Chapter 18: So You Love Me

"It's not fair at all. How am I supposed to concentrate when you wear something like that?" I whined after I'd lost the tennis match to Annie. She'd dressed in an tennis outfit, much like mine except instead of shorts, she had a skirt. And that skirt had exposed her lovely long legs. I was only a man after all. Her top was a tank top but it was the legs that really got me. Her legs and her dazzling smile. And of course, those gorgeous eyes. No wonder Luke had been in love with her. Who in their right mind wouldn't be?

"What do you expect me to wear? It is a tennis outfit and don't forget, you're the one who gave it to me," she reminded. I frowned.

"I should have asked you to model for me in it. I had no idea that skirt was that short," I said. She laughed and put her hands on her hips.

"Short? It came to my knees, Bart, honestly! You men always blame it on women when you lose," she teased.

"Not always. Only if the women have killer legs like you do," I murmured. I saw her eyes widen.

"Oh, so you love me because I have killer legs?" I smirked.

"It doesn't hurt," I teased before I grew serious and brought her against me.

"Seriously, Annie . . . I don't love you because of the way you look. I mean, I love the way you look . . . but mostly it's what's in your heart. And your eyes. Your true emotions always show through your eyes. You are a wonderful person. You make me want to be a better person. There's so many little things about you that make me love you. Like the fact you always have a pencil behind your ear for checks, autographs, whatever," I said, smiling at her affectionately as I fingered the pencil behind her ear.

"I know you don't love me because of my looks. But . . . tell me more about these killer legs," she said, smirking. I chuckled as I placed my hands on her shoulder and studied her intently.

"The legs . . . they're perfect. I mean, any man would drool . . . and I'm very glad it's just the two of us. I would feel obligated to bring a gun out here," I said and she laughed.

"Ooooooh, the possessive type. I guess I better give a warning to any other man I come into contact with. I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt because of me and my killer legs," she teased.

"And you have cute feet too," I said with a grin as I looked down at her sandals which showed off her toes. She wiggled her toes and I laughed.

"Anything else?" she asked, looking up into my eyes. I smiled.

"But of course. You have a nice rear also," I confessed. Her face turned bright red and her mouth actually dropped. It nearly killed me to hold my laughter in!

"Bart!"

"What? I'm a man, Annie! Men notice these things!" I declared. I brought my hands to her stomach.

"And although you're shy about this, I love it too. I can't wait to see you in a bikini. Why did you have to torment me with that one piece at the beach?" I asked, scrunching my nose up.

"Next time I'll wear a body suit," she threatened but I could tell she was enjoying hearing me talk about how much I liked the way she looked.

"These are self explanatory," I murmured, moving my hands up to her breasts. I looked at her and she pretended to be annoyed.

"I'm a man," I reminded as I moved my hands to her neck.

"I'm pretty fond of your neck . . . better be glad I'm not a vampire . . . I think," I teased, moving to gently bite her. I pulled back slightly and cupped her face with my hands.

"And your face . . . your cheekbones, your lips . . ." I paused and leaned forward to kiss her deeply.

"Your cute little nose," I said, touching it. I laughed when she wrinkled her nose.

"Of course, what man wouldn't be lost in those eyes? And the way your eyebrows move . . . your face is so animated Annie. And of course, your hair . . . and these artistic hands," I said, grabbing them.

"Your arms too. They feel so perfect when they wrap around my neck . . ."

"Bart . . ." I looked at her and saw she was looking at me with so much love it made my heartbeat quicken.

"No one's ever told you any of this, have they? How awful. Where's my gun?" I asked and she smiled.

"No, they haven't. But you're not easy to overlook yourself," she reminded. I smiled.

"Really? Tell me more."

She smiled at me, a shy yet flirtatious smile.

"Well, your feet aren't cute . . . but they're still very good looking feet," she started and I smirked at her.

"Your legs are very strong though . . . and although you don't strike me as a man who works out a lot, you have a nice chest . . . and a smooth back," she whispered, sliding her hands underneath my shirt to slowly crawl up my back.

"And strong arms . . . and very . . . comforting yet gifted hands," she added. She then glanced down behind me and I looked at her curiously.

"And you have a cute butt." I stared at her and she laughed.

"What? It's obvious," she defended, holding her smile. She brought her arms around my neck.

"And your neck is just perfect . . . my arms fit perfectly. Sometimes your eyes seem so hard but when they soften . . . it's a wonderful sight to behold. Your lips are tempting . . . and you've got a pretty cute nose too. And I love your hair," she said, bringing her hands up to play with my wild hair. I had wanted to get it cut but I hadn't made the time. Now I was glad that I hadn't because I liked to feel Annie's fingers in my hair.

"Annie . . . you are tormenting me," I whispered. She smiled curiously at me.

"Really?" she whispered back so innocently I growled and swept her up into my arms. I then turned and ran with her into the house. The house was quiet and no one was in sight, thank God. I carried Annie upstairs and into my bedroom. I locked the door, not wanting to be disturbed for any reason.

"Oh, Annie . . . I've been so lonely for years here now but now you're here . . . and I don't intend to let you go . . . never," I whispered, laying her on the bed. Our lovemaking was different this time. Last time it had been slow and gentle, more of an exploration of the other. This time we were both nearly driven to the edge and it was passionate yet beautiful. When it was over, I looked down at her and saw tears in her eyes.

"Annie . . . I didn't hurt you, did I?" I quickly asked, remembering she'd only done this once before. She shook her head and leaned up, kissing me.

"No . . . but it was beautiful, Bart. I didn't want it to end," she softly said. I grinned at her.

"It doesn't have to . . ." I reminded and she laughed so hard that it wasn't long until I was laughing as well . . .