I caught a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror and stopped to study my reflection. The lines I'd seen around my eyes were becoming less fine and more pronounced lately. I was smiling more often, and it showed. I guess that's what happens when love lays claim, holding you in its desire filled, rapturous captivity...the likes of which you never want to escape.
I was feeling that way tonight.
Our date was perfect, full of humor and intimate conversations. My mind and heart were in such a state of contentment and joy. I wasn't sure I'd be able to calm myself from the excitement of it all! It was so carefree and easy between us, but it was also wonderfully alluring. I closed my eyes for just a moment, allowing my mind to place us back in the field together, under the brilliant sunset, wrapped in each other's arms. The taste of sweet kisses on our lips and the understanding in our gaze, catapulted us to the heavens, and I for one, never wanted to return to Earth.
I was so attracted. So undone, so in love. I wasn't sure how I'd muster the strength to go home tonight because it was the very last thing I wanted to do. We'd experienced our first real taste of what it felt like to just be us, without the children, and the sensation was overwhelming, in the most delicious way. I wanted to stay wrapped up in that elation for as long as possible.
A soft knock on the door, accompanied by the most spine-tingling timbre ever to grace my ears, pulled me back to the present.
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I couldn't find Allie's robe, so I brought mine instead. It was washed yesterday, but I did wear it for a few minutes after my shower this afternoon. Is that okay?"
It was more than just "okay."
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The thought of wearing his robe nearly took my breath away.
"Yes, thank you," I managed to reply.
"I'll leave it on the doorknob and wait for you downstairs."
"Okay. I'll be right there."
Nathan laid the horse blanket on the ground for us earlier this evening. I sat between his legs, with his arms around me, while we watched the sunset together. But at some point, my dress had dragged against the grass, leaving a stain. I'd been concerned about removing it from my dress, but more so of Allie seeing it and thinking we'd done something indecent, when I relieved her from babysitting Little Jack. I'd invited her to spend the night, but I didn't want to take a chance on her being awake and spotting it. Nathan suggested I work the stain out of my dress here and then hang it in front of the fire for a while to dry. I could've just waited to go home when I knew Allie would be in bed. I could've gone home now and walked in at a bit of an angle, hoping she didn't spot it. But I chose the option that gave me extra alone time with the man I loved, in the most intimate setting I could ask for.
As I slipped on his robe, clothed in what covered his impressive physique just hours before, the invigorating scent of his soap and aftershave enveloped me, decidedly assuring me that staying with Nathan was the correct choice. It was odd how the scent and nearness of him could both calm and excite me, all in one fell swoop. I wasn't very good at hiding it anymore, and I could tell he enjoyed seeing the effect he had on me, so I abandoned even trying to mask the extent of my attraction to him. After years of keeping him at arm's length, I wouldn't waste another opportunity to let him revel in how much I loved and wanted him. He was the very personification of desire to me, and I was taking great delight in every kiss and touch, lavishing my passionate responses to him without encumberment.
Taking one last look in the mirror, I took my dress in hand and went downstairs, padding across the floor to him in my bare feet. He looked me over, clearly enjoying the sight of me in his robe, before taking the dress from me, laying it over the back of a kitchen chair and pulling it closer to the fire. It wouldn't take long to dry, but I hoped time would stand still as he took a seat beside me on the couch. For just a moment, he looked uncertain if he should hold me close with only a loosely tied belt concealing my undergarments.
But that moment was fleeting.
He pulled me into his side, and I leaned into him as we began to watch the fire in companionable silence. As the minutes ticked by, I became warm all throughout my body, but it had nothing to do with the fire or heavy robe.
It had everything to do with him.
Earlier this evening, he flirted heavily with me when I couldn't hide my desire for him. His shirt was out of alignment, and I couldn't resist adjusting his collar and running my hands down his chest, grasping at his buttons.
"Am I looking distractingly good to you tonight, Mrs. Thornton?"
"You are indeed."
"What's doing it for you? The suspenders or the buttons?" he asked with a wry grin.
"Hmm? Would you like an honest answer, Constable?"
"Always."
"I've decided both are overrated. They're meager stand-ins. It's what lies underneath that has my attention."
"Mmm. I like that."
"I do, too."
He gave me a wicked grin, pressing a warm kiss into my hand, holding my eyes hostage.
Just the recollection of his eyes on mine and the breathless feeling he gave me, filled me with a burning need to be closer. He must've felt it too, because our eyes met. I gave him a half smile, before shamelessly staring at his strong jawline and chiseled chest. He was sending me into a near combustible state...and he hadn't even kissed me yet. I heard the pattern of his breath change and lifted my eyes to his, where he met mine with an intense stare. The heat between us was searing now, and I was having trouble keeping my hands to myself.
So, I didn't.
Pressing a hand lightly into his chest to steady myself, I turned and draped my legs across his lap, looking into his eyes, pleading for his kiss. He smiled warmly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear with one hand, and pulling me closer by the waist with his other. He leaned in, lightly brushing his lips against mine, building the anticipation, until he finally began to kiss me. I expected an intense, deep kiss. But it was neither ardent, nor insistent. Rather, it was soft and tender, loving.
He was making me feel adored.
My thoughts only of Nathan, and the great love I felt for him, emboldened me. I moved closer and began to unbutton his shirt just a little more, so I could let my hand rest over the warm flesh covering his heart, as my own rapidly beat in my chest.
Leaving my lips, he rested his forehead against mine. I was so overcome by him. Chills were running up the backs of my legs. I thought it stemmed only from desire until I felt his forehead leave mine, and I followed his gaze. My sudden turn into him had jostled his robe, leaving my calves exposed. His eyes came back to mine, and with my hand still resting on his heart, I gave a slight nod to his silent ask for permission. He placed a hand under my right calf, gently caressing my skin, warming me through with his searing, yet respectful touch.
Holding my eyes with his, I realized we hadn't exchanged a single, audible word since I came downstairs, yet the silence was heavy with communication. In that quiet, with thoughts of our date and the intimacy of his touch melodically reeling my senses, I again embraced the truth of what Nathan was to me.
He was my saving grace, in every way that I needed him to be.
He loved me completely and respected me deeply. He possessed my heart and soul, and I felt at home in his arms. But it was more than that. Nathan awakened and stirred the flames of passion within me. He made me feel that delectable, tingling sensation from my head to my toes...and tonight was just a taste of everything we'd enjoy together in the future.
But prolonged thoughts of what our marital life would yield, would only make controlling my desires more difficult. So, exchanging a warm smile and a silent understanding between us, I re-fastened his buttons while he covered my legs. I leaned back into him, and he nuzzled my neck, pressing a light kiss into my skin.
Another hour passed, during which I fell asleep. I stirred, waking up to his voice in my ear, and his kiss on my temple.
"Elizabeth, it's probably time to get you home."
I nodded and got up, took my dress in hand, and ascended the stairs to regrettably remove his robe and change.
He walked me home and kissed me on the front porch, waited until I entered, and the door was secure behind me, before he left. I leaned against the door, thinking of him and of our time together. I still couldn't believe that he was mine. Our first date was beautiful, and exceeded any expectations I might have had, but what I'd remember for the rest of my life was the way he made me feel…after the sunset.
