Chapter Thirty-Two

Before Erin could so much as think one more thought, Jon's strong body was above her. His arms on either side of her, his legs straddling hers, he leaned in slowly until their lips met. Erin's hormones exploded, the longing for intimacy and the desire for passion mingling in the taste of his tongue. She closed her eyes, savoring the musky scent of man, the softness of his lips, the strength of his arms as he gently pulled her down below him.

His eyes never left hers as he began to remove her dress, peeling it off as delicately as if he were unwrapping a precious gift. She fumbled with the snap of his jeans, the buttons of his shirt, and they undressed each other silently until there was only skin. His pressed against hers, hot pressed against soft.

He smoothed her hair away from her face, his fingers tracing her profile. "You are so beautiful," he murmured. Erin smiled, wrapping her arms around his back. He bent to kiss her again, and his hand slid down to her hip. He moved his own, gently, and suddenly he was inside her. A small groan caught in Erin's throat as he began to move within her, their hips dancing in a tantalizing rhythm.

The rain streamed down the tall windows, casting flickering shadows on their figures as they made love. Jon's face was half hidden as he moved above her, the rain seemed to slide across Erin's face as she sighed and gasped for breath.

All the fears and troubles from the night vanished from Erin's mind as she lost herself in the dizzying sensation. Max became nothing more than a speck of worry, pushed to the back of her mind, while a far more pressing emotion took center stage. She had never felt so strongly about anyone before. At first, the feeling had been exciting, immersed in the thrill of sex and passion with a man whose very image screamed it. It had turned to a dangerous thrill quickly, tinged with fear and guilt about her secret of Max. Now, it was a joy - a happiness so deeply embedded within her that she felt content and at peace with the whole world, no matter what dangers or troubles lurked in the shadows. It was love, strong and pure and happy, and she felt as if her heart could swell no bigger.

She couldn't help but feel safe in his arms right now. His strong body protecting her from the outside, his hands caressing her every contour and curve with a delicate, electrifying touch. He kissed her endlessly, on her lips, her face, her neck, her ear. She felt the blood rushing in her head, and whimpered as he sank deeper, to her very core.

A throaty groan escaped him as he pulled his mouth away from her neck, and their breathing quickened simultaneously. They cried out together, gripping each other hard, as he spilled inside her. Erin's entire body jolted, her center spasming in a delirious ecstasy.

Jon collapsed on top of her, his heart thumping against her chest. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and kissed his neck soothingly. They lay like that for a few minutes, until Jon finally rolled off her and grabbed a pillow.

He scooted up to her and met her gaze again, smiling. His eyes were softened, as if they were smoldering from their earlier fire. He kissed her again, softly, before pulling her close to him and burying his face in her long hair. "God, I love you," he murmured against her neck. Erin closed her eyes and sighed contentedly. "I love you too."

Jon fell into a deep sleep quickly, and Erin had never felt so safe. As she teetered on the edge of sleep herself, a warmth spread throughout her as she realized the strong ally she had in Jon. He had never abandoned her, even when she lied to him. He had stuck by her side, even if he was confused and angry. He had even protected her physically at the bar tonight, even though she was in no immediate danger. He loved her, defended her, cherished her, like a guardian - like a hero.

And as she finally sank into sleep, entangled in him, a small feeling in the back of her mind told her she'd need that hero again soon.

Saturday, January 16, 2010