When Hearts Shine Bright: The Honeymoon
Chapter I: The Wedding Night
Could she get away with staring at her husband for the entire duration of the car ride without him noticing? Elizabeth kept taking peeks at him, while trying to pretend she was looking at the road ahead. It was useless, though. Her musings had her appreciating just how handsome Nathan was and she couldn't stop looking her fill. There was something about that gentle strength he exuded, not to mention the irresistible swagger she had only recently noticed. Elizabeth sighed inwardly. Then again, there was that profile, that head of hair, and the intense gaze of his ridiculously beautiful blue eyes… It was indeed a lethal combination that had her all aflutter. Elizabeth shook her head ever so slightly in what could only be disbelief. How could she have been so blind for so long? It was only recently she'd become truly mindful of Nathan's physical attributes. Yes, he had always been easy on the eyes, but now… now she was intensely aware. She was head over heels in love with this man, who also made her melt from the inside out every time she looked at him.
How would it be? She wondered. Being in his arms had to be the most sublime sensation she'd ever felt. Elizabeth felt her pulse quicken just thinking about Nathan's kisses. They had shared quite a few heated embraces since they began their courtship. But now… now they were on their honeymoon! Anticipation, excitement, along with a good dose of nervousness bubbled up inside of her. How would it feel to let the passion of their kisses run its course? Doing her best not only to conceal a shuddery intake of breath, but also to halt her train of thought, Elizabeth decided to break the easy silence between them.
Speaking in a much more even voice than she thought herself capable of, she said, "I'm still wondering where you're taking me."
"Well, wonder no more, dear 'Lizbeth," Nathan said, smiling with satisfaction. "I am taking you to a beautiful cabin by the water in Banff," he revealed without hesitation.
Elizabeth's eyes twinkled. "That sounds delightful. How did you decide on the location?"
"I wanted to take you to an incredibly romantic secluded place with an amazing view. We got a stunning cabin for the week, thanks to some strings Lee pulled."
"That's wonderful," Elizabeth said huskily.
How was it that her voice could sink into his veins and do all sorts of things to Nathan's pulse? For a second, he pondered pulling over once again, but decided against it. They'd never make it to their destination! But those eyes… She kept looking at him with those eyes that knew him like no other. Those eyes that pulled him into their depths every time his gaze bore deep into them.
It took all the strength he could muster to concentrate on the road and steer the conversation into safer territory. Yes, it was better to list all the things they could do outside the cabin. "There's a lake right in front. We can go swimming or on a romantic boat ride. The views are outstanding. We can go hiking and have our choice of various picnic spots. There are horses too. I'd love to race you one day," he said in his gruff, yet pleasing lilt.
"You'd love to race me?" Elizabeth asked, her whole face lighting up.
"Yes. Mostly every time we've been on horseback, it's been for the purpose of getting from one place to another. I'd love to experience the joy of a carefree ride with you by my side."
"That sounds incredibly appealing," she replied, her eyes glimmering. She could picture the image Nathan painted quite clearly.
"Speaking of appealing," Nathan said, smiling that attractive smile of his, "would you go into the water with me?"
"I'd go anywhere with you, Nathan."
"That's a very good reply," he said thickly.
"There's only one thing," Elizabeth mused out loud.
"And that would be?"
"I never learned how to swim. Will you teach me?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course." It was a simple, heartfelt answer. He didn't trust himself to say more. He was already thinking of teaching Elizabeth how to float, and how he'd have to support her waist until she'd be able to do it on her own. The prospect of touching a wet Elizabeth sent a trickle of sweat from the back of his neck down his spine.
Thankfully, Nathan could finally see the cabin in the near distance. Momentarily grateful for the halt to his thoughts, he heaved a sigh of relief. They had arrived.
The view of the night sky was simply stunning, and Elizabeth was in awe. If it was like this right now, she knew it would be an absolute spectacle during the day. But the sky… oh my goodness, every star seemed to shine brightly just for them. Elizabeth couldn't help but say as much as she looked up in delight.
Leaving her to that moment, Nathan smiled to himself and took up the task of unloading the car. He was done quickly enough and returned to Elizabeth where she was standing on the front porch. "Do you want to sit here for a bit? The cabin is fully stocked. We could have something to drink and wind down."
"There's something else I'd prefer to do," Elizabeth said quietly.
"Anything for my beautiful wife," Nathan said, his expression the epitome of a man head over heels in love.
