An Innocent in Paradise by Kate Carlisle Page A

V she had carried around inside her mind for years. Her virginity was gone and frankly, she had never expected to enjoy losing something so much. Grace looked up into Logan’s eyes and felt her heart give a soft, warm flutter. He hadbeen wonderful, even though, right now, he didn’t exactly look pleased to be her deflowerer.
    â€œYou didn’t hurt me at all, Logan. It was…”
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell me?” he asked.
    It would be silly to pretend not to know what he was referring to, but she considered playing dumb for a half second. Then she gave it up. “You mean why didn’t I tell you I was a virgin? Honestly, I didn’t think it would be an issue. And I confess I was so wrapped up in the moment, I didn’t want to stop. I’m glad we didn’t stop.”
    He smiled at that. “Me, too, Grace. But I still wish you’d said something.” His voice was repentant as he stroked her hair. “I would’ve been more gentle, taken my time to make you feel more at ease.”
    She was surprised to see regret reflected in his eyes and she reached up and touched his face. “You did everything right, Logan. It was wonderful.”
    â€œNo,” he said meaningfully, taking hold of her hand. “But it will be.”
    He lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her with a tenderness she’d never thought to experience. Desire trembled within her all over again, rising inexorably as he tormented her with gentle warmth, lavished her with whispered endearments, tempted her with slow, openmouthed kisses. He touched her with a softness born from regret, she knew, that he’d neglected to use enough care with her before.
    The sweetness of his actions touched her heart and she met his passion with a wholehearted joy she’d never known before. Oh, she tried to hold on to a dash of detachment for her own good, but it was useless. Logan effectively destroyed all her defenses until she was left with nothing but shivering need for his hands and mouth on her skin.
    Was this what love felt like? Oh, she wasn’t stupid enough to imagine she’d fallen in love with him. But she’doften heard that being in love was the best feeling in the world, and right now, she felt pretty darn fabulous.
    â€œI’m just going to hold you for a while, Grace,” he said softly, tucking her in close to his side.
    â€œWe’re not going to—” Even she could hear the disappointment in her voice.
    He smiled against her hair. “Not right this minute.”
    â€œOh,” she said, snuggling her head against his shoulder. “Why?”
    Logan chuckled and she smiled even as she closed her eyes.
    â€œBecause you wore me out, Grace,” he said, still smiling.
    â€œI did?” She sighed, and stretched out one arm across his broad chest. Even though it had been her first time, she must have done everything right. Good to know. “That’s nice.”
    As they dozed off to sleep, she issued her naive self a warning. This wasn’t love. She hoped she was smart enough to know that much. But several times during the night, when she awoke and found herself in his arms, she had to wonder if she hadn’t already slid effortlessly into something very close to love with him.
    As daylight began to lighten the room, Grace quietly rose from the bed and got her first real look at Logan’s elegant bedroom. Pale gold walls and terra-cotta floor tiles gave the space a lovely, open feeling, while thick, colorful area rugs provided warmth and a touch of charm. White plantation shutters covered a wall of windows that when opened would no doubt reveal an unsurpassed view of blue water and lush green hillsides. A comfortably overstuffed taupe sofa with striped brown and coral pillows sat against the wall facing the bed. The room was casual, elegant and expensive, and completely suited its owner.
    Logan sprawled sound asleep under the covers, all rumpled and