Gripping the window ledge, she tried to suppress the awful emptiness that was gnawing at her. She had to stop this or she would go mad!
She sighed and opened her eyes, starting to turn away from the window. The gleam of headlights through the dense stand of bare trees beside the house arrested her. The lights went out; then there was a slam of a vehicle door. She glanced at the luminous face of the clock by her bed. It was two o'clock in the morning. Who...?
Expectation tingled through her, and with her pulse racing, Leslie slipped from the room and ran silently down the stairs. The light in the kitchen was switched on as she flew through the living room.
"Steve!''
He whirled around, the exhaustion in his eyes giving way to delight as she catapulted into his outstretched arms.
Laughing through her tears, she hugged him fiercely. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming home tonight?"
His embrace was like a vise as he crushed her against him. "Because I wasn't sure until the last minute if I could get away. Besides, I wanted to surprise you."
"I'm so glad you're home. It's been so long..."
"God, I know." His voice was suddenly gripped with a surge of emotion. "I've been driving myself crazy thinking about you. Oh, Leslie," he groaned, then bent his head and kissed her with an unchained urgency, his mouth moving against hers with a searching hunger that sent a hot current through her.
She strained against him, aching for them to be reunited totally. Sensing her fervor, he lifted her body up until her hips were welded against his, and the intoxicating feeling of their aroused bodies molded so tightly together fragmented her consciousness with a ground swell of desire. His powerful body seemed to envelop her as he buried his face in the hollow of her shoulder. Shivers of erotic pleasure coursed through her as his moist tongue savored the taste of her skin, her flesh agonizingly sensitized by his touch. Slowly he trailed his mouth up her neck, and a low sob escaped her when he explored the recesses of her ear.
She clung to him, her body trembling as he whispered, "I want you, Les. I want to touch you, to feel your skin against mine." His embrace was desperate as he pressed her closer, his heart beating wildly against hers.
Leslie felt like she was drowning in a fever of feelings. "Don't stop," she breathed, her voice quavering with the storm of sensation that was bombarding her. "I don't want you to stop."
She felt him shudder as he claimed her mouth with an abandon that was devastating.
"Steve, is that you?"
Steve jerked as though he had been shot, and Leslie felt as though someone had just immersed her in ice water. His chest heaving as he fought for breath, Steve slowly let Leslie down, then protectively cradled her against him.
It seemed to take a massive effort for him to answer. "Yes, it is, dad."
"Does Leslie know you're home?"
"Do you know I'm home?" he whispered gruffly against her hair.
Leslie detected a hint of amusement in his voice, and she managed a tremulous smile as she looked up at him. "I know you're home. I can tell by the state I'm in."
Steve tipped back his head and laughed as he hugged her. There was still laughter in his voice when he called up to his father, "She's already down here.''
'Tell her to start the coffee. I'll throw some clothes on.''
''Okay." Steve stood gazing down at Leslie, his sapphire eyes like blue magic, then kissed her with such tempered longing that it made her ache. With immeasurable tenderness, he took her face in his hands and gave her a slow provocative smile. "Damn him. He's putting on his clothes just when I was ready to tear yours off." He kissed her softly, then in a very low voice said, "There's no justice in this world.''
Leslie didn't say anything, but smiled up at him, her eyes soft and misty with love.
His hands tightened on her face as he drew in his breath quickly. "Don't look at me like that," he sighed, his eyes smokey and compelling. "It makes it so hard for me to let you go."
Leslie slipped her arms around his waist and snuggled against him. "The waiting is almost over, love. Just three more days."
He kissed the top of her head, then tunneled his hand in her hair. "It's not over by a long shot. I know these next three days are going to be the longest and the most difficult ones I've ever spent."
AS LESLIE PREPARED FOR BED Friday night, she reflected on that comment of Steve's. The past days had been long and very difficult. An electric tension crackled between them, and their sexual awareness of each other had continued to grow until they were prowling restlessly like two caged cats. The only time they could relax their guard was when there were others around to act as a buffer between them But even then it didn't always help.
