ISLAND OF LOVE

by Rosemary Hammond

  “You’re as beautiful as I thought you would be,” he said in a hushed voice full of wonder.

  He placed his large hand over one bare breast, then the other, moving back and forth slowly, first kneading, then barely touching, until she threw her head back, groaning at the sheer ecstasy of the senŹsations he was arousing in her.

  He bent his head then and opened his lips over one taut, thrusting peak, drawing on it, pulling it inside the warm, moist interior of his mouth, his tongue flicking over it, while his hands slid lower beneath the waistband of her skirt.

  She was filled with a wild elation, a mindless joy, and could barely suppress a glad cry as she clutched at the dark head at her breast, her fingers raking through the crisp dark hair. His greedy mouth shifted to her other breast, his hands slipped down lower, and she arched her body upward to feel the full force of his own arousal.

  With a low harsh sound deep in his throat, he left her again to pull off the black pants. When he came back to her, he undid the fastening of her skirt and

  slid it down over her hips, his fingers lingering along the way on her stomach, her thighs, her legs. He covered her body with his, his breath coming in great racking gasps now, and she put her arms around his neck.

  He raised his head, hovering over her for a moment, staring down at her, clasping her face in his hands.

  “God, how I want you, Anne,” he ground out.

  With a low moan, she pulled his head down to kiss him, and then, at last, they became one, joined together in the deepest expression of love.

  The next morning, Anne awakened beside a sleeping man for the first time in her life. As consciousness slowly returned, and she felt the warmth of his body next to her, she raised up and looked over at him.

  He was turned toward her, his dark head half buried under the pillow, his broad bony shoulders bare, the covers tumbled loosely around his waist. Her first thought was, What have I done? The second, I’m so glad I did it. He’d been wonderful, warm, tender, considerate of her inexperience, leading her gently but surely to the higher realms of love.

  Well, not love exactly, she amended. Although he had whispered endearments to her at the height of his passion, there had been no talk of love, no mention of the future. But she’d known what she was getting into. She’d done it with her eyes open, and she wasn’t sorry. Watching him sleep, though, she couldn’t help thinking how wonderful it would be to have him with her always.

  Just then the body beside her shifted, the head came out from under the pillow, and he turned slowly on to his back, one long arm thrust over his forehead.

  He turned slowly, blinked a few times, then smiled sleepily and immediately reached out a hand to her.

  “Good morning,” he said. “And how are we feeling today?”

  She nestled cozily against him in the curve of his arm. “We’re feeling terrific,” she replied happily.

  “Good.” He raised himself up and braced his hands on either side of her head, gazing down at her. “It was terrific, wasn’t it?”

  She gave him a stern look. “I suppose you’re already fishing for compliments.”

  He laughed. “No, not really. My compliments are all for you at this point.” He flopped his head back on the pillow and lay staring up at the ceiling for some time. “Now, here’s what I think we should do,” he said at last in a matter-of-fact tone. “First thing, of course, we’ll have to get a license. I think there’s still a three-day waiting period in Washington state. We may need blood tests, I’m not sure, and two witŹnesses …”

  Anne had risen bolt upright and was staring down at him, so stunned that she was totally unmindful of the fact that the covers had slipped down to her waist. “What did you say?” she demanded.

  “Mmm,” he said, reaching out to cup one bare breast. “You’re delicious in the morning.”

  He began making slow circles around the hardening peak. In another minute she’d be lost again. Quickly, she clapped her hand over his, stilling it, then thrust it away and pulled the covers up around her shoulders.

  “Would you please repeat that last statement?” she said.

  “Gladly. I said you were delicious in the“

  “Not that, you sadist!” she cried. She waved a hand in the air, and the covers slipped again. His hand shot out immediately, and she grabbed it, holding it still. She covered herself once more, quite securely this time. “I mean all that about blood tests and witnesses and waiting periods.”

  “Well, I don’t know why you’re so surprised. You want me to make an honest woman of you, don’t you? An old-fashioned girl like you wouldn’t be happy with anything less than a lifetime commitment.”

  That wasn’t quite what she wanted to hear, and her disappointment must have shown on her face, beŹcause his expression grew suddenly serious. He sat up and looked into her eyes. There was a crooked, teasing smile on his lips, but those dark brown depths were dead serious.

  “Besides that,” he said in a low voice, “I’ll have to admit that I love you madly and can’t live without you.” He shrugged diffidently. “It’s why I sent you away the other day. I knew then that an affair wouldn’t work, but, as I said earlier, the alternative was too terrifying even to consider.” He looked away, as though embarrassed at revealing so much of his deeper feelings.

  “What made you change your mind?” she prompted.

  He smiled at her. “I already told you—I discovered I was in love with you. I didn’t want to lose you.” He stretched widely, yawning. “Besides, it’s about time I settled down. How do you feel about family life? I had in mind at least two little Bannisters, and there’s no reason why you couldn’t work at home if the idea appeals to you. We could even spend part of the year at the island.”

  Anne was speechless, literally struck dumb with joy. She was going to have it all! The work she wanted to do, marriage to Jerry, children, a real home. She gazed at him with glistening eyes.

  “Well?” he said at last, shifting uncomfortably on the bed. “Say something.” “I love you,” she choked out. “How’s that?” “That’s perfect,” he said, patently relieved. “Now,” he said with a grin, reaching out for her, “let’s get rid of that blanket, shall we?”