Page 62 of Jonathan

She lifted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes reflecting the passion that burned within her. “And I’m yours, Jon. Completely. But you have to trust me. Trust that I’m with you because I want to be, because I love you.”

He studied her for a moment, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. Then, with a nod, he pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace. “I do trust you,” he admitted softly. “It’s just..., sometimes, I can’t control the need to keep you safe.”

Kamilah smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. “That’s part of what I love about you. Your fierce loyalty, your protectiveness. But remember, love, I’m strong too. I chose you, and I’m hereto stay.” She cupped his jaw, loving the feel of the stubble that differentiate them.

Him male, she female – him tough and hard and she – well, soft and feminine. Tonight, seeing him pin Gregory with that look that almost sent the man scuttling made her want to jump him right there in that busy restaurant. It brought out a sense of power and pride that had never been part of her before.

“What if I behaved the same way with your exes?”

His thick eyebrows lifted in amusement. “Feel free.”

“And might I mention that there are several of them staring at you with longing eyes?”

Hauling her on top of him, he lifted his head so that he could reach her breasts. “I have eyes for you alone.” He growled and ended any further conversation by destroying her senses and emptying her mind of anything other than what he was doing to her.

*****

Their wedding day dawned crisp and clear and cold. Winter had come early to McCarthy Fields as it usually did. The snow had not started yet, but there was a hint of it lingering in the air.

The guests had started arriving from two days ago, filling up the small inns and moderate size hotels the town boasted. Kamilah’s family and friends were staying at the ranch house and in anticipation of their arrival, Helen had gathered her staff to do a thorough cleaning from top to bottom.

The entire ranch and the ranch were not excluded! They were scurrying around and playing their part. The excitement of a wedding, especially the wedding of their beloved boss, was of high importance. It was going to be a celebration like no other.

Kamilah was already ensconced in his suite and given carte blanche to change whatever she felt like changing.

“No expenses spared. I want you to be comfortable.”

“What if decide I want pink all through?” She asked with a straight face.

Keeping the wince inside, he too kept a straight face. “I could learn to live with it.”

She snorted at that and decided that it was possible to love the man even more than she already did.

“I am not a ‘pink type of woman and you should know that by now.”

He had hauled her against him and dissolved her with his lips. “You just love yanking my chain.”

“And look how I was rewarded,” She murmured huskily.

She and Leonie were getting along just fine. The woman had come to realize that her son’s fiancée was not after him for hismoney and knew her place was by his side. Over the two weeks, they were both busy with the arrangements.

During the days, Kamilah would bury herself in the arrangements, consulting on catering and floral arrangements and putting in some time in writing her book.

She had decided to change the theme of it somewhat. After living in the small town, she had come to know the people and also come to love the local cuisine. Meals prepared by loving hands. Restaurants with a familiar touch, a smile, a word of encouragement and a slice of gossip along with your pie.

It was rustic, charming and wonderful. During the night, she reserved the time for Jon. The man was up at the crack of dawn and would pop on by the ranch house to see if she needed anything.

“Darling, you have to stop checking in. I am fine.”

“I want to make certain you’re okay. And the wedding plans are going as it should.”

She eyed him shrewdly. “I am not going anywhere. What do I have to do to prove that I am here?”

He had smiled sheepishly. “I still get skittish. It’s hard for me to believe you are here.”

“I am, so shoo. Go away and leave me to my work.”

At nights, they had developed a routine. She would wait to have supper with him and afterwards, enjoy a warm and relaxing bath that would often lead to other things. She was learning things about the ranch, ignoring his amused indulgence.

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