The strain was affecting both of them, and there were moments when it was intolerable. There had been a situation that night after the wedding rehearsal that had sent questioning looks flying from one family member to the other.
Steve had been leaning against the fireplace, a drink in his hand, while Leslie had been sitting beside Doris on the sofa across the room from him. She had laughed at something Hal had said, and then she'd glanced across at Steve, her eyes sparkling, her face flushed. He was watching her, his face impassive, his jaw set. Anyone else might have thought he was angry, but Leslie could see the tightly leashed passion that was smoldering in his piercing blue eyes.
She could feel the raw hunger in that look as she stared at him, her eyes darkening, her breathing uneven as her body responded to his silent message as if it had been a physical caress. Their eyes had locked and held for a paralyzing moment; then with a muttered oath, Steve had slammed his drink down on the mantel and strode out of the room.
There had been an awkward silence. Leslie was keenly aware of what was wrong, but it wasn't something you could very well explain to the family.
She sighed wearily and slipped into her housecoat. There would be a nerve-grating tension gnawing at them tomorrow. In fact, if they made it through the ceremony without snapping at each other it would be a miracle. She closed her eyes and clenched her hands at her side as she suddenly felt like weeping. If only...
"Are you still awake, dear?''
Taking a deep breath, Leslie turned and smiled at Mrs. McRory. "Yes, I am. Come in.''
Doris slipped into the room and closed the door softly behind her as Leslie sat down on the edge of the bed. The older woman sat down and put her arm around Leslie's shoulders, her voice gentle with concern. "Is something wrong, Les? You were so quiet after Steve huffed out. Have you had a quarrel?"
Leslie glanced up, then lowered her eyes. "No, we haven't quarreled—it's nothing like that. It's...it's the waiting."
Mrs. McRory patted Leslie's hand sympathetically, then nodded her head, her eyes warm with understanding. "I see." She didn't say anything for a moment, then she patted Leslie's hand again. "When you go down to Steve, mind the third step—it creaks something fierce."
Leslie's eyes widened, her expression one of stunned bemusement, and then she blushed hotly. Doris smoothed Leslie's hair, then hugged her, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm so happy, Leslie. You're exactly the kind of wife I've always wanted for Steve. I love him very much and I know you're going to make him very happy."
Leslie hugged her back. "I'm going to try very hard to do just that."
"I know you will." She kissed Leslie on the forehead. "God bless you, darling."
For a long time after Doris left, Leslie remained motionless, overwhelmed by the poignant happiness that filled her. Not only was she marrying a man whom she loved beyond reason, she was also acquiring a very special family.
With trembling fingers, she brushed the tears from her eyes, then she went to her suitcase and removed a wispy mauve negligee set.
A few moments later she was standing outside the guest-room door. She took a deep breath in an attempt to steady her vibrating nerves, then knocked softly. It startled her when Steve opened the door almost immediately.
Wordlessly they stood staring at e
ach other; then he stepped aside and motioned her in. He closed the door behind her, then walked across the room to the window and stood staring out, his hands resting on his hips. He was so distant that a cold knot of uncertainty tightened in her stomach.
He loosened his tie before he spoke, his voice strained. "Is there something wrong, Leslie?''
She clasped her hands together and swallowed against the nervous flutter in her midriff. "Your mother just came to see me."
"And...?"
She swallowed again, then whispered, her voice faltering. "She said..." Leslie had to take a deep breath before she could go on. "She said to...to mind the third stair when I came down to see you."
There was an odd edge to his voice, and his back stiffened. "Did she?"
Leslie suddenly realized it was a mistake to have come, and she turned to go. She had just opened the door when Steve's arm shot in front of her and pushed it shut.
Catching her by the shoulders, he turned her to face him. There was a low evocative tenor to his question. "Did you?"
Leslie couldn't look at him, and she twisted her fingers together nervously. "Did I what?"
Slipping his hand under her chin, he gently lifted her face. "Did you miss the third step?"
