Heart of Love

by Shanna Hatfield

  Jake took her hand in his and led her inside the house where he shut and locked the front door. He purposely walked through the house closing blinds, locking doors, making sure they were tucked away from the world while Anna disappeared into the guest bathroom.

  She stood in front of the mirror, giving herself a strong mental lecture about acting like a ninny. She regretted every single time she’d teased and tempted Jake, offering coy promises he’d finally expect her to keep. It was one thing to flirt with him unmercifully when they both knew it wouldn’t go any farther than a few passionate kisses. It was something else entirely when there was nothing left to hold him back.

  Anna wandered into the kitchen and looked around to see if she could find something out of place, something that might require her attention. The only thing needing her at that moment was Jake.

  He suddenly seemed so tall and looming, so devastatingly perfect in form. Anna didn’t think he’d appreciate being called ruggedly beautiful, but she couldn’t think of a more appropriate description, even with her extensive vocabulary.

  Jake watched warring emotions flutter across Anna’s expressive face and didn’t know what to do.

  She was afraid. He knew that without a doubt. What he counted on was Anna’s passion pushing her fear out of the way. A wealth of passionate, fervent feelings bubbled beneath the surface of his proper little librarian, even if she didn’t acknowledge their existence.

  The thought of finally making Anna his own intimidated Jake. He’d dreamed of it for so long, he wanted everything to be perfect.

  With that in mind, he stood, unmoving, in what he hoped was a relaxed stance, smiling at his reluctant bride.

  Anna watched Jake lean against the counter across from where she stood, waiting for her to say or do something. Frightened half to death to bridge the chasm, she kept reminding herself it was just Jake.

  Her best friend.

  Her champion.

  Her husband.

  That last word made her knees quake. Jake, the embodiment of everything virile and masculine, was now her husband and Anna was scared witless at the prospect of what that fully entailed.

  Bravely summoning her courage, Anna took a step toward him with a shy smile. Jake folded her against his chest in a comforting embrace.

  As he held her in his arms, her warmth seeped into him, her perfume teased his nose, and her nearness excited him. He bent his head and captured her lips, kissing her softly then slanting his mouth harder against hers as his blood began pounding through his veins.

  Anna whispered his name and threaded her fingers into his hair. As their kisses grew more intense, more ardent, Jake lifted her to the countertop and continued kissing her. His hands kneaded the small of her back, moved around to stroke the front of her trim waist.

  Slowly moving his hands higher, he felt Anna begin to tremble. She dropped her hands to her lap and sucked in a gulp of air. Jake glanced down, noticing her shaking fingers.

  “Baby,” Jake rasped, emotion filling his voice as he wrapped his arms around her tenderly, protectively. “It’s okay. You don’t need to be afraid. It’s okay. Don’t be scared.”

  “It isn’t okay.” Anna kept her head tipped down, unable to look Jake in the eye. “I don’t… I haven’t… I don’t want to disappoint you.”

  “You could never disappoint me.” Jake smiled and kissed her nose. “Did anyone talk to you about… um… you know?”

  Up until his recently acquired modesty, Jake could have talked about anything to anybody. However, as he glanced at his reluctant bride, he had no idea what to say to ease her mind or how to say it.

  “Lisa tried to impart her wisdom on the subject. It’s hard to listen when your mind blocks out every word,” Anna admitted with a grin that made Jake chuckle. “I’m not completely ignorant and I’m not afraid of you, Jake. It’s just… I’m… I’m afraid you’ll find yourself wishing you’d married someone else when I can’t meet your… expectations.”

  “Anna, you have no idea how very much you please me. As for expectations, the only expectation I have is that you love me without holding anything back.” Jake’s voice came out in a deep rumble that made warmth spread through Anna and cease her trembling.

  Intently gazing into his bride’s eyes, Jake caught one foot and unlaced her boot, followed by the other, letting them fall to the floor. When he began massaging her feet, she visibly relaxed. She closed her eyes and leaned back with her arms braced on the counter.

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Absolutely,” Anna whispered, opening her eyes. Resigned to conquering her fears, she wanted to surrender herself completely to Jake.

  “Then don’t be afraid, Sugar.”

  Jake pulled her off the counter into his arms and carried her down the short hall to the master bedroom. Outside the door, he lowered his lips to hers, giving her a kiss that left them both breathless. He smiled into her eyes, lit with an undeniable fire.

  He pushed the door with his elbow, carried her inside and stood in the center of the room, slowly turning around so Anna could see the entire space before setting her down.

  “Oh, Jake,” she gasped in pleasure, looking around the room again. “It’s wonderful. How did you…? When did you…? Oh, it’s just perfectly wonderful.” She squeezed his hand. “This is beyond anything I could have imagined.”

  Anna walked around the room, running her hand over the dresser top, touching the chest of drawers, studying the headboard. When she read the lettering on the wall, she choked back her tears. Her eyes found the keyhole in the headboard and she ran her fingers over it in awe. She couldn’t believe Jake would do all this for her.

