Winds of Heaven (21 page)

The hunger to feel his possession throbbed within her, and Kylie arched her body into his, seeking to give and receive a sweet fulfillment.

Passion flared in fiery waves, but for all the urgency of their union Kylie felt the same lingering seduction of her senses, the completeness that she knew belonged uniquely to her and Nick.

The satisfaction remained long after the storm of their desire had spent itself. Kylie lay content, wrapped in his embrace, too bemused with loving him to do more than sigh occasionally.

Nick rubbed her shoulder in slow, soothing strokes. “Now that you’re here, Kylie, I intend to keep you.” His breath warmed her temple, and she closed her eyes to savor the wispy touch. “You know that, don’t you?” he asked. “I don’t want any arguments about it. We’ll plan a wedding during the Christmas holidays. That will give you plenty of time to relocate your main office and move in here with me.”

“Wait, Nick,” she protested, turning to look at him. “Did you just say we’re getting married?  At Christmas?”

“Well, I’m thinking you’ll want a decently long engagement.  Long enough to plan a wedding, anyway.”  He paused, hesitated.  “You will marry me, won’t you?”

“Yes, Nick, of course I will, but what is the point of a long engagement?”

“We’re going to need time to relocate your company in San Francisco. This will be a good opportunity for you, Kylie. Your business is bound to benefit by a move north. I have a lot of contacts here and I should be able to talk some of those aging, autocratic idiots you’re so fond of into hosting your seminars.”

Kylie kept very still, listening to his careful plans. They were solid plans, wonderful plans for the future that she could agree with completely...except for one tiny detail.

Her sigh sailed past lips frozen in a frown. “Nick, did you ever once consider asking what I thought about all this? It might not be feasible to move my business at the moment. I might not want to wait until Christmas to be married. I might have plans and commitments of my own to consider. Couldn’t you
ask
me before you start making decisions that affect both of us?”

His breathing slowed, and she felt caution flood through him. The moment lengthened into a weighty silence as Nick increased the pressure of his embrace and then released it. “I think, Kylie, that I’m afraid to ask.”

For all the steadiness in his voice she heard the uncertainty, recognized his unspoken need for reassurance. “Nick, I love you. I need you. You’re a part of my life now. I couldn’t make any plans that didn’t include you if I tried. It’s just that I want to be, insist on being, an equal partner in our relationship. I can’t settle for less than that.”

“I want that too,” he agreed huskily. “I’m just not at all sure how to go about establishing equality. I know I’m stubborn at times.” He paused to wrap her in a smile. “Not as stubborn as you are, but stubborn just the same. I want to give you so much, Kylie. I want to protect you and love you. I want to be needed by you.” He inhaled a low deep breath. “We’re both strong willed. Do you think we can make our marriage a success? I want a long-term commitment, Kylie. I won’t settle for less.”

Turning onto her side, Kylie braced herself against his chest and planted a confident kiss squarely on his lips. “I’ve always had a firm belief in positive thinking, and I’d be happy to give you some individual instruction. Could I interest you in private lessons?”

“We should begin the lessons immediately. But, I warn you, it may take years for me to get the hang of it.”

“I’m not worried,” she assured him solemnly. “You’ll have a lifetime to practice.”

His arms curved invitingly, pulling her close and allowing his lips access to the delightful hollows of her shoulder. “And a lifetime to practice other equally important activities. Perhaps I might interest you in a different type of lesson?”

“Mmmm, I don’t know.” She savored the seductive heat of his kisses. “I’d have to know exactly what kind of lesson you have in mind.”

“Forget I asked. This is one time you’ll just have to accept my decision as final.” He sealed the command with a tender tasting of her lips.

Kylie drew back and smiled into his love-darkened eyes. “I don’t intend to let it become a habit, but just this one time I will lovingly acquiesce to your wishes.”

“Thank God, I was afraid you were going to argue.”

“I love you, Nick,” she whispered. “How could I possibly argue with that?”

“I adore a woman who knows her own mind.”

Her lips formed a curve of surrender. “And I’m fascinated by an assertive man. Isn’t it lucky we found each other?”

“Luck had nothing to do with it,” he said with a slow, nuzzling caress along her neck. “It was the power of positive thinking.”

“Yes, of course,” Kylie agreed dreamily. “How could it be anything else?”

Copyright © 1984 by Karen Whittenburg

Originally published by Dell (0440195780)

Electronically published in 2012 by Belgrave House

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No portion of this book may be reprinted in whole or in part, by printing, faxing, E-mail, copying electronically or by any other means without permission of the publisher. For more information, contact Belgrave House, 190 Belgrave Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94117-4228

     http://www.BelgraveHouse.com

     Electronic sales: [email protected]

This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.