"I want to dance with you."
Nathan's eyes glistened as he took in her tender request. "That's right. We didn't get a first dance at our wedding," he murmured.
Elizabeth closed the space between them. She held out her right hand, which he took delicately, as her left posed gently on his shoulder.
There was no music, but Nathan and Elizabeth didn't need it. The steady beats of their hearts provided the necessary percussion, while the soft whistle of the spring breeze injected a sweet melody into the air. Nathan slid a warm, firm hand over Elizabeth's waist. He brought her hand over his heart and edged her closer still. They gently swayed cheek-to-cheek to the beat of this perfect tune they created together.
And just because he could, Nathan covered her lips with his under the blanket of a flawless starry night sky. It was a beautiful kiss where they decanted the joy that overflowed at being newly declared husband and wife.
But, their kisses couldn't stay simple and light anymore; at least, not for the time being. The unquestionable blaze between them couldn't be ignored any further, as their coaxing lips took them to a richer, more sensual place.
Elizabeth let go of Nathan's hand only to thread her fingers through the longish hair at the nape of his neck. How had she never noticed how soft and silky Nathan's hair was? She adored being able to sink her fingers into his hair. Suddenly she pictured precisely doing so in the throes of passion. Elizabeth broke off the kiss only to look into his incandescent blue eyes, piercing her with the same need she felt burgeoning inside of her.
"Nathan, I don't know if we should just go inside, or stay out here for a while… What do you want to do? I mean…"
"'Lizbeth." He spoke her name with that calm and self-assured demeanor that floored her. "Of course I want to go inside, but that does not mean we have to rush anything. If you want to stay out here for a spell, we can, if not, that's okay. We have a whole week to ourselves to do whatever we want. But the question that begs asking is the following," he quirked his lips for a fraction of a second before intently fixing his gaze on hers. "What do you want?"
Elizabeth's couldn't quite halt the catch in her breath while her pulse quickened, and her heart raced. She could finally say without any shadow of a doubt, "I just want you."
"That's all I want too," Nathan said softly. He took her hand, helping her climb the couple of steps that led to the front door of the cabin. Once there, he swiftly picked her up in his arms, startling Elizabeth.
"Wait, what are you doing?" she asked, the very breath knocked out of her.
"Isn't it customary for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold?" Her face was so close, and her expression so befuddled, he just wanted to lose himself in the sensation of plying her mouth with his in another never-ending kiss.
"I believe that's when we enter what will be our home as husband and wife," she said softly.
He grinned lopsidedly. "No matter then. When we go home it'll be just another excuse to scoop you up in my arms."
Nathan lightly touched his lips to Elizabeth's once again, predicting a night filled with the most beautiful of kisses. He unerringly found their way into the bedroom, where he slowly let her find her footing, all the while keeping her pressed against him. The full body contact had him shuddering slightly with the expectation of what lay ahead.
Elizabeth felt an equal quiver and shiver fluttering through her. "I don't know why I'm so nervous," Elizabeth said, as Nathan took her hand and kissed her fingers in a display of devotion.
"Because the moment's here."
"How do you feel?" she asked sincerely.
"Gloriously happy and so in love with you." He looked deeply into her eyes, his expression serious. His gaze wandered over her face, and he truly looked at her, still so incredibly gorgeous in her wedding dress. "You are so much more than pretty. Do you know just how beautiful you are?"
"Why don't you tell me?" she asked breathily.
He did, just not in words. Nathan touched Elizabeth's hair. He let his fingers weave through her short, silky curls. He had never seen prettier hair, nor such a rich chestnut color. Nathan removed the pearl comb she wore while tucking a curl behind her ear. His forefinger traced a line down her swan-like neck. Elizabeth shuddered at the feathery touch, her eyes closing involuntarily. Catching her off-guard, Nathan took her mouth. This wasn't a light nip on the lips. It wasn't even gentle teasing. This was coaxing, this was shaping, this was his mouth molding itself to hers. Elizabeth felt her knees almost give way, but Nathan's strongly muscled arms kept her pressed up against him.
They broke apart only to look at each other and recognize mutual flames of want and desire.
Wordlessly, Nathan gently turned Elizabeth around and encountered a row of tiny buttons. He splayed his hands around her waist, and lightly nipped the sensitive area between her ear and neck. His hands smoothed her back, traveling upwards, until his fingers reached the top button of her dress. He hesitated just a second, giving her time to stop him if she desired to do so. He easily slipped the first button loose, then the second, and a third. Nathan paused again, giving Elizabeth yet another chance to voice her needs.
