Tangled Hearts by Barbara McMahon Page A

up. She believed him. Things would go back to normal and she’d be safe.
    Alone, facing the future without the man she loved, but she’d be safe. Thanks to him.
    Jake reviewed all his transgressions, trying to see which had been so heinous to warrant this kind of torture. Holding Brianna, just to offer comfort, was hell. He wanted to kiss her, make love to her. Find a spot for her in his world, despite all the odds against them, and keep her for himself.
    It wouldn’t work. Josh made sure he knew that. She must know it, too. She never spoke about the time when they were dating.
    Brianna found herself memorizing every second. She drew a deep breath, savoring Jake’s special scent. She buried her nose in his chest and held her breath to better remember each different aroma. The smell of his soap, of his after-shave, the laundry detergent used on his shirt, and his own masculine scent that opened the gates to wild, exciting dreams.
    She listened to his heartbeat, slow and steady as it pumped the life’s blood of the man who was so precious to her.
    She felt his arms across her back, the hard steel of his thighs beneath her own, the strength of his chest as he cradled her, offering comfort and support. Could she freeze a moment in time? Could she end everything and stay suspended in this minute? She wished it could be. If she lived to be a hundred, she would never forget Jake Morgan. She knew she'd love him all her life.
    She also knew life was unfair. She'd lost her parents when she was a little girl. She’d missed many things young girls shared with their mothers. And just loving a man didn’t mean he’d love in return. Sighing softly, she felt the tears again, but this time they were for what might have been and was not.
    “I’m probably crushing you,” she whispered, tightening her arms around his neck and bringing her face up to meet his gaze. His lips were mere inches away. She felt his breath fan her cheeks, felt the heat radiating from his body.
    “No.”
    Her smile wobbled. When he cupped her face with his hands and brushed the teardrops from her spiky lashes, her heart melted. He looked worried about her.
    “I’ll keep you safe, Brie. I won’t let him hurt you.”
    “I’m all right. It’s just—I know. I won’t worry anymore.”
    “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe you should start worrying—about me.” With that, Jake brought his mouth down on hers in a mind-blowing kiss.
    Had this really been what she sought? Not comfort, but bliss? When she was in his arms, she didn’t worry or think about the future or regret the past. She only felt. Felt the wonder of his touch, the magic of his embrace, the shimmering sensations that sizzled through her.
    The world spun dizzyingly as he laid her down on the sofa and pressed her into the cushions. Endless moments of spiraling delight whirled around and around as their kiss went on and on. Breathing was forgotten. The blood rushed through her veins, heating every cell, pounding in her ears. Time ceased. Earthly cares hung suspended as they were lost in a world of their own making, one of wonder and passion and love.
    When Jake pulled back at last, it was too soon. Brianna gave a small moan of protest, and he kissed her again, then sat up.
    “We’re moving beyond comfort. Come on, let’s take that walk.” He rose and went to the window. “It’s stopped snowing. It’s still overcast, but we won’t get wet walking.”
    Brianna stared at his back in startled surprise. What happened? One moment he was kissing her like there was no tomorrow, the next calmly suggesting they take a walk!
    Feeling totally confused, she sat up and pulled back her hair. There was something wrong when she couldn’t keep his attention in the throes of passion. Sighing, she rose on shaky legs and headed for the bedroom.
    “I’ll be out in a minute,” she said as she closed the door behind her. Leaning against it for a long moment, she closed her eyes, reliving the kiss. The kiss of a