  It had to be one of the loveliest rooms she’d ever seen. Exuding warmth and welcome, it was romantic without being feminine — a unique combination of old-world elegance and modern comfort. This room, this wonderful, beautiful room was a testament of Jake’s love for her. Love was evident in every detail.

  Anna felt Jake’s warmth at her back and a small box, tied with a white ribbon, appeared in front of her. After taking the box in her hand, she turned around, looking at Jake in question. “Jake, what more could you possibly give me? You’ve done too much already.”

  He motioned for her to open the box. She removed the ribbon and lid, lifting an old skeleton key that looked like it would fit into the keyhole in the headboard.

  “I’m giving you the key to my heart,” Jake eyes glowed as he spoke. “Forever and always.” He took the key from her hands and set it on the nightstand along with the box, then pulled her into his embrace, hugging her warmly. Anna melted into the feel of his arms around her. She glanced over his shoulder and noticed the painting above the fireplace. She stepped back and took his hand, walking closer to see it better in the dim light.

  “Gosh, this painting looks just like Mom and Dad’s backyard, right down to the swing,” Anna said, admiring the pastoral scene featuring a young woman on a swing in an oasis of green.

  “That’s because it is.” Jake ginned. “That day you ran and jumped on the swing was the day I knew I wanted my forever to begin and end with you. See the title of the painting? Serenity is what you give me, Anna. I’ve never known such peace and happiness until I fell in love with you.”

  Anna couldn’t speak through her tears. The painting was truly lovely, but what was about to break her down into a sobbing heap was the depth of love and caring Jake had shown to her. It was something beyond her ability to comprehend and she felt so unworthy.

  She knew Jake could have chosen any girl he wanted. He could have chosen sophistication and glamour, someone exciting and experienced. Instead, he was getting plain and practical, sensible and unsure. She was nearly deaf with a hole in her head and an occasional neurotic way of dealing with life.

  Despite all her many faults, he loved her completely. That knowledge humbled Anna to her very core.

  Eyes glistening with unshed tears, she placed a hand over her heart and turned to her new husband. “I lo
ve you.”

  Jake watched Anna struggle to keep her composure. He hadn’t anticipated her being so moved by the things he’d done to make the room special that she’d dissolve into tears. He pictured her thinking it was wonderful, sweeping her into a passionate embrace, and things progressing nicely from there.

  Now, he didn’t know what to do. Anna’s emotions were raw and very close to spilling over the surface. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her tight to his chest, rubbing his hands comfortingly along her back. Dang it all, he should have given more thought to springing this room on her the night of their wedding.

  As he held Anna, he felt her tension ease. Her shoulders relaxed and she released a sigh. When she mumbled against his neck, he pushed her back his arm’s length.

  “I didn’t hear what you said, Sugar.”

  “I said I don’t deserve you. You’re just the most wonderful man on the planet.” Anna hugged him tightly with her cheek pressed against his firm jaw.

  “I’m glad you think so. And I’m glad you like our room. Are you surprised?” Jake asked.

  “Completely and thoroughly.” Anna laughed softly, rubbing her hand up and down Jake’s arm, creating trails of sensation that quickly gathered steam. “It’s so warm and inviting, and altogether romantic.”

  She twirled around, holding onto Jake’s hand, taking in all the details of the room. When she stopped, he turned her so she stood with her back to him and began to unbutton her gown.

  Anna turned to look at him over her shoulder and fell into the blue pools of liquid heat staring back at her.

  After unfastening the last button, Jake waited for the dress to fall to the floor, but Anna held it pressed tightly against her chest, gathering her nerve.

  Jake took the opportunity to unclasp the pearl necklace she wore and place a soft kiss on the nape of her neck. He sensed her fidgeting, but chose to ignore it. After removing her barrette, he pulled the pins from her hair and shook the mass of curls loose. He turned her to face him and removed her glasses, kissing both eyelids before setting her glasses aside.

  Still holding her dress with one hand, Anna reached up and removed her hearing aid, setting it on the ottoman where Jake had placed her jewelry and hairpins.

  Jake tugged on her hands and sighed in rapture when the dress fell to her feet, revealing a set of lacy white undergarments that highlighted her lush curves, and thigh high stockings, adorned by one blue garter. Jake had ceremoniously tossed the other at the reception.

  “Oh, Anna,” Jake groaned. “You are magnificent.”

  Completely captivated by the sight of his bride, Jake admired the golden glow of the combined candle and firelight on her skin as she stepped out of the dress pooled around her feet. He stood and stared at her for a moment, taking in the splendid sight of her.

  He stepped close and buried his hands in her luxurious hair, breathed in her familiar scent. His lips settled on hers in the kind of kiss that generally left her every bit as distracted as it did him. As she leaned against him, his fingers slid down her leg and gave a teasing tug to one of the stockings.

  “These are a pleasant surprise, Sugar.” His voice filled with yearning while his pulse kicked into a wild gallop. “I dreamed about you, about what you’d look like, but you are so much more beautiful than anything I imagined.”

