about Cecilia they'd both taken wild chances. He didn't care, because he loved her. If she did get pregnant, that would be all the excuse he needed to marry her. He wanted to marry her. With an attitude like that, it was bound to happen sooner or later - and for them it had been sooner.
It took him weeks to talk her into marrying him. That hadn't been easy on his ego. Her parents' failed relationship had left her with a real anxiety about marriage. The irony was that now she was the one who wanted out.
"I still remember our first kiss," she said in a soft voice.
"You do?" Ian was surprised she'd admit it.
"No man had ever kissed me the way you do...did."
"Do," he corrected, and then not giving a damn if anyone saw him, he leaned down and brushed his mouth over hers. That kiss was an experiment to see how receptive she was. When her mouth parted and her tongue met his, Ian could hardly keep from groaning aloud. Her lips were soft and slippery from the butter and she tasted like popcorn and salt. His heart went wild; he loved her so much.
He knew he should stop. They weren't teenagers without a place to go for privacy. Nor did Ian want anyone to find him necking with his wife in the back of a theater. But those thoughts had barely made it into his head when he found any number of compelling reasons to continue doing exactly what he was doing.
"Ian," she whispered, and slowly, reluctantly eased her mouth from his.
Ian kept his eyes closed and leaned his forehead against hers.
"Thank you for letting me use your car."
He wanted to tell her how much he loved her, but he was afraid she'd pull away and the moment would be ruined.
"I'll take good care of it for you," she promised.
"I'd rather you took good care of yourself," he whispered back.
The movie started then, and Cecilia settled back, her head resting on his shoulder. He slid one arm around her; she didn't object. Ian had no idea what the movie was about. He thought only of Cecilia, remembering the early days of their relationship and reveling in her nearness.
When the movie ended they walked slowly out of the theater, but Ian wasn't ready to leave her. "I want to come home with you," he said, standing next to her car, the driver's door open. Just so there'd be no misunderstanding about what he intended, he kissed her again, his mouth hard and hot.
Her eyes still closed, Cecilia broke it off and lowered her head. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"I do. Cecilia, we're married. It's been months since we made love."
"We're getting divorced."
"Fine, divorce me later, but love me now. I need you."
"Ian..."
She didn't say no, but she didn't quite say yes, either. Ian followed her home. When she arrived, he climbed quickly out of his car and opened the building door to let her in.
He waited in the hallway while Cecilia unlocked the apartment. She glanced over her shoulder.
It was all the invitation Ian needed. She met him just inside; he closed the door with his foot and reached for her. She came to him willingly, throwing her arms around his neck.
Ian lifted her from the floor and they kissed with such abandon that the world could have come to an end and they wouldn't have noticed. He removed her sweater and her bra, kissing her as he peeled away the layers of clothing. Her breasts seemed to throb in his hands.
"Don't make me wait," she pleaded.
Even in the dark, Ian had no trouble finding the bedroom. He held her by one hand and led her there.
He placed her on the bed, pressing against her, all the while kissing her slowly, dragging out each kiss until he thought he'd explode. The blood pounded in his ears as he stepped back and stripped off his own clothes. Cecilia shed her slacks.
It'd been so long, too long, and he was ready. He prayed she was, too. His gaze sought out hers in the dim moonlight that filtered through the bedroom curtains. She smiled softly and lifted her arms to him. He felt overwhelming relief - and then he was on his knees over her.
She linked her arms around his neck and they kissed until they were breathless and he entered her. Slowly, so slowly, for fear of hurting her. When he paused, Cecilia whimpered, urging him to continue.