The Widows Choice by Hildie McQueen Page B

touching her intimately, he pushed into her and it was glorious.  Charlie let out a sigh of relief.  Wonderful sensations pulsating as he began to move.
    This was passion in its rawest form, the wonderful union between two people made perfectly for one another. Charlie could understand now what the poems were about as she flew higher and higher. 
    As her body responded to each caress with a heightened sense, she felt like a vessel through which beautiful music played. When she fell from the precipice, it was like no other experience.  Her body exploded into fragments.  In the midst of it, she heard Rafe's hoarse cry and knew he fell too.
    Charlie snuggled against Rafe, her head on his chest.  Both sated for the moment.  He pressed a kiss to her brow.  "We should get some sleep."
    "Mmm hmmm," she replied her eyes already refusing to open.  "We should."
    They'd made love again and once again she marveled at how wonderful it could be between a man and a woman.  Why had she never known?  Of course it was not a subject easy to speak of, yet she wondered how many had this.  What she'd discovered with Rafe?  Certainly she'd not ever soared like this with Daniel.  He'd rarely even took her nightshift completely off.  They'd fumbled in the dark, him entering her without preamble.  And yes, after a few uncomfortable moments, it had been somewhat enjoyable, but never had she splintered again and again.  Never had she reached such heights.
    When Rafe's soft snore sounded, she allowed slumber to pull her in.
    A nudging woke her and she opened her eyes to find Rafe nuzzling her neck.  His lips on her skin instantly sent her body to life and she stretched her arms before moving closer to press against him.
    They made love, slow and tenderly, each still discovering the other's body.  His larger one a combination of smooth skin over tight corded muscles.  It astounded her to find pleasure so soon after the night before, but before long she urged him to move faster and deeper within her until once again she reached the wonderful peak from which to let go.
    Rafe rolled to his back and pulled her against him.  "Are you hungry?"
    She nodded and considered the options in the kitchen.  "We can eat the bread and fruit from the basket.  It’s late morning by all the light in the room."
    "I'll go see about food and some coffee.  Take your time and do what you wish.  Don't overdress." He gave her a playful wink and butterflies fluttered in her belly.  "Once we eat and such, we'll come back here."
    When he left, Charlie went to the mirror.  Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright.  She gasped at her hair, it was a mess.  Once she brushed the tangles out, Charlie donned another nightgown and slipped downstairs to find Rafe.
    He's already poured two cups of coffee and cutting the bread when she walked into the kitchen.  "Sit.  I'll serve."
    It was a very nice sight she decided, her new handsome husband shirtless only wearing pants.  His biceps bunched as he worked and a lock of hair fell over his brow.  Rafe must have felt her eyes on him because he looked up at her and raised a brow.
    "I'm admiring you.  You are a handsome man, Rafe," Charlie told him leaning her chin on her palm.
    He stopped what he did and gave her a playful look.  "Did you marry me because you could not resist my good looks?"
    "It helped, " she replied honestly.  "I was afraid, we'd end up in my bed eventually.  With or without a marriage certificate."
    They ate and chatted.  Mostly small talk.  Charlie wanted to ask him how he wanted to handle the running of the ranch, but couldn't find a way to bring it up without seeming she was suspicious of his motives.  It was interesting that the thought he married her for her land never crossed her mind.  She trusted him.  Something deep in her believed him to be a good and honorable man.
    "I don't want my name on the title to this land," Rafe told her and swallowed from his coffee cup.  "No need for