  “Lisa said you could tell her thank you later,” Anna whispered. When Jake chuckled, she tamped down her fear and focused on the tingling sensations he created everywhere his fingers touched her skin.

  She raised her hands to the front of his shirt and began to undo the buttons, top to bottom. As promised, she placed a kiss to his skin at the exact spot each button revealed when it was undone. Six buttons, six tempting kisses.

  Stroking her fingertips over the hard muscles of his chest, Anna let herself get lost in the heated storm of sensations Jake continued stirring in her with his kisses and touch. She ran her hands over his shoulders and clung to him as his lips trailed down her neck, warm breath whispering against her silken skin.

  Each touch of her lips on his skin felt like a brand of fire. Jake found it nearly impossible to keep his passion on a tight rein, to take things slowly, when Anna made him feel things he’d never felt before. He wanted her so badly, wanted her in ways that went beyond the physical realm.

  She had captured him completely — heart, mind, body and soul.

  He lowered his lips to hers, consumed by their kiss, desperate to be closer, excited to blend their hearts and lives as one. When a quiet gasp of pleasure escaped Anna’s lips, Jake lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

  Later, they watched the firelight throw shadows across the room while Anna’s back snuggled close against Jake’s chest, his arms wrapped lovingly around her.

  “Jake?” Anna asked quietly, reveling in the wonder of being his wife.

  “Hmm?” he rumbled in response, his breath warm by her ear.

  “I’m so glad you bumped into me that day outside the library.”

  Jake chuckled and pulled her closer, “Me, too, Sugar. Me, too.”

  Berry Crisp

  This fast and easy dessert is always delicious, especially served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can use any type of fruit, but Captain Cavedweller’s favorite is blackberry.

  Berry Crisp

  3 cups of raspberries or blackberries (you can use any type of berry or fruit)

  2/3 cup granulated sugar

  1 tbsp. cornstarch

  1/2 cup flour

  1/2 cup oatmeal

  1/2 tsp cinnamon

  1/3 cup butter – softened

  3/4 cup packed brown sugar

  Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

  Mix cornstarch and granulated sugar with berries. Let rest for about 10 minutes. (I mix this right in the baking dish, using a square 8-inch pan.)

  While the berries are doing their thing, mix the remaining ingredients together with a pastry blender, food processor or a fork. You want the mixture to have a crumbly texture. Sprinkle on the berries and bake until fruit bubbles and topping is a golden brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. Yield: approximately 9 servings.

  Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping.

  Thank you for reading Heart of Love. I knew the first time I mentioned Jake in Heart of Clay I knew he had to find his own happily ever after. I can’t think of anyone better than Anna for him to experience it with. I just love them as a couple and hope you enjoyed their story, too.

  Would you please consider writing a review? I would truly be so thankful if you could. Reviews are a wonderful way readers discover new books and so greatly appreciated by authors.

  If you haven’t yet read them, I hope you’ll check out the entire Women of Tenacity series!

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  If you enjoyed the cowboys from the Women of Tenacity,

  don’t miss out on the Rodeo Romance series!

  “From the realistic rodeo scenes to the tender love scenes Shanna Hatfield keeps you reading.”

  Jodi Thomas — New York Times Bestselling Author

  Racing Christmas — Brylee Barton has just one goal in mind: win the barrel racing world championship. Not for the glory, but for the attached cash prize that could save her family’s ranch. When an injury leaves her at the mercy of the very same copper-headed, silver-tongued cowboy she once vowed to loathe forever, she has no choice but to swallow her pride and accept his help.

  Fun-loving, easy-going Shaun Price has a million-dollar smile, more
charm than he can channel, and a string of ex-girlfriends rumored to have started their own support group. When the one woman he’s never quite managed to get out of his head or heart needs his assistance, he jumps at the chance to help. Little does he realize how challenging it will be to keep from falling for her all over again.

  With the holiday season fast approaching, will Shaun and Brylee discover the gift of forgiveness, and experience their own happily-ever-after?

  This sweet Christmas romance warms the heart, lifts the spirit, and touches the soul with its message of forgiveness, hope, and redemption. Don’t miss it!

  Continue reading to enjoy a fun excerpt from Racing Christmas …

  Racing Christmas

  “You’re going to rock this crowd, Rocket,” Brylee Barton assured her horse as he walked around the perimeter of the practice area behind the rodeo arena.

  The horse bobbed his head, as though in agreement.

  She laughed, aware he didn’t understand what she said, but pretending he did. She patted the dapple gray’s neck. “You are such a ham.”

  Brylee urged Rocket into an easy lope. As soon as the last steer wrestler entered the arena, it would be time for her to line up for barrel racing — an event she fully intended to win.

  Evening had arrived, yet it failed to dispel the sticky July heat in this small Idaho town, similar to dozens of others she’d been in over the course of the last month. In a little more than four weeks, she’d traveled almost two thousand miles to rodeos. She’d competed in several Northwestern states, hustled to Canada for two rodeos, then traveled across the Midwest. Now she was making her way back through the Northwest. On a winning streak, she’d placed at all but two of the rodeos she’d entered, and walked away the winner at seven of them.