Discovering Mrs. Thornton:

Enchanted

Author's Note: This minifanfic is based on the first scene of S12E5, where Elizabeth practices her project-based learning presentation with Nathan. It expands on the scene from Nathan's POV as he discovers more layers of his beloved Elizabeth. His mind also wanders a bit. (wink)

Nathan knew Elizabeth was an intelligent and accomplished woman. While he was well aware of this, seeing her in her element while passionately presenting the new project-based curriculum was, in a word, enthralling.

He was flattered she'd asked him to listen to her presentation. It was marvelous to see how she molded young minds and educated all these kids in such fun, creative ways. Nathan never doubted that moving to Hope Valley had been the best decision for Allie, but she was truly blessed with the education she was getting. He knew he was biased, yet he doubted any other teacher would care as much as Elizabeth did.

Moxie. Spunk. Gumption. All these adjectives couldn't describe his girl better. And if you added kindness, tenderness, and her loving nature, it was no wonder he was head over heels in love with one Elizabeth Thornton.

She was also strikingly beautiful to boot, Nathan thought as he attempted to pay attention to Elizabeth's presentation. He posed his hand against his face, his forefinger tapping his eyebrow. If she only knew where his mind was at the moment!

She looked so pretty in her pink dress. He remembered it from last Easter when she'd fallen so enticingly into his arms. Nathan unsuccessfully tried to hide the hint of a smile that twisted his lips. His awareness of her had definitely changed during that fortuitous moment—it certainly stood out from the couple of friendly hugs they'd shared in the past.

He felt sweat beading on his forehead, the moisture swirling around that forefinger. He loved their hugs, but that one was different. As different as he was looking at her now, completely aware of how she felt pressed up against him, of how her mouth tasted when he took it with his.

Grant. Get a grip. He kept his collected Mountie facade while trying to shake off all these errant thoughts that he couldn't precisely act upon that instant. She was making it so difficult, though. His gaze dropped to her hands and how she gesticulated gracefully while listing all the pros of the new curriculum. Looking at her hands only made his eyes travel over her slender, bare arms. He'd seen her arms, along with a hint of neckline, thanks to the lower-cut blouses that were in fashion. But her shoulders? What would they look like uncovered? He was sure they'd be as smooth and delicate as the elegant line of her neck.

Elizabeth continued speaking, but he couldn't make out the words for the life of him. He was entranced by the movement of her lips, the soft waves framing her face, and how her eyes glimmered with excitement over her proposed ideas.

But his gaze kept flickering back to her mouth. He'd kissed those lips several times now, but it wasn't enough. It was never enough.

"Because when we let our curiosity lead the way, we discover the world and ourselves," Elizabeth finished excitedly, snapping Nathan out of his reveries.

Good heavens, she was done. He thought as he pulled himself together. Thankfully, he'd gotten the gist of it!

"It's brilliant," Nathan said proudly. "Although I was distracted a little bit."

"Really? Which part?" She asked, concerned.

"This part... right here," Nathan said in a playfully seductive tone, tapping Elizabeth's bottom lip.

"Mmm... this part?" Elizabeth asked, her finger lightly touching the sinuous line of his lips.

The kiss was brief because Nathan needed to lose himself in her eyes and speak his heart. "You are one enchanting woman, Elizabeth Thornton. Thank you for sharing your passion for teaching with me."

"Thank you for indulging me, " she said, sliding her hands over his arms and shoulders. She traced her fingers along the nape of his neck, weaving them through his hair with a gentle, intimate touch.

"Believe me, it was my pleasure," he replied. And in one fell swoop, he caught her mouth with his own and showed her how pleasurable it was indeed.