Page 98 of In the Heat of the Jungle

As they roamed through the fields that seemed to stretch for miles, Jace checked his bushes and spoke to workers. She met all of Jace’s employees, including Kambu, the overseer of his plantation. He told her about the loss of his last crop to disease. Occasionally they cooled themselves beneath thatched sheds where workers did the same. It was vital not to overheat the body in this sultry location.

They encountered Abena who had brought food and water to her husband, one of Jace’s workers. The woman exposed white teeth as she smiled at the loving couple. “You see, Bwana Jace good man.”

Leigh laughed at her implication. She glanced at Jace and said, “Yes, Abena, a very wonderful man, and I love him. Thank you for taking such good care of me. I was mixed up at times. I’m sorry.”

They chatted, then Jace told the African woman, “I’m marrying her as soon as the missionary arrives. Tell Ka’arta to send him to me.”

Upon return to the walled yard, Leigh and Jace sat in the swing. They savored their closeness and deep love while Abena prepared their evening meal. When it was done, the Kikuyu woman left for the night. Jace and Leigh ate, then washed the dishes.

“Where is Johi?”

“He returned to the village. He goes on safari with me, then works around here when we’re home. Maybe when he hears we’re getting married, he’ll take the leap with Ka’arta.”

“That would be nice. I like Johi. Tell me, my love; why were your office and bedroom doors locked?”

“Abena was afraid you’d get a weapon and try to escape, or go through my stuff. She’s very loyal and protective of me.”

“I know. I almost made an enemy of her by insulting you. I’m glad I was wrong, and you were, too. I’ll see you in a little while. I want to freshen up. It’s so hot.” Leigh went to take a bath.

Jace entered the room. “Mind if I join you this time? It’s a big tub, and you did invite me to share such a pleasure in the jungle. I don’t have to tell you how many times that offer has haunted me.”

Leigh laughed and moved inside. “Why not?”

Jace stripped and slid in behind her. His legs stretched out on either side of her body. Leigh leaned her head against his chest. His arms wrapped over hers. Her hair was pulled atop her head; its lengthy ends grazed and tickled his shoulder. They relaxed.

“At least you don’t have to worry about your bathwater getting chilled here.”

Jace lifted a cloth and soap. He lathered it and washed her back, neck, and arms. His hand rounded her body and moved the soapy cloth over her breasts, teasing the rosy-brown tips.

Leigh leaned her head backward and Jace nibbled on her ear. She turned her face to him to kiss him. Jace moved the cloth over her stomach and between her thighs. Leigh shifted to allow his stimulating action. Soon she was mindless with desire for him.

She twisted in the tub and rested on her shins. She took the cloth from him and lathered it again. She covered his neck, chest, shoulders, and arms with suds. As she rinsed them off, her gaze met his.

Jace’s hands grasped her head and pulled her mouth to his. Leigh wiggled her legs on either side of him, between his hips and the tub. As they kissed urgently, she straddled him. With boldness and need, she positioned herself on his erect manhood.

Jace assisted her with eagerness. He was surprised and pleased. Her actions meant she felt totally at ease with him, that she was playful and sensual. It stimulated him to grasp that she was a sharer in lovemaking, not just a recipient of pleasure. She possessed daring and courage. She was the perfect mate to share his life.

Imprisoned against the tub, Jace could do little to labor with her. His mouth worked at her breasts. His hands clasped her hips and he arched as best he could to be a part of the provocative movements.

It was a swift and passionate union. Leigh spread kisses over his face, then captured his mouth as the climactic journey ended. Breathing hard, Leigh rested her cheek on the top of Jace’s brown head, while his nestled against her chest.

Finally she straightened, and her glowing gaze met his merry one. They shared laughter and kissed. Leigh grabbed the cloth and finished her bath. As she was drying, Jace completed his.

When he stepped from the tub, Leigh took a large cloth and removed the water from his frame. As she did so, she eyed him and said, “You’re magnificent. Every time I look at you, I feel funny inside.”

“It’s called love, woman, and I feel it, too.”

~*~

The next morning, Leigh made the bed while Jace dressed. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “What do we do today, my love? We could work in the vegetable garden.”

Jace remained still, savoring the contact of their bodies. “I have trouble thinking when you’re near me, woman. Or else, all I think about is making love to you. When I visited the Far East in my sailing days, I saw men addicted to drugs. I have that same fierce and helpless craving for you, my sweet Opium.”

“Like you did in the tub, or middle of the night?”

Jace turned and embraced her. He chuckled. “Sorry about disturbing your sleep. When I stirred and felt you near me, I couldn’t help myself. As for the tub, Miss Webster, I was seduced.”

“Only because you provoked it, Mr. Elliott.”

---