23

“Thank you for such a wonderful weekend, Jonathan,” Marilyn said as they walked toward her front door. “I really enjoyed meeting your family.”

“I’m glad you had a good time. My family liked you, too.” He chuckled. “But I’m glad everyone took my threats seriously about being on their best behavior.”

“Oh, you,” she said, playfully jabbing him in the side with her elbow. “I know you’re just teasing.” They reached her front door and Marilyn fished the keys out of her purse while he held her overnight bag. It truly had been a wonderful weekend. She had enjoyed getting to know his family, and seeing him in a different light. Today they had gone to church, and she’d discovered that the Madaris family had been members of Proverbs Baptist Church for generations. In fact, Jonathan’s paternal grandfather and grandmother had been founding members. It was funny how much she had in common with Jonathan’s family, even though, in the beginning, she’d believed they were polar opposites.

With her key in hand, Marilyn glanced up at Jonathan. He was staring at her. She could feel the heat in his gaze travel through her body. It had been like that most of the weekend. Whenever she caught him eyeing her, he never looked away. It was as if he wanted her to know he was staring at her, wanted her to feel the deep desire in his gaze.

Until Jonathan, she’d never felt such deep, stirring need. And they’d done nothing but kiss. But those kisses were leading to more, and soon. Marilyn wasn’t stupid or naive. She knew what more entailed. She’d never considered engaging in sexual activities before, mainly because she’d just never felt the desire. Now, though, all she felt was desire...for the gorgeous man standing in front of her. The question was, what did she intend to do about it?

“Jonathan, I know tomorrow is a work day, but I was wondering if you’d like to come in for a while?” There was no need to invite him in for tea since it was obvious that tea wasn’t what was on either of their minds.

“I’d love to, Marilyn.”

She unlocked the door and opened it. He followed her inside and closed it behind him, locking it. Was it her imagination, or did that click sound louder than usual?

He placed her overnight bag on the floor by the sofa, and she dropped her purse on the table. Then she turned to face him. “Can I get you anything, Jonathan?”

He smiled and she felt the warmth of that smile spread through her. “Yes, there is something I’d definitely like.”

She swallowed. “What?”

“A way out of my torment,” he said, crossing the floor to stand before her.

She tilted her head to look up at him. “And you think I’m capable of doing that?”

“You’re the only woman who can, Marilyn.”

His words did something to her, touching her and breaking her resolve. This was the turning point she needed, craved and wanted. She doubted she could love him any more than she did at that moment. And she did love him.

She was a woman who had guarded her heart, but was now entrusting it to this man. Only he really hadn’t asked for it. She knew there was a difference between love and lust. He wanted her, which didn’t necessarily have anything to do with love. Her brothers had shown her that. But what she did know was that she loved him. And she believed that if given time, Jonathan could love her back.

“In that case, Jonathan,” she said, moving closer to him. “Show me how to rid you of that torment.”

He didn’t say anything, but stood there, as if studying her face to make sure she meant what she’d said. “Do you have any idea what doing such a thing entails, Marilyn?”

She nodded. “Yes. I might be inexperienced, Jonathan, but I’m not hopeless. I think I can pull it off…if you show me how. Will you?”

He reached out and pulled her to him. “Yes.”

And then he lowered his mouth to hers.

* * * *

As much as he wanted Marilyn, Jonathan knew he had to take things slowly, not to rush her, but to savor the moment. He may be the one with experience but he could say, with absolute certainty, that she would be the first woman he’d ever made love to. In his eyes, a man didn’t have sex with the woman he loved. He made love to her. And he intended to make love to Marilyn tonight.

But first, he needed to prepare her for what was to come, which was why he was kissing her with such slow and measured intensity. The sole purpose was to stir a sensual hunger within her. He needed her to want him as much as he wanted her. He fought back the wave of anticipation that rocked him to his bones with every stroke of his tongue, every reciprocating caress. She’d definitely become a pro at imitating him.

He finally drew away from her mouth and the low moan that slipped past her lips made intense desire claw at his insides. Her eyes were closed, and she was breathing in slowly. At that moment, she was the most sensual person he’d ever seen. And her scent, enveloping him, was making his senses falter.

She slowly opened her eyes and he saw a need in those gray eyes that made his body’s most primal parts respond with a force that made a whoosh of air escape from his lungs.

“Jonathan…”

Why did she have to say his name at that moment? And why did she say it in that particular tone? The sound made his heart skip a beat, caused sharp awareness to fill his every pore. He was aroused beyond anything he’d ever experienced. Every muscle in his body expanded in desire and he leaned in, burying his face in the hollow of her neck to breathe in more of her scent. Knowing they were ready for the next step--the point of no return--he swept her into his arms and headed for her bedroom.