He let her go when she jerked out of his arms. Tears sprang to her eyes as quickly as her hand covered her mouth. Backing up, she turned and blindly paced away from him down the beach before turning and pacing up the beach. She made one more turn to stand in front of him, swiping at the tears that continued to spill down her face. Using the index finger of her right hand, she rolled it forth from her mouth.

"I SAID," he spoke and signed, repeating her motion, "I LOVE YOU. I'm HEAD OVER heels," he pointed at his feet, "in love with you."

She stepped forward tentatively, still out of his reach, her eyes almost pleading. "Really?"

He nodded, relaxing his stance, the fear that had gripped him when she had retreated, easing its hold on his heart. Watching her digest his declaration while she absently chewed on her lower lip drove him to distraction. So focused was he on her unconscious actions, he was thrown off balance when she hurled herself at him. Frantically grabbing for her, he twisted his body to take the brunt of their fall, thankful he was tumbling into sand. Working to catch his breath, he simply stared up into her face, taking in her brilliant smile.

"So you're okay with that?"

Throwing her head back in abandoned laughter, she missed his groan as her body pressed into his. "Okay?" she smiled delightedly, her eyes meeting his. "Okay? I'd say it's," she wiggled, drawing her knees up and pushing against his chest to a sitting position. Forming a P hand shape, she circled and then touched it to the other P hand shape. "PERFECT."

His hands settled at her waist, holding her still. Gritting his teeth against the stirring of his body her innocent movements were causing, he raised one hand to frame her face. "I think you're perfect. You're so beautiful"

She stilled, the profoundness of the moment settling over her. Turning her head, she planted a kiss in the palm of his hand before falling forward, her hair sliding down to curtain their faces. Staring deeply into his eyes, hers filled with moisture. She traced his handsome face in wonder, knowing she had been given a precious gift. Watching his lashes lower involuntarily as she leaned closer, she pressed her lips against his pulling back before he could deepen the kiss. Her smile was tender as she watched his eyes open, desire evident in his gaze. "I love you."

His expression melted from one of uncertainty to one of joy to one of determination. Shivering in anticipation, she found herself rolled and pinned beneath him, the cool sand beneath her in contrast to the heat emanating from his body. Her nerve endings were sizzling expectantly, responding to his nearness and the predatory look boiling to life in his eyes.

He shifted subtly, hiding nothing from her. Watching her eyes widen with feminine understanding, he watched as an answering flush spread across her face and down her neck and beyond and noted the way her breathing changed, becoming more shallow. He dipped his head and nuzzled behind her ear, sliding his lips down her neck in search of the spot he knew to be extra sensitive. Finding his goal, he laved extra attention there, eagerly absorbing her reflexive shudders, urging her body closer as she arched into him, his hand sliding up her body to cup her shoulder blade and hold her more securely to him. He continued with his ministrations, relentlessly branding every area of exposed skin he could, following the open v of her blouse with his lips, barely pausing to nudge a button that was in his way, smiling triumphantly when it gave way, revealing her form-fitting camisole. Sliding his tongue along the lacey edge, he used his cheek to sensuously rub against her straining chest, giving her a modicum of what she was innocently asking for.

"Ja...Jack," she whispered desperately as she gulped for air. "Do...do...you th...think it's too...s...soon?"

He looked up, the hem of her camisole still in his mouth from where he had pulled it from her shorts. Dropping it, his eyes widening, he wondered aloud, "Too soon for what?"

"For you to kiss me," she panted, dropping her head back against the sand. His face appeared above hers, his grin cocky. "I thought that was what I was doing - very thoroughly."

"You know what I mean. Really kiss me," she demanded, lifting her lips and fastening them to his, moaning with pleasure when he acquiesced, plundering her lips like a starving man. She was instantly drawn into his vortex of passion, learning to give as she discovered the satisfaction of receiving. Her hands traveled the taut contours of his back, shoving his shirt aside in her haste to feel more of him. She protested when he lifted his head only to watch with fascination as he dipped his head and tugged it completely off. She impatiently tugged him back to his previous position, unable to prevent the gasp that escaped as his bare stomach settled on hers.

He toyed with her lips, nibbling and tugging gently while he rocked his body gently against hers, feeling the shockwaves of sensation race through her at his pleasurable movements. Her hands flitted from his back to his sides, scorching his skin along the way. He pulled away just enough to take in her sexily disarrayed state; her hair was splayed wildly around her head, her lips were parted and swollen, her chest heaving, and her blouse was twisted around her elbows. He had managed to slide one strap of her camisole off her shoulder, giving him a tantalizing glimpse of her delicious curves. There was no doubt that she was as aroused as he and he knew he had to call a halt to their lovemaking. This was neither the time nor the place to continue.

With a monumental effort, he eased the strap back into position and lifted himself enough to pull the hem back into place. Sliding off of her to her side, he placed light, feathery kisses along her cheek and forehead, giving them both the time they needed to rein in their tumultuous emotions. When he was back in control of himself, he rolled to his knees and then stood, once again sweeping her off her feet when she made to stand beside him. Carrying her back to their chaise lounge, he settled them both there before speaking.

"I'm not ready to let you go, but I don't trust myself with you in our room. Stay with me out here? Let me hold you through the night?"

She nodded her ascent, her smile turning shy. "I love you, Jack."

"And I love you. Now sleep," he commanded, tucking her head beneath his chin and ending their communication.

It took a while, but she did with him following closely behind.