She stared at him numbly for a split second, then dimpled up at him, her cheeks pink. "Yes."
Steve's intoxicating smile seduced her, and Leslie gazed up at him, completely captivated by the warm intimate look in his eyes. There was a long silent interchange between them; then she reached up and slowly undid Steve's loosened tie.
He never touched her, but his jaw tensed, and the warmth in his eyes kindled into a flame of desire as Leslie unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off his shoulders. There was a heavy breathlessness in her as she smoothed her trembling hands up his naked torso and across his chest. Steve's breathing became more labored as she slowly explored his body with inquisitive hands.
When she undid the buckle of his belt, his face twisted in a tormented grimace and he hauled her into his arms. He crushed her against him, his voice hoarse.
"Leslie...oh, Leslie, you don't know what you do to me when you touch me like that."
His mouth sought hers, and her lips parted willingly as she surrendered to him the moist sweetness of her mouth. Like a parched man, he seemed to drink all the love she offered him, his lips moving thirstily against hers.
Leslie was aware of his belt buckle pressing against her and of the layers of chiffon that slithered between them as she pressed her breasts against his chest. Slipping her hand up his rib cage, she savored the feel of his warm skin beneath her touch. A compelling need to have his naked body against her own rose within her, and she slid her hand beneath the waistband of his slacks.
Steve murmured her name raggedly, then eased her away from him and with trembling hands, brushed the negligee from her shoulders. He kissed the curve of her shoulder, his mouth hot against her skin. With tormenting slowness, he slid the straps of her nightgown down over her shoulders, exposing her breasts.
An exquisite fever of anticipation flamed through Leslie as he slowly smoothed the mauve silk from her body. For hot hypnotizing moments, he looked at her, his gaze like an erotic embrace; then he reached out and tenderly cupped her breast in his hand. He lowered his head, and a bolt of heat scorched through Leslie as his mouth covered the rosy peak.
A sweet fermenting weakness invaded her body, and her strength dissolved with his arousing caress. She swayed against him, her bones melting like warm honey, and sensing her helplessness, he gathered her up in his arms and carried her to the bed.
Her heart pounded wildly, her blood like mulled wine as she watched him undress. As he came to her, she whispered his name. It was as if two white-hot halves were forged together as one when he finally gathered her naked body against the length of his.
They held each other until the tempest abated, and their passion scorched through to another dimension—a dimension of intoxicating pleasure. One hot rich sensation after another flooded them. Steve's exploring mouth slowly and entreatingly awakened every nerve in Leslie's body until she was trembling beneath his unrelenting assault. There was a throbbing swell growing within her, inundating her with feelings so profound, so evocative, that she felt as though she was going to drown in them.
Wanting him to know the exquisite ache pulsing through her, Leslie trailed her mouth down his neck to his chest, her tongue inscribing moist circles on his salty skin. His hands grasped her head, his fingers thrust in her hair, and she felt his muscles grow taut beneath her mouth as she stoked the fire in him.
Savoring the taste of him, the texture of his skin, she continued to arouse him, her moist mouth searching and provocative. Lower and lower she went, until her tongue probed the recesses of his navel. She slipped her hand up the inside of his thigh, her touch agonizingly light as she began to stroke him.
A shudder shot through him, and a low tortured cry was torn from him as he grabbed her wrist and yanked her hand away. "Leslie, no more," he ground out hoarsely. "I can't stand any more."
He lifted her on top of him and with a muffled groan, he took her, his body penetrating the heat of hers with an excruciating slowness that was nearly unbearable. Leslie felt like she was suffocating as searing desire ripped through her like a flash fire.
Cupping her face in his hands, Steve whispered, his voice compelling, "Open your eyes, Leslie. I want you to look at me."
A sob caught in her throat as she gazed down into the blue fire of his eyes, eyes that were drugged with desire.
