To Wed and Protect by Carla Cassidy Page A

glittered with anticipation as she tore open the foil and removed the protective sheath.
    Her fingers were hot and radiated urgency as she rolled the condom onto his throbbing member. Immediately, he got on top of her and she parted her legs to welcome him. With one smooth motion he entered her, sliding into her tight warmth as a groan of intense pleasure escaped him.
    Her fingers dug into his back as he remained motionless, overwhelmed by sensation and momentarily afraid to move. He drew several deep breaths, fighting for control, then slowly, almost imperceptibly began to move his hips against hers in the age-old rhythm of need.
    He meant it to be slow and easy, building to a shattering conclusion. But it was impossible to go slow and easy. The sensations that rippled through him demanded faster…frenzied. And Abby demanded it, as well, setting the pace with hip thrusts that took him higher and higher.
    It wasn’t until she stiffened and cried out in splendor that he allowed himself the final release. Wave after wave of pleasure swept over him until he was gasping and spent.
    He rolled to her side, pulled her against him and waited for their breathing to return to normal. She curled against him, and he was vaguely aware of how well their bodies fit together. With her head on his shoulder, they fit together like puzzle pieces.
    He stroked a hand through her hair, marveling thatit was, indeed, just as soft and silky as he’d imagined. “You okay?” he asked softly.
    â€œAt the moment I’m better than okay. I feel simply marvelous.”
    â€œThat’s because I’m a marvelous lover,” he teased.
    â€œHadn’t I mentioned that before?”
    She laughed. “I believe you might have mentioned it before. I guess I can tell Stephanie that your legendary charm overwhelmed me,” she said lightly.
    He grinned. “I think I was the one that was overwhelmed by your considerable charm. Besides, one single occurrence does not a success make,” he countered.
    For a long moment they remained quiet, neither seemingly eager to break their embrace. “I’m sorry about your father being so mean,” she finally said.
    He leaned on one elbow and looked at her. The sunlight painted her face in golden tones, making her eyes appear a striking green. “And I’m sorry about your sister.” He gazed at her curiously. “What about your parents? Were they good ones?”
    Her lips curved into a smile that shot a new wave of desire through him. “They were the best. They were kind and loving and wonderfully supportive.” A tiny frown creased the center of her forehead. “What about your mother? You’ve never mentioned her.”
    â€œShe died giving birth to Johnna. I was only a year old at the time, so I never really knew her.”
    She reached up and placed her palm against his cheek. “I wish you would have had the kind of parents I had.”
    â€œAre they still around?”
    A dark shadow stole the sparkle of her eyes. “No. They died four years ago in a car accident. I’m just grateful they weren’t around to know about Loretta. I think her death would have killed them.” The shadow disappeared. “And now we’d better get out of this bed.”
    In one fluid movement, she left his arms and rolled out of bed. He sat up and watched as she grabbed her bra and panties then disappeared into the adjoining bathroom.
    He remained in the bed as he heard the sound of a shower starting, deciding that when she finished, he’d jump in for a quick cleanup.
    His body still retained her fragrance, a scent that would be distracting as he worked the remainder of the afternoon. Even now, as he breathed deeply, he felt a renewed stir of desire for her.
    He frowned, not particularly pleased to find himself wanting her again so quickly, so strongly. It also bothered him that he had confided so much of his past to her. He’d never,