They were both wildly out of control as they shed their clothing…and then they were naked, gloriously naked.
Heath’s eyes blazed with desire, with love, as he urged Lily to the berth. They fell together onto the silken sheets, locked together in a sensual tangle, so fierce yet so tender. A shower of heat bathed them when he came into her body and became part of her.
Lily shuddered as Heath filled her to overflowing. The powerful feeling pulsed deep inside her-a happiness so sweet and rare, it felt like shimmering sunlight. She was full to bursting with joy and wonder. And as her body shattered, she carried Heath with her.
When it was over, they clung to each other, breathless and sated, glorying in their joining.
Finally Heath muttered an exhausted oath in her ear. “Damn, but I meant our consummation to go slowly. That was hardly a seduction.”
“No,” Lily agreed weakly. “It was a conflagration.”
They laughed softly into each other’s mouths as they kissed again. Then, easing his weight from her, Heath rolled onto his side and gathered Lily to him with heart-melting care.
“It was worth the wait,” he murmured hoarsely after another long interval. “I never realized that carnal pleasure could be so satisfying.”
“Mmmm,” she agreed dreamily.
It was true, Lily thought as she lay with her cheek against his heartbeat. Their passionate lovemaking as husband and wife was more satisfying, more thrilling, more joyous than as mere lovers.
And while she lay there savoring his warmth, another realization struck her: She was bound to Heath now, yet she had never felt so free. She had found freedom in his arms, much to her amazement. He had taught her about trusting. He had taught her the power of love.
She had no doubts now that their union would prosper. Heath was her husband; her friend and lover for always. The man whose smile could control the rhythm of her heart.
Lily pressed her lips tenderly against the warm bare skin of his chest. Nothing in her life had ever seemed this natural, this right. And when Heath’s arms tightened around her, she sighed at the magic of being treasured by such a special man. She was loved, deeply loved.
No woman could ask for more.
“Have I told you how thankful I am for your persistence?” Lily murmured at last, lifting her head so that she could see his face.
“Not lately, wife. Why don’t you tell me again?”
“I am thankful, Heath. I am profoundly grateful that you would not give up on me. And even more grateful that you came to love me.”
His eyebrow arched. “I have told you countless times, I don’t want your gratitude…but in this case, I will make an exception.”
Slipping his hand behind her nape, Heath favored her with an alluring male smile-that same wickedly charming smile she had come to cherish. “But now, my lovely bride,” he said provocatively, “what of this seduction I promised you?”
Lily flashed him a saucy smile. “Perhaps we should hold a contest to see who can best seduce whom.”
“I am more than willing to compete,” Heath agreed huskily, bringing her mouth closer to his. “But be warned, angel, I intend to win.”
Giving a laugh of elemental satisfaction, she bent her head. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”