"It's easy to do right here and now." She snuggled against him, the feeling of contentment stealing over her.
"Cold?" He felt her shivers against him.
"A little."
"Shall we go back in?"
"No." She snuggled closer and lifted her eyes to the leaden sky. "Just a few more minutes."
"Alright." They had stopped at the crest of the hill. "We never did manage to have dinner in town."
"Next time."
"That's a promise." He turned her to face him. "Feeling better?"
"Much. Thank you."
"That's what I'm here for." He cupped her face between his palms, green eyes darkening. "Now, I would very much like to get my wife naked."
A smile curved her lips. "Your wife would be a fool to object to that."
They made it back to the cottage before the light rain came. Seeing to the fire while she made a pot of coffee to go with their cake, he spread a blanket by the fire. They sat and watched the water trickling down the windowpane, a feeling of contentment stealing over them.
As soon as they were finished, he undressed her slowly, his lips covering every inch of exposed skin. By the time they were both naked, the passion was burning as bright as the flames in the hearth.
He loved her gently at first, the passion escalating between them until it was impossible for him to keep to the measured pace. He was hungry for her, the feel of her slender curves beneath him, driving him crazy with a need so great, he could hardly comprehend it.
Kadian clung to him, tears streaming down her cheeks as he sent her crashing, the climax taking hold of her in a tight and wonderfully crazy embrace. Here in his arms like this, with him making love to her, she felt as if nothing could touch them, nothing could ever have the power to take away their happiness. Here was home for her and she clung to it.
Tomorrow would come, but for now, they were here with each other and nothing else mattered.
*****
He adjusted the collar of her jacket, letting his touch linger. It appeared to them that last night had been a turning point in their marriage. Last night had been special. The lovemaking had taken a turn that had them both shaken to the core. Last night, he hadn't let up, giving them only a few miserly hours to get some sleep.
"I'll be right behind you before we turn off the highway." He was delaying the process of leaving but could not help it. He had the sudden urge to say to hell with everything and just keep her here with him. "And slow the hell down. You drive like a maniac."
A tremulous smile curved her lips as she lifted her hands to his beloved face. He had not bothered to shave, and the scruff made him even more attractive. "It's not my fault that you drive like an old woman."
His eyes narrowed at her and made her laugh.
"Slow down."
"I will," she promised. "Now kiss me."
He did. He had meant for it to be light, but it got away from him. He drove the kiss deeper, longer until the heat burst into flames. Gathering her against him, he gripped the back of her head, driving his tongue into her mouth, until they were both trembling from the passion.
It took considerable effort for him to end the kiss. Stepping back, he let go of her and stood there floundering, eyes darkened. Her lips were swollen, eyes glazed. Reaching out, he tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear and noticed that his hand was not quite steady.
"Go," he said hoarsely. "Before I forget everything and..." He stepped back and without another word, went to his vehicle.
It took her a moment to get her weakened legs to move and for the blood to stop pounding in her ears. Pressing a hand to her chest, she wrenched open the door and entered her vehicle. It felt as if she was leaving her heart and soul at this isolated cottage.
Touching the start button, she backed out and took her time along the dirt road. She glanced frequently in the mirror to track his progress. He was always right behind her, even when they had reached the open road.
At one point, he got lost behind two vehicles and called her.
"You promised to slow down."
