.
He slid in and out, taking his time. She grew frantic, edging him on. Jesse eyed her, sweat beading his forehead as he held back. “I don’t want to hurt the baby.”
“You won’t.”
“How do you know?”
“Trust me.”
Close, her body prepared for what it craved. She tossed her head, helpless in her need. He calmed her with soft caresses, cupping her face to deepen their kiss. The thrust of his tongue imitated the movements of his body. Pleasure swelled, and she tightened like a coiled spring ready to release. Lights flashed behind her eyes as her muscles clenched, and waves of heat and pleasure engulfed her. Jesse thrust faster now. A guttural groan burst from deep inside his chest. He hugged her close, burying his face in her silky hair, as the warm liquid left his body and entered hers.
The beat of his heart pounded against her breasts as he gasped for air. Before she could focus on what had happened, he rolled and pulled her to his chest. Her bones had all melted. The cool air on her backside soon turned to a chill.
“Are you cold, honey?” He brushed wet ringlets of hair from her forehead, and reached to pull the blankets at her nod. Neither spoke as they lay in a tight embrace, their breathing and heartbeats growing steady.
Jesse kissed her forehead. “Tori, let’s discuss the baking tomorrow.” From a great distance, his voice slid over her sated body like fine silk as she floated into sleep.
Tori blinked rapidly at the bright sun in her eyes from the window next to her. Dust motes danced in the streaming sunrays. Jesse curled around her, his breathing tickling her neck.
She sat up, confused. Then remembered Jesse’s declaration that she would spend the night in his bed, his bedroom, his house. So he’d won a round.
Maybe two rounds. She wore his wedding ring. But nothing else. She gasped and pulled the sheet to her neck, making a move to get up.
“Where you going, darlin’?” Jesse mumbled, pulling her close to him.
“It’s late. I need to get to work. Oh goodness, Mrs. Bonner will be beside herself.”
“That’s fine, as long as you stay beside myself for a while longer.” He shifted and nibbled her neck.
She swatted him away. “Stop that. I have to get to work. And where in heaven’s name are my clothes?”
“Missing, I hope.” He resumed his assault on her neck.
“Jesse, stop. I have to leave.”
He laid back down with a sigh. “No, you don’t. You have the day off.”
“What!” She twisted around to glare at him.
“I arranged with Pastor Dave’s wife to do your baking. And there is a substitute teacher at school today. Call it a honeymoon if you will.”
“You can’t give me a day off. I’m the only one who can do that, so tell me where my clothes are so I can get out of here.”
“Nope.”
“Don’t do this. I’m serious. I need to get to work.” Nausea mixed with rising panic engulfed her. He was taking control, taking away her independence.
“Honey, you can take one day off. I closed my law office with work backed up from my trip. We’ll pack a picnic lunch and go for a ride out of town. Relax. Enjoy ourselves. See what it feels like to make love in the tall grass.” His voice deepened, and her heart quickened.