Page 36 of Jonathan

“Is that so?” her eyes sparkled dangerously.

“You think you can dictate my life? I have a career to think about. I am a townie. I love the bright lights and the easy access to restaurants and the theater. I live in an apartment in a highrise building and love the freedom of just stepping outside and walking to the art gallery. I have never lived in a small town, and I never will.”

He simply smiled and made her want to scream.

“Are you listening to me?”

“I am.” Tilting her chin up, he brushed his lips against hers, tightening his hold when she started to jerk away. “I love you darling, it’s something you’re going to have to accept.”

“I can’t,” her breath was hitching. “Please don’t do this to me.”

“Don’t do what?” He kissed the sides of her mouth. “Adore you?” His tongue traced her bottom lip. “Too late. I am crazy in love with you.” He nibbled and had her clutching to him, fingers digging into his shoulders. “We belong together, and I am hoping you’ll realize it pretty soon.”

“You can’t…” Her body arched, and a cry escaped her as he pulled her bottom lip between his teeth and sucked it into his mouth.

“I love you.” He told her thickly. His hands were everywhere and wherever he touched, he lit a fire that was fanning inside her and making her flaming hot. “So damn much.” With a growl, he covered her body with his and drove into her.

*****

It was unusual for him to sleep in. Even before he took over the running of the ranch, he had always been up by the crack of dawn. This morning, there was no guilt. He was right where he wanted to be.

With the woman he loved, her body curled against his and her head on his chest. He had worn them out, he thought with a silent chuckle. Had made love to her throughout the night, until she was limp with exhaustion.

She had fallen asleep in his arms. He had followed right behind her. A glance at the clock showed that it was half past eight. And he had no intention of getting up right now.

She was still fast asleep, her body still curled against his. Tipping his head down, he allowed himself the privilege of simply staring at her. He could find no flaws on her skin. Her fingers were curled into a loose fist and resting on his chest.

He had told her he loved her. What he wanted to do next was to shop for a ring. He studied her small hand with the elegant fingers and decided that a square cut diamond would suit her. His mother had an entire vault of jewelry she had inherited over the years, but he wanted something brand new for her. Something to call her own.

He was going to have to work on her resistance. Yes, he would allow her to go home to sort things out, such as giving up her apartment and tying up anything that needs to be dealt with. But he was going to insist on accompanying her. He was not going to run the risk of her not coming back.

He would explain to her that he would never dream of standing in the way of her career. He would be supportive. A frowntouched his brow as he contemplated. His mother had given up home and any means of having a career to be with his dad.

Without hesitation. She had come to the ranch to the states and found her niche. Now she was in charge of a very profitable business that she had started.

He sighed softly and wondered if the woman cuddled up against him would find it easy to make this place her home. She had mentioned the various entertainment. He occasionally took a weekend to go away on a visit to other places, but it was not very often.

The ranch was very demanding, and he takes his responsibility serious. Would she be willing to understand and be supportive? And if she wasn’t what the hell was he going to do?

Shaking his head, he decided that he was not going to think about that right now. He still had time and for now, he would show her what was in store for her.

*****

“I cannot believe that it’s this cold and it’s just the first week of September.”

“Wait until we get to November and December. Watch your step, baby.” They had left their horses tethered a few feet away when she insisted she wanted to take a walk.

The endearment sent a shiver through her and had her feeling a little lost. She woke up this morning to breakfast in bed. He had prepared roast beef sandwiches and a pot of coffee. And asked her what she wanted to do.

“I am all yours for most of the day,” he told her with a grin.

Now he was holding her hand as they made their way along the slope leading past the river and along the thickly wooded areas, where the trees grew in clumps and wildflowers were in abundance. It was almost ten in the morning, but not even thesun filtering through the leaves managed to dispel the chill in the air.

And she was holding hands with him. Something she never did before. There were a lot of firsts with him. Ignoring the bump of her heart, she concentrated on the walk. When he had suggested they go for a ride, she had started to refuse.

Ever since she met him, she had been unable to concentrate on her writing and her agent was going to be royally pissed.

But she wanted to be with him. Whenever he wasn’t around, she missed him so damn much. How in the hell was she going to leave? And no matter what he said, she was going home. She certainly did not belong here.

---