Page 96 of In the Heat of the Jungle

Jace smiled and nestled her into his arms. “It’s almost dawn. We’ve talked all night. You must be exhausted. What do you want to do?”

“I wantyouand need you, Jace.”

“You have me, love.”

“All of you, now. Do I need to explain my meaning?”

He chuckled. “No, Miss Webster, I hear you clearly, thank goodness. I love you and want you so much I might have broken my promise not to seduce you.”

“What about Abena?”

“I told her not to return to work until I sent for her. I knew we needed privacy to talk.”

“We’re finished talking for now, aren’t we?”

Jace stood and pulled her toward him. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to his room. Beside his bed he lowered her bare feet to the floor. Dawn’s first glow lightened the cozy room, creating a romantic aura. Jace loosened the sarong and let it flow to her ankles. He unbuttoned his shirt and removed it. His boots and pants followed the khaki garment to their feet.

Their gazes locked and revealed their inner emotions. They were alone in a dreamy world, safe and together. No longer were they strangers. No barriers were separating them. Their hearts beat as one; their spirits soared in tune; their bodies yearned to join. Neither moved nor spoke for a time, merely savoring their closeness, this special moment in their lives.

Their hearts pounded with intense love, and their bodies burned with passion’s flames. It was strange how just gazing at each other and standing close could have such a powerful effect on them. They smiled. No modesty, reservations, or mistrust, were present.

Jace’s hands captured her face and he lowered his head to hers. The first kiss was leisurely and soft. The second was long and deep. The ensuing ones were swift, urgent, and greedy. His mouth brushed over her face, exploring the tawny surface with delight. His mouth drifted to her ear. “I love you and need you so much. I was afraid I’d never win you. That would have been sheer torture, Leigh.”

His tenderness and desire aroused Leigh to a heady level. Her arms encircled his body and she leaned against him. “I love you, Jace. I was so anxious for you to come home so I could prove it. I wanted to teach you that our love is more important than revenge.” She cuddled closer, adoring the contact of his flesh pressed to hers. She loved his smell. She loved his touch. She loved him with all her being.

Jace’s mouth roamed her throat. He buried his nose in her fragrant hair. His fingers traced over her skin. She was the one woman to complete him. He had no doubts, no hesitation, no fears.

They sank to the bed to kiss and caress. Their bodies pleaded for an immediate union, but they wanted to linger at the entrance to paradise. They wanted to stimulate each other, to whet their appetites until they were so ravenous that they feasted wildly.

Jace’s touch was tantalizing, gentle and demanding. His naked body was splendid. Leigh longed to see, feel, touch, and taste every inch of it. His frame was hard and well-toned from physical labor. She felt her senses responding madly to him.

Jace’s mouth journeyed down her throat, leaving fiery and tingly kisses along its path. His lips climbed one mound and claimed its peak. Slowly he traveled to the next one to pleasure both of them. His hands trekked lower, exploring and teasing until she thought she’d explode.

Leigh responded in like fashion by capturing every sensation and by roaming his blazing body. Her hands stroked and enticed; her mouth kissed and enchanted. She knew how much he wanted her, and that sent thrills through her. Her heart overflowed with an abundance of love. It made her bold and brave. She felt hot, and couldn’t wait to possess him. Leigh guided him over her.

Jace obeyed her mute request, as he was enduring blissful torment. Control was hard to maintain. His mouth returned to hers.

They breathed, thought, and loved as one. Their desires were so great and their emotions so intense that ecstasy claimed them quickly. Both shuddered and moaned, as they extracted every ounce of pleasure from this reunion. Rhythmically they fused over and over until contentment surrounded them. They snuggled and kissed as their bodies calmed. It had been the most wonderful experience they had shared, because love had been exposed, renewed, and strengthened.

Jace kissed her forehead and hugged her. “It feels so good to have you here with me. I love this house, but this is the first time it’s seemed like a real home. We’ll make a fine life together, Leigh.”

She stroked his chest. “Yes, we will. I’m so glad I found you, Jace. We’re going to be happy together.”

Jace sighed in rapture. He was relaxed, and drowsy, fulfilled in body and spirit. All else could wait.

Leigh felt the same. Happy and sated, she closed her eyes, remained in his arms, and fell asleep.

~*~

Leigh and Jace warmed some bread and prepared coffee. They sipped the aromatic liquid and ate bread smeared with jelly.

“Did you grow this coffee? It’s very good.”

“No, but you can enjoy our new crop by spring.”

“I love that word.”

“What word?”

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