Page 10 of Fairy Tale Husband

CHAPTERTWO

WYNNE stood clasped in Jake’s arms, reveling in the most incredible kiss she’d ever received. She’d known from the grim set of his jaw and the hard grasp of his hands he’d meant for it to be ruthless. He’d meant to scare her off. But somewhere between the time he’d pulled her close and the time he’d kissed her, his intentions must have changed.

He groaned, his mouth moving over hers with gentle warmth, probing, sampling, tasting at will. It was as though he were indulging in a leisurely exploration, stirring her in ways that emptied every thought from her head save one—to experience more. He must have sensed her total capitulation, for his touch grew more assured, firmer, coaxing a response unlike any she’d known before.

Did he suspect how thoroughly shaken she was by his kiss, how new and wonderful she found it? He’d been so concerned about her level of sexual expertise earlier, so appalled that she might still be a virgin. And yet, his kiss seemed to take that possibility into consideration, easing from the lightest of caresses to a more potent, heady embrace.

She stood on tiptoe, pressing closer, determined to enjoy every aspect of this unexpected treat. In response, he molded her against him, his body hard, his arousal blatant. His hands swept over her with unmistakable skill, as though committing each curve to memory. His touch burned, igniting a reaction that grew more intense by the moment. She trembled uncontrollably, desire overriding every other thought and emotion.

“Jake, please!”

The cry escaped before she could prevent it. For a crazed instant she thought he’d tumble them into the bushes and take her right then and there. Instead, he tensed and pushed her away, cool air replacing the unbearable heat of seconds ago. She fought him, refusing to leave the protective warmth of hisarms.

“We can’t take this any further, Wynne,” he murmured close to her ear. “This isn’t what I’d planned.”

She clung to him, shivering, struggling to regain her equilibrium. “What did you plan?”

“To drive you off.” His response was stark, yet painfully honest.

“Oh.” She snuggled deeper into his arms, burying her face in the curve of his shoulder. She fit as though made for him. “You didn’t succeed.”

“I can see that,” he said with a soft laugh. “Does this mean we’re committed?”

She forced herself to consider his question rationally, to control the emotional upheaval clouding her mind. Her mouth curved in a wry smile. It was an impossible task. How could she think when all she wanted was to lose herself in his embrace? She’d never fallen in love before, certainly not with a man she’d only known for a few brief hours. She didn’t have a clue how to separate reason from sentiment.

“Wynne?” Tension rippled through him and his arms tightened around her. “Have you changed your mind?”

She shook her head. “No. Ihaven’t changed my mind.” Pulling back, she looked up at him. “You said ‘committed.’ Is that a proposal, by any chance?”

He hesitated. “It’s a proposition for a temporary marriage.”

She wouldn’t get any more from him than that. At least, not yet. Not that it mattered. She’d have plenty of time to prove he needed her on a permanent basis. After all, who knew how long it would take to convince Mrs. Marsh that their marriage was real? Aweek, amonth, six months? Those six months could become six years, she was certain of it. And six years could become sixty.

“In that case, Iaccept,” she agreed. “Though I’ll be happy to stick around longer if you want.”

“I won’t.” Steel had crept into his voice. “Don’t think you can alter my decision about this, Wynne. It won’t happen. This marriage is a temporary arrangement.”

“Whatever you say.” She sighed, sliding her fingers through his crisp, dark hair. “Would you kiss me again? Irather liked it. It was nice.”

He frowned. “Nice, huh? Remind me not to ask you for a reference.”

Color tinted her cheeks. “Well, Iliked kissing you enough to want it to go on for the rest of the night.”

“It can.”

If he meant to alarm her with his bluntness, he failed. Miserably. She stared in wonder, lifting her mouth to his. “Really? All night?”

He set her from him, his fierce gaze telling her all too clearly how much of a temptation he found her, atemptation he intended to resist. “All we have to do is get this farce of a wedding over with. Ihave a room at the Grand Hotel and we’ll go there the minute we’re married. Once that’s out of the way, we can make this night last as long as you’d like.”

Her smile grew luminous. “That’s just perfect. I’m staying at the Grand, too.”

“Listen to me, Wynne...” His tone cut through her euphoria, sounding deadly serious. “There’s one or two details we need to discuss.”

“Is that all?” she teased in an effort to hide her nervousness. “Just one or two?”

“When we get to the Grand...” He hesitated as though searching for words, then stated flatly, “I expect to consummate the marriage. If you’re not certain you can handle that, now’s the time to back out.”

“I won’t back out,” she replied instantly.

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