Free A Daring Proposal by Sandra S. Kerns Page B

elbow as he trailed a finger down between her breasts and over her belly. “Chaney, I never expected this. I’m...” he looked into her eyes. “I’m not prepared.”
    Her sensual smile did nothing to alleviate the ache below his waist that he was trying to ignore. An ache he wanted desperately to ease, but wouldn’t risk getting Chaney pregnant, knowing she didn’t plan on staying married.
    She cupped his cheek with her small hand. “I took care of it,” she said then started unbuttoning his shirt.
    Jed didn’t need more of an invitation. He pushed off the bed, toed off his shoes, and shucked his clothes in record time. She was so damn sexy with nothing but her panties and those stockings on. He rid her of the panties but didn’t waste time on the stockings.
    Jed stretched over her. He hovered holding himself a hair’s breadth above her. It would kill him if he had to stop now, but he had to ask one more time .
    “Chaney,” he said bringing her gaze to meet his. “Are you sure?”
    To answer she slid a hand down his torso and wrapped her fingers around him. “Now, Jed.” She guided him to her heat. Then she moved against him and Jed was lost in the cacophony of sensations assaulting his system.
    It was mere moments before they exploded over the edge of ecstasy. As the stars shooting before his eyes slowed, Jed slipped an arm around her and rolled until she lay sprawled over him. Her hair fanned across his chest as she rested her head on him. He wasn’t sure how she could stand it, his heart pounded in his chest like a base drum.
    With one hand, he stroked up and down her spine. He would be completely happy to stay right where they were for the rest of his life. “Chaney, girl,” was all he could say.
    “Mmmm,” Chaney murmured.
    “My sentiments exactly.” He smiled and closed his eyes. Even with his feet hanging off the end of the bed that was too short, he couldn’t remember ever feeling so complete.
    ***
    Chaney smiled against Jed’s chest, delighted with the way his heart raced. They lay twined together until the air conditioning kicked on and started blowing cold air on their bare bodies. With a groan of regret, she slid off Jed and reached down for the covers. She pulled them with her as she skooched up to the top of the bed. On her way, she took her time looking at Jed’s body.
    She had been right. His body had only gotten better with age, and so had his lovemaking. With his first touch, Chaney had forgotten her fears. All she could think was how wonderful it felt to be in Jed’s embrace.
    His hand reached over caressing her hip. “You’re beautiful, Chaney.”
    That burst her bubble. She knew better. Belle was beautiful. Chaney was okay, but not beautiful. She pulled the covers up to her chin. “Right,” she said, knowing the truth.
    Jed snuggled close. “I see you still don’t take compliments very well.”
    “I don’t need lines, Jed. After what just happened, it’s pretty obvious the bedroom part of this marriage isn’t going to be a problem.”
    “Chaney, I don’t use lines. Even if you decided this was the first and last time we’re together, I would still think you’re beautiful. I always have.”
    Hearing but refusing to believe him, Chaney didn’t comment. How could he say that when he’d left her high and dry?
    She stopped her negative thoughts. Tonight she wouldn’t start a fight. She wanted to slip back into the make believe world of only sensation. Jed’s roving hand was doing a good job of sending her there, too. It stopped suddenly.
    “If you’re mad about earlier, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to start trouble with your foreman. I know you don’t think I have the right, but I couldn’t stand there and let him talk about you like that. I’ll talk to Dale tomorrow and see if he knows anyone--”
    “Don’t bother. This has been brewing for a long time. Dave only said that because he wanted the ranch.” Chaney knew what Dave had said was basically true. No