"Nathan, you don't have to stop," she whispered, looking backwards just enough for him to admire her flushed profile.
His fingers trembling just a little, he continued slipping buttons loose and reached her mid back. The fabric gaped open, giving him a view of her spine. The smooth skin dipped into the most sensual of lines, and he couldn't resist running his fingers along the exposed skin. Elizabeth gave a little jump and gasped. The gentle touch of his weather-worn hands had her undone.
She turned around and touched his chest. She knew he was strong, and firmly muscled, but what surprised her was how warm Nathan felt, even through his suit. Gazing at him intently she asked, "May I?" He could only nod. Nathan couldn't voice that she could do with him whatever she wanted.
Elizabeth promptly removed his suit jacket, then his vest. She pulled down one suspender, and then the other. After they hung at his hips, she slipped the knot out of the already loosened tie. He had undone a few buttons at the reception, but it was only now that Elizabeth could appreciate the smooth skin that stretched tautly over his muscular frame. As she fiddled with his buttons and his skin prickled due to the cabin's chill, Elizabeth was unwittingly recreating the dream he'd had a couple of days ago.
"I should probably light a fire," Nathan said hoarsely.
"I don't think we'll need one. At least, not right now." Elizabeth said, her eyes ablaze.
This was better than any dream, Nathan thought. She didn't run her finger down his chest, nor did she splay her hand on his abdomen. Instead, she parted his shirt and both her hands glided down his chest. Once they were firmly posed on his stomach, her nails dug into his skin just slightly, providing a temperate, yet titillating sensation. She circled her enticing hands all the way towards his back, drawing him in.
This time around it was Elizabeth who kissed him. It wasn't gentle, instead it was a full-blown open-mouthed kiss that left Nathan breathless. Suddenly he felt parched, as if he'd been on an endless journey in the desert. Elizabeth was his mirage, the only oasis where he could satiate his unquenchable thirst.
She pulled on his shirt while still fused in that ardent kiss. He felt glorious under her roaming hands, and she desperately wanted to look at him, too. She tore her lips from his and took a step back. Elizabeth almost swooned. He was just as splendid to look at as he was to touch. She swallowed convulsively.
Ever attuned to her feelings, Nathan saw something flicker in her eyes, and asked, "Everything alright, sweetheart?" He blinked, not even recognizing his own voice.
"Yes. Yes, I'm more than alright, it's just…"
"Just what?"
"I don't know how to say this."
"You can say anything to me."
She shut her eyes fiercely and blurted, "You are one magnificent looking man, Nathan Grant."
He chuckled quietly. "I don't see myself that way. However, it indeed does wonders to a man to know his wife finds him attractive."
Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth said, "I don't know why you don't seem to be more nervous…considering—"
"Considering everything we talked about our past experiences or lack thereof?" Nathan asked with a half grin.
"Yes," Elizabeth breathed.
He looked at her with those bright eyes that had always been completely honest with her. "Because it's you, 'Lizbeth. Because it's us. Because I know that everything, absolutely everything between us will be beautiful."
It was precisely what needed to be said, and Elizabeth's gaze brimmed over with love, devotion, passion, and so very much more. She turned around, silently inviting him to continue undressing her, ready for everything that was to come.
Nathan felt like he was unwrapping the most wondrous gift. When he loosened the final button, and Elizabeth's wedding dress fell to the floor, his throat went dry. She wore a silky slip of sorts and gossamer thin stockings held in place by some sort of lacy contraption. He knew she was beautiful, but nothing could have prepared him for the creamy skin, the legs that went on for days, the curve of her waist and the swell of her breasts. He felt his throat thicken; survival at this point was questionable.
But, it was Elizabeth, and she had the power to draw him in like a magnet. He couldn't help but let his lips fall on her shoulder, while his hands smoothed over her arms, squeezing her lightly. He spun her around and his mouth unerringly found hers. Elizabeth's lips were warm, soft, plush and Nathan simply just let himself feel, sinking into the heat of the moment.
Every caress he gave was met with another one from her. If he squeezed her waist, she promptly slipped her hands over his ribcage. If he nipped her bottom lip, she took it upon her to lave his upper lip lightly with the tip of her tongue. It was a ministration she'd dared not reciprocate before, but it was the breach Nathan needed to deepen the kiss and taste his fill.
