Against the Heart
fire."  Ian kissed her again, a deep, burning kiss that send heat spearing out through her limbs.  His lips traveled to the side of her neck, pressing softly, trailing fire wherever they touched.
    "I need you," he whispered.  "I need you so much."
    She reached up and cupped his cheek, felt the roughness of his late night beard.  "I need you, too, Ian."
    Gently, he stripped off her robe, then stood back to look at her.  "God, you’re beautiful.  I tried to imagine what you’d look like this way, but I wasn’t even close."  Kissing her again, he lifted her into his arms and carried her over to the bed, settled her in the middle of the mattress and followed her down.
    "I’ve dreamed of this," he said between soft kisses that turned deep and erotic, careful to keep his weight on his elbows.  "I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you."
    Her heart squeezed.  She loved him so much.  "I only have tonight.  I wanted to spend it with you."
    Ian kissed her long and deep, and everything inside turned hot and liquid.
    "I should send you away," he said, "but I can’t.  Not tonight."
    "I know."  She had known from the look in his eyes at supper that if she came to him tonight, he would make love to her. 
    She felt his big hard hands cupping her breasts, taking their measure, testing the weight, urging her nipple into an aching bud.  His mouth followed his hands, his tongue gliding over the crest, nipping and tasting, making her skin feel stretched tight, sending warm moisture into her core.
    She was hot.  So hot she began to shift restlessly beneath him on the bed.  She could feel his erection pressing between her legs, thick and hard, demanding the warm, welcoming heat of her body.  She parted her legs, heard Ian’s quick intake of breath.  He kissed her deeply, taking his time, then he left her for a moment, returned and began to ease himself inside.  Meri arched upward, taking him deeper, wanting more, eager to feel all of him, eager to be joined with him, if only for tonight.
    "Meri," he whispered, claiming her mouth in a wet, erotic kiss as he buried himself in her soft, slick heat. "I’ve wanted you for so long," he said.  "It seems like I’ve been waiting forever."
    Meri bowed beneath him, taking him deeper still, feeling the hot rush of pleasure, the building need.
    Ian groaned.  "I want to please you," he said.  "I want to make it good for you, Meri."
    Her fingers dug into his powerful shoulders as he started to move.  Just the words, letting her know that she mattered, that she was in some way important to him, was enough to send a burst of heat rolling through her.  She arched upward, moving in rhythm to his heavy thrusts, their bodies aligned as if they had been designed for each other.
    He began to move faster, deeper, harder.  "Come for me," he said.  "Please, Meri."  And the soft command sent her over the edge. 
    She cried out his name as sweet pleasure tore through her, a rush so hot and pure she closed her eyes, wishing she could hold onto the moment forever. 
    She felt Ian’s muscles tighten, knew a second sweet rush of pleasure as he continued to drive in and out, heard the low groan deep in his throat as he reached his own powerful release.
    Long seconds passed, their hearts beating in unison, their breath mingling in the darkness.  When he started to lift himself away, she clung to him, refusing to let him go.
    Ian kissed her one last time.  "Sweet Meri," he said.  "My beautiful sweet Meri."
    Closing her eyes, she turned away, thinking how much she loved him, knowing how lonely she would be without him, praying Ian wouldn’t see the tears that tracked down her cheeks.
     
    CHAPTER NINE
     
    Morning sunlight streamed into the kitchen.  Ian flicked a glance at his father, who stood gazing out the window, watching Meri on her way out to the barn to get Lily.  Her car was already packed with the meager possessions she owned.  Ian had been trying all morning to find an

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