MESMERIZED

Discovering Mr. Grant Part II

Author's Note: Mesmerized is part II of the Discovering Mr. Grant minifanfic series. The starting point of this story is the ending of Almost Paradise (chapter 5 of this collection). Elizabeth and Nathan have spent a sleepless night reminiscing over their romantic riding date. As he returns home from a long walk, Nathan sees Elizabeth's light on and knocks on her door. This is what happens next. Disclaimer: a bit of steam and sizzle ahead!

"Is it too late for apple juice?"

She didn't have to think about it. Nathan could show up at her door whenever he wanted, and she'd always receive him with an open heart.

"Never," she replied softly, widening the door.

Nathan didn't realize he had been holding his breath. He was suddenly very nervous. Was it the time? Was it her inviting gaze? Was it the fact that he'd never seen her in her robe before?

He could only stand and stare. How could he say everything that was in his heart? His soulful blue eyes bore deep into Elizabeth's, and his mouth gaped open just a little bit. Thoughts whirled chaotically in his mind, yet he found himself trapped in silence, unable to utter a single sound. He was transfixed by the moment and by this woman who, by some miracle, loved him the way he loved her.

Stuffing his hand in his pockets, Nathan's gaze drifted downwards as he tilted his head slightly. His hair was disheveled from the multiple times he'd run his fingers through it during his walk. He didn't notice an unruly lock falling on his forehead. But Elizabeth did, and she couldn't help the tiny grin that curved her lips nor the slight glimmer in her eye.

"Am I the only one still thinking of our date?" Nathan asked, feeling a bit abashed, still standing in her doorway.

"No, you're not the only one." She touched his forearm and gently drew him into her home. Mesmerized, he followed her lead, not quite feeling the ground beneath him. "I was thinking about a lot of things," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Like what?"

"Like how you surprise me constantly. I know I know you. We've known each other for so long. But I'm discovering new sides of you."

Elizabeth tightened her robe around her and leaned against the door. She required some support, as the allure of the late evening and Nathan's closeness was about to be her undoing.

"And what have you discovered?" He asked with sudden confidence as he took a step closer.

Elizabeth gulped. "That you can kiss a girl senseless," she blurted, spellbound by his lovingly seductive gaze.

Beguiled by her answer and the slow movements of her lips, he drew closer, that invisible string tightening between them.

"Something has always drawn me to you. It's as if your heart is constantly calling mine," he said, his breath fanning her face.

"It does." Her words mingled with a sigh, unable to speak or think anymore.

Nathan leaned in, finally claiming his prize. He softly rubbed his lips against hers, the subtle friction eliciting a breathy whimper from Elizabeth. Boldened by her reaction, he took yet another step closer, sliding his hands around her waist.

She was soft, pliant, sweet. His heart thumped wildly in his chest, a riotous symphony of sound echoing in his ears.

Enthralled by his strength and warmth, and feeling wholly protected in his arms, Elizabeth glided her arms over his chest, up to his shoulders, and behind his neck. Toying with the hair on his nape, she closed the gap between them and parted her lips.

The feel of her every curve against his solid muscles wiped out every thought he could ever have. Losing a bit of his footing at Elizabeth's bold moves, they stumbled clumsily, with the front door impeding any sort of fall.

Caught between the door and Nathan's strength, Elizabeth felt herself flare into the nothingness that only fierce desire could provoke. Yet the jolt caused Nathan to react, breaking off their feverish kiss.

With softly closed eyes and foreheads touching, Elizabeth and Nathan synchronized breathing and hearts. Each deep inhale and exhale wove a deeper connection between the two, causing their invisible string to knot and tighten indelibly.

"'Lizbeth, I can't live without you."

"Neither can I."

"Maybe it's time to have a conversation. Soon?"

"Yes, Constable. Soon."