From there, the rest of the world melts away. The sounds muffle and Dakota is all I can see. My mouth lands back on hers in a kiss that goes from passionate to frenzied. My body responds automatically. My hands roam her curves, touching and pulling at every inch of clothing, desperate to free her of every article of clothing.

CHAPTER3

WILLIAM

Anticipation coursesthrough me as we slip further into the barn. I move quietly, taking Dakota by the hand and leading her to the makeshift bed of blankets I created behind the hay bales. It isn’t the pasture, but anywhere with Dakota is worth it.

I pull her onto the blanket behind me and make quick work of unbuttoning her shirt and jeans. She traces her fingernails across every inch of my skin. As I peel her clothing off, I feel the heat radiating from her body.

Her curvy silhouette is backlit by the golden glow of the sunset coming in from the cracks between the rafters. The sight makes my mouth water and all the blood in my body rushes between my legs.

This isn’t the first time I’ve made her mine, but with Dakota, I’m insatiable. I’ve taken her out in the pasture nearly every day since we met and we never rush. Each time, I take my time, committing every inch of her to memory but it still isn’t enough. I want all of her, every minute of every day.

When I have her naked, I put a hand on her chest and gently push her onto her back. Then I trace the outline of her shoulders with my fingertips. Her gorgeous body trembles beneath my touch. I lower my head until my lips are just inches from hers and whisper exactly what I want to do to her. I linger there for a moment, letting my words sink in. Dakota arches up against me as her anticipation builds.

I pause before I press my lips against her neck. Then I pepper her with kisses, each one pulling soft moans from her lips as she melts beneath me. I press my lips and tongue against her collarbone, then her chest, making my way down her body. My rock-hard manhood drags across her skin, desperate for more friction.

A surge of pleasure rushes through me as my tongue finds its way to her breasts. She moans softly into me as my mouth caresses the soft curves of her swollen mounds. I slip a taut nipple into my mouth and suckle at her with a hunger that only she can satisfy.

As I press against her, Dakota shudders and trembles beneath me. Her cheeks heat up with a passionate fire and she writhes against my touch as if in sweet agony. Her body curves up to meet mine and she whispers my name.

I keep going, exploring every inch of her velvety skin till she's trembling with wild anticipation. I work my way lower down her stomach, palming every curve until I reach her inner thighs. Her body tenses as I run my tongue across her slit, tracing slow circles on her. I can feel every inch of her soaked body quivering and ready for me as I plunge inside of her.

My hands on her hips steady her, forcing her body into the hay and I keep her there for what feels like a lifetime. I work her over with my tongue, teasing and caressing until she’s begging for more. I don’t stop until she’s drenched and trembling with my every touch.

When I climb up her body, I cage her in with my arms. My firm length knocks at her opening, desperate to be inside again. When she spreads her legs and lifts her hips, I push inside with a single thrust. The sensation of our bodies becoming one is all-encompassing.

Dakota’s eyes flutter shut and her walls stretch to accommodate my girth. She’s tight and the sensation threatens to send me over the edge. But I take a deep breath, moving in and out of her. I thrust harder with every stroke and she arches up to meet me. I claim her body in a passionate embrace one push at a time, burying myself deep within her.

Being with Dakota is like no other experience in this world. I'm consumed by her love. My heart is forever entwined with hers. Every kiss feels like a jolt of electricity flowing through us both. Every thrust of my hips is filled with an overwhelming passion that seems to ignite our very souls. I lose myself in time and space, Dakota is all I can see.

Her body spasms around me and I feel her growing closer to the edge. I slam into her, my rhythm increasing with each thrust. With each movement, I drive Dakota closer to sweet bliss.

Then her walls tighten around me like a vice-grip. I feel her tremble as she reaches her peak. Her body shudders with pleasure and I don’t let up, pounding her as she collapses along my length.

When her body trembles and her breath comes short, I throw my head back and join her. I’m consumed by wave after wave of release. Her name rips from my throat in a chant as I let go inside of her shooting hot streams of pleasure. Dakota tilts her hips up to meet me, milking me to the last drop.

I slide off of her and roll onto my side, burying my face in the crook of her neck and inhaling her sweet scent. I pull Dakota’s deliciously warm body to mine, draping a protective arm over her and caressing her growing bump.

She closes her eyes and I know she isn’t asleep. But I love that she relaxes into my embrace. I’m overwhelmed with the need to protect her. There isn’t anything I won’t do for this woman and the beautiful baby growing inside of her. But in the back of my mind, familiar doubts and worries linger.

I don’t know how to be a dad, I’ve never had one. The only things I have to offer this baby are a small apartment, a willingness to work hard, and a whole lot of love. I don’t know if it will be enough. I worry that the Findlays won’t see me as enough.

CHAPTER4

DAKOTA

The soundof laughter and music from the barn party floats in the background of our secret rendezvous. I thought it couldn’t get any riskier than having sex out in the pasture, but this tops it. With William in my life, I don’t even recognize myself and I love that.

I’m not a quiet girl looking for my family's approval. I’m a strong woman. I’m Jane-freaking-Bennet being officially courted by Charles Bingley. Only my Bingley is the most stunningly handsome rancher I’ve ever met. More than that, I’m a woman who is going to be a mother and that is the fulfillment of my life's dream.

William has come into my world and given me everything I’ve ever wanted. Everything about my world is falling into place, all I need is to be able to share my joy with my family. I lay there in the serenity of William’s arms. I’ve loved this man since the moment I saw him. I know my family will be able to see it too.

As he holds me, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of security. This man will love me and our baby with his whole heart for his whole life. Even though he doubts himself, I know it’s true. He won’t be a rancher like my brothers, but he will be an amazing father in his own right. I can see it already, he’ll be protective and kind just like he is with me. He shouldn’t have to prove that to anyone.

Boom.

The barn door explodes open and without warning, startling me out of my blissful haze. William leaps to his feet and I follow suit. The chill of surprise runs through me. My eyes grow in horror as I hear angry footsteps pounding into the barn.