Eizabeth pulled away, gasping just a bit. He was slightly bereft until he felt the caress of her sweet breath as she ran open-mouthed kisses along his jawline. The sensation was simply devastating, and Nathan felt himself sway just slightly on his feet. He was overcome by the fact that Elizabeth was just as avid a participant as he in their discovery of each other. Nothing could have prepared him for the jumble of sensations and emotions wreaking havoc in every fiber of his being.
The feel of his evening stubble bristled Elizabeth's tender and swollen lips, but the sensation sizzled all the way down her veins. A wave of desperation hit her. How? How could she want him this much? She knew it was quite brazen of her, but she couldn't help herself. Elizabeth's hands found Nathan's waistband, and she twiddled with that last button until it came loose. They both felt the whoosh of the fabric as it hit the floor.
Mirror gazes reflected passion and desire fueled by the deepest and purest of loves. Blindly they staggered and fell into the large four-poster bed that dominated the room, simultaneous gasps erupting from them both.
"'Lizbeth…" Nathan murmured quietly.
"My love, is something amiss?" Elizabeth managed to ask breathily.
"Nothing… I just…"
"Talk to me," she said, taking his face between her hands.
"I just… want this to be wonderful… for you," he breathed, baring his heart completely.
"It will be. For both of us. You just said it. It's you and me, so it can't be otherwise," she pointed out vehemently.
"I just have to remember my own words, don't I?"
"Yes. Let love and instinct be your guides, Nathan," she barely breathed. "Just do what feels right."
"It feels right to do this," he pressed his lips to her neck. "While I do this." He hooked a finger inside one of her stockings and gently pulled it off.
Her shudder told him all he needed to know.
"It also feels quite right to do this," he said, while he pulled off the other stocking, this time letting his knuckles brush the side of her thigh. "Does it feel right, sweetheart?"
"Yes." The single word felt ripped from her throat.
"How about another kiss?" he asked lazily, letting himself look at her. Elizabeth's face was Nathan's ultimate fantasy. Her heavy-lidded gaze had her long lashes posing lightly on flushed cheeks. Beautifully bowed lips were slightly parted, trying to manage an even breath. It wasn't quite possible to do so, given how passion and excitement had taken over. He couldn't help but notice her chest rise and fall unevenly in a most sensual dance, the movement making her breasts strain against her slip.
It was too much for Nathan, and he simply let himself fall prey to her lips. The kiss was deep and fiercely passionate, their desire galloping free at breakneck speed.
Elizabeth's hands gripped his hips, while Nathan gave himself permission to touch the side of her breasts. A gasp ripped from Elizabeth's throat as she shifted to give him more access; his hands giving her more pleasure than she'd ever thought possible. Wantonly, she slid hers between the waistband of his undergarments, giving him a small startle as she placed her delicate hands on his backside. Nathan couldn't help the groan that rumbled from his gut all the way to his throat. Elizabeth took that as wordless permission to finally divest him of all his clothing.
"Nathan, I want you. I want you so much…" she heaved, completely overwhelmed by the riot of emotions coursing through her.
He couldn't speak. For the life of him, he couldn't formulate one single word. Nathan looked into his beloved's face, and the turquoise blue fire of his eyes met the luminescent cerulean flames of Elizabeth's gaze.
They indeed met each other equally; fire to fire, flame to flame.
Fixing their gazes on each other, they never broke eye contact. Whatever clothing was left to remove simply melted away. And thus, letting instinct take over, Nathan hooked Elizabeth's leg against his hip. His body found hers, bonding them together the only way a man and a woman can come together as one.
A shuddering gasp met a soft moan and a shiver. Their intertwined souls found a rhythm of their own, eventually bringing them to the most astounding, simultaneous completion.
It was indeed beautiful. Because it was them.
After their hearts found more even beats, Elizabeth curled against Nathan, her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest.
"Whatever did I do to deserve such sublime happiness?" he whispered, as he unconsciously caressed Elizabeth's back. Maybe he didn't mean to say the words out loud. Maybe the rollercoaster of emotions didn't let him think before speaking. But the question was out there, floating in the air.
Elizabeth answered quietly, but not without imbuing her words with all the love and passion she felt within her very soul. "My love, you didn't have to do anything, you just had to be you."