This Matter Of Marriage by Debbie Macomber

to her toes. She’d been kissed plenty of times before, but not like this. Never like this. His touch, his kiss, reminded her that she was indeed a woman. A desirable woman.
    â€œYou taste so damn good,” he murmured close to her ear.
    â€œIt’s the wine.”
    â€œIt’s you,” he countered. “You intoxicate me.”
    She opened her mouth to remind him that they’d shared an entire bottle of wine, which might have explained any intoxication, but he chose that moment to lower his mouth to hers again. The kiss was deep and involved, and when he raised his head they were both breathing hard.
    â€œOh, my,” Hallie whispered, her eyes closed. The taste of his lips lingered on hers.
    Mark began to kiss her neck and the underside of her jaw. Hallie leaned her head back as awareness shivered up and down her spine.
    â€œI knew almost from the moment we met that you were the one,” Mark whispered.
    She’d shared his reaction, his enthusiasm. Meeting Mark had made up for her unhappy experiences with Marv and Tom. He was everything she’d hoped to find in a man—in a husband.
    He continued kissing her, and his hands traveled to the front of her sweater, cupping her breasts. “You’re so damned beautiful,” he whispered.
    Hallie bit her lower lip, as he manipulated his thumb over her nipples, which rose instantly to attention.
    â€œLook how responsive they are.” His voice was elevated slightly with sexual excitement. “I can’t believe how perfect you are.”
    He slipped his hand under her sweater, his fingers investigating her warm smooth skin. All the effort that had gone into losing those ten pounds had been worth it, Hallie realized. She’d gladly do it all over again just to hear the awe in Mark’s voice as his hand stroked her abdomen.
    He kissed her once more, his tongue parting her lips, exploring her mouth. His breathing was heavy and labored when the kiss ended. “Hallie, sweet Hallie.”
    â€œOh, Mark…”
    â€œI realize we haven’t known each other long.”
    â€œTwo weeks.” It seemed as if he’d been in her life for months.
    â€œLet me spend the night. I know it’s soon, but I need you so much.”
    Her eyes flew open and the warm sensual fog began to clear. She’d known—hoped—that eventually this would happen. She thought of the glorious silk nightgown she’d purchased a couple of months ago with this moment in mind. But it was too early in the relationship.
    â€œI’m crazy about you.” He kissed her again, weakening her resolve. The series of kisses that followed left her drowning in a sea of arousal. She searched desperately for a life preserver, a reason, an excuse.
    â€œHallie, can’t you see what you’re doing to me?”
    â€œYes, but…”
    â€œIt’ll be good, I promise you.”
    â€œMark, I need to think.”
    â€œDon’t think, Hallie, feel.” He removed her bra before she was aware of what he was doing. When she heard her jeans zipper ease open, she pressed her hand over his. Their eyes met in the semi-darkness.
    From somewhere deep inside she found the answer. “Not yet.”
    Disappointment clouded his eyes. “Soon, though, right?”
    She smiled and kissed him. “Soon.”
    Mark accepted her decision with good grace, then helped her adjust her clothes. When her desire had cooled slightly, she went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Mark followed her and agreed they were both in need of something to sober them up.
    They sat back down in the living room with their coffee. “I’ve got a tight travel schedule this week and I’ll be gone for a few days,” he said regretfully. “I’ll call you, though.”
    She nodded. “I’ll be here every night but Friday.”
    â€œFriday?” He frowned suddenly and studied her.
    Rather than launch into a lengthy