Page 63 of Love By a Landslide

Rolling to his side, Jonathan propped up on his elbow, gazing down at Lucy, who looked as serene as could be with her eyes closed and hands resting on her belly.

“I could lay here all day,” she hummed.

“So could I.” But it had very little to do with the scenery. Sure, the lake was glorious. And the solitude was a welcome change from the crowds in Leavenworth during tourist season. But the real beauty and draw came from the woman lying next tohim, cheeks awash with a rosy glow and freckles.

She must have sensed his gaze because she wasn’t surprised to see him looking down at her. In the glowing sunlight, her emerald eyes were especially brilliant.

“What?” she asked breathlessly.

“You are extraordinary.” It didn’t do her justice, though. That word, extraordinary. She was beyond that. From the hair on her head to the tip of her toes, inside and out. Her laugh. Her heart. Her inability to quit. In his eyes no one could compare.

“You’re ridiculous or drunk.” Lucy sat up and pulled at his shoulder exaggeratedly to look behind him. “Are you hiding an extra beer back there? And if so, why aren’t you sharing with—”

She stopped as he sat up and took her wrist, bringing her fingers to his lips. He placed a single kiss on each one and lowered her hand to the middle of his chest. “Don’t,” he implored. “Don’t diminish how impressive you are. You, Lucy O’Malley, are one of a kind.” His heart pounded wildly like it might burst from his chest if he didn’t confess his feelings—whatever they were—for her. “I don’t know what this is, but you must feel it. There’s no way you don’t.”

Damp waves curled about her face as she focused on where her palm met his bare chest. Once merely warm from the sun, his skin was now ablaze from her touch. He was branded. No matter what came of this, he would bear the mark of her.

“I’m . . .” Lucy trailed off, still not making eye contact.

“What is it?” Jonathan cooed. “Tell me.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m a little scared,” she confessed, nibbling on her lower lip.

So am I.

“Of what, sunshine?” He reached up and cupped his hand along her jaw, sweeping a lock of hair behind her ear. She leaned into his touch. Jonathan’s mind jumped back to the momentsfollowing the landslide. Lucy had been afraid then too. The memory made his heart ache. He never wanted her to be unsafe again. The urge to protect her was primal.

“Of what this could be,” she said quietly, finally looking up at him. “I’m afraid because this is all so much so fast.” Her words flowed quickly. “I’ve never felt attraction so intensely before, and I’m worried that it’s because of this disaster we survived. Last night, I wanted you—I still want you—but now I’m not so . . . clouded by lust.” She released a self-effacing chuckle. “What if it’s all a ruse, and when we get back, we come to our senses? What if this is a mistake?”

“But what if it’s not? I’m scared too. I haven’t opened myself up to someone since Cynthia. But with you, the same clarity keeps circling back around and I imagine us together and it makes me brave. Think of how good it could be.” Jonathan linked his fingers with hers but kept them pressed to his chest as though he needed her to feel his unconscious reaction to her touch. “Lucy, take the risk with me.”

Her eyes darted wildly between each of his, searching for . . . what? Reassurance? Truth?

“Jump with me, sunshine.” His voice was a hoarse whisper.

Lucy closed the distance between them and crushed her lips to his. Jonathan let out a grateful moan and pulled her close against his chest. Her heart beat just as wildly as his, and he rejoiced at the discovery.

Chapter thirty-two

Lucy

Lucy took the leap.

Her lips landed heavily on Jonathan’s, and she molded her body against his radiant heat. He ran his hand up her back and into her hair, tilting her head to deepen the kiss while his other arm tightened around her waist. Lucy let out a quivering moan. Just like that, the fear was gone. She was there, in the moment, with Jonathan. And oh god, it felt so good. So right. The abrupt ending from the night before had left her with a deep, heavy ache. An unsatisfied longing carried over and nagged incessantly. She wanted this. Wantedhimall to herself.

Reaching up, Lucy steadied a hand on Jonathan’s solid shoulder and pressed him back. He responded instantly to the gentle pressure. Pulling away, his chest heaved with ragged breath. Lucy met his eyes, and the desire on his face mirrored her emotions. Except, the hunger was laced with disappointment that she’d broken the contact. But as she carefully pushed him backward and climbed astride his waist, his pupils dilated, nearly edging out the dark, golden irises.

Perched atop him, exhilaration infused her to the core, giving her the heady sensation of sexual awakening. She’d never experienced the thrill of empowerment with other partners. Instead, she tended to follow as a passive participant, responding to direction and trailing the course they led. Who was this brazenwoman? And what was it about this man that emboldened her to grasp the reigns and lead?

She took in everything about her sexy guide—his dark golden hair, even darker stubble that called attention to a sharp, masculine jaw, the dark lines and blurred shadows of the mountain range painted across his chest and shoulder. Jesus. The man was unbelievably stunning. And the way he looked at her made her melt like an abandoned bowl of ice cream in the sun. She was quickly becoming a sweet, dripping mess for him.

Awe and appreciation washed over his features as his big hands made a featherlight path from her knees, up her thighs, up the soft skin of her sides. Lucy clenched her abdominal muscles and let out a little shriek of laughter.

“Ticklish, are we?” The usual silky tenor of his voice was husky with lust and amusement.

The slight vibrations of his deep chuckle made Lucy squirm. “Perhaps. Are you?” she asked as his touch inched up toward her breasts. She batted his hands away and held up her pointer finger, wiggling it from side to side like a metronome. Obediently, he settled his hands back on her thighs as he watched her, transfixed.

That’s right, I’m in charge.

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