With a deliberate measured pace, he moved beneath her, transporting her to the very brink of rapture—then he paused. She hung onto him with a desperation that seemed to wring at her very soul. A floodgate had been released, and her immeasurable feelings for him came boiling out with the force of wild white water—rampaging, uncontrollable and with such untamed beauty. Leslie could feel the storm rising in Steve, as well, as two violent torrents merged into one, flinging them into the turbulence. Their gaze was fused by their mutual need, and Leslie was immobilized by the unendurable longing that raged in her.
Over and over again he brought her to the very point of no return, until the flood tide could no longer be denied. A low moan was wrenched from her lips, and with an unleashed desperation, Steve pulled her down to him, his mouth possessing hers with a frantic hunger. Like a solar flare, their passion erupted as fire met fire and their bodies merged into one glorious flame.
A very long time later, the fire of passion had finally diminished to the glowing embers of perfect serenity, and they lay wrapped in each other's arms, fulfilled and complete. Steve gently combed his fingers through Leslie's tousled hair as she pressed her face against the curve of his neck.
His arms tightened around her in a tender sheltering embrace as he sighed contentedly. "Thank heaven I came to my senses when I did! I can't imagine my life without you."
Leslie kissed the pulse at the base of his neck, then lifted her head and looked down at him. She caressed his bottom lip with her fingertips, the huskiness of her voice touched with uncertainty. "I hope you never regret it, Steve. Our life together is always going to be so public, so scrutinized."
Smiling softly, he brushed back a wisp of hair that was clinging to her cheek. "I know that—and I know it's going to put tremendous pressure on us." There was such a poignant warmth in his gaze that it brought tears to her eyes. "But I also know that all of it will be bearable as long as you're beside me."
Her mouth trembled as she whispered, "I'll be there."
Steve wiped away the tears that were clinging to her lashes. "In a few more hours you'll be my wife," he said, his face growing sober and his eyes smokey. "I love you, Leslie. For the rest of my life, I'll love you."
Leslie was so moved that she was unable to speak, but she responded to him wordlessly, giving him all her boundless love with a pliant passionate kiss.
With a soft groan, Steve's arms tightened around her, and he held her l
ike he would never let her go.
THE WEDDING PARTY CONTINUED long after Steve and Leslie left on Saturday night.
The younger people had, by sheer numbers and noise, driven the older ones out of the living room and into the seclusion of the kitchen.
The McAllisters, the Donners, the Logans, Steve's parents and John McRory were all gathered around the huge kitchen table, enjoying some of Doris's delicious pastries.
"Well, Ted, I'll wager you never expected a wedding to be the outcome when you went to Steve with the Redwillow proposal," declared John McRory as he added cream to his coffee.
Maggie McAllister laughed and shook her head. "Then you don't know my husband as well as you think you do, John. Ted's an old matchmaker from away back. I knew exactly what his scheme was the very first time he invited Steve over to the house."
Gordon Donner laughed heartily, his round belly trembling. "No wonder you looked so pleased with yourself when you gave the toast to the bride. You looked like the cat who drank all the cream."
"Well, I figured I was allowed to feel a little smug," said Ted. "But you have no room to talk, you old scoundrel. You looked like you were about to pop a few buttons off your vest when you gave Les away. You'd have thought you'd arranged the whole thing all by yourself."
There was a ripple of laughter, then a brief lull that was jarred by the racket from the other room.
"I ain't seen such a pretty bride since we was married, Amy," commented Frank Logan, patting his wife's hand affectionately. "When she came down that aisle, she looked like there was a bright light glowin' in her. And when she looked up at Steve with them big eyes shinin' and filled with them big tears, I had to do some heavy swallerin', I tell you."
Ted and John exchanged looks of amazement. Big, rough, tough Frank Logan...?
Constance Donner blew her nose, then sighed with deep feeling. "I know exactly how you felt, Frank. Steve watched Leslie come down that aisle as though she was the only person in the whole world. Then he came to meet her with that look on his face...and he took her hand in his and kissed it...well I cried like a baby." She tried to mop away her overflow of tears with a very damp hankie. "They acted like there wasn't another soul within miles of them. It was so beautiful.''
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