Enchantress (Witches Academy #8) - Tamara Ferguson Page 0,19
the island together since there was something that made them afraid to abandon the island.
Ariella was trying to decide about having a boathouse built on the island’s edge. Even though she had the capability of keeping the pontoon from wear and tear from the weather, she might have to keep up appearances with so many workmen and women on the island.
Birch was the one to decide for her. “I’ll have some estimates drawn up. I could leave my cruiser on standby at the marina, but since you have the capabilities of altering weather, I’d prefer it remain here just in case something comes up.”
Finally, about a week later, they were enjoying their first night of electrical power and indoor plumbing.
“How in the world did it get done so quickly?” Birch asked, looking at Ariella. “Don’t tell me – you have your ways.”
Ariella laughed, and he was giving her that hungry look again that had nothing whatsoever to do with food.
She decided to give him something to think about, because she was feeling the same way too. The attraction had been mutual, right from the start. But she could sense it was more than just attraction and this time they were spending together was becoming extremely precious to her.
“I’ve decided which of the two workmen we need to worry about,” she murmured.
“Good. I don’t have the instinct that you have.”
“I drew a few quick sketches,” she said, bring out her drawing pad.
“Yes, I remember these two,” Birch admitted. “I need to bring your portraits to the island. There’s something important in those paintings and I’d like to study them again with you.”
“You bought my portraits?”
“I was drawn to them immediately, Ariella.” He reached into his pocket, pulling out a keychain from inside. “I found this too. I saw you in the quartz. My Gramps said it was like a Crystal Ball.”
“I had no idea that magick aided my creative ability,” she murmured softly. “I saw you in my aunt’s Crystal Ball, by the way. I guess I’m allowed to at least tell you about that.”
“Ariella? I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to be able to keep my hands off you.”
“No one’s stopping you,” she answered in an unsteady voice.
Standing, Birch approached, tugging her into his arms and kissing her like he’d never kissed a woman before.
He laid his forehead against hers when they pulled apart. “Are you sure you really want this so quickly? We haven’t known each other long at all.”
“But then again, we have,” she murmured. “Yes. I want this.”
It wasn’t just about the consummation their relationship which needed to happen as soon as possible. They belonged together, and she’d fallen in love with him at first sight. As a matter of fact, she felt like she’d loved him forever.
They were sitting outside and gazing at the stars, and Birch stood, reaching for her hand and walking her into the house.
They moved together up the staircase, towards Ariella’s room, and Birch looked at her searchingly one more time before they entered the bedroom.
Her hands started moving over his strong broad shoulders, tugging at his shirt and trying to pull it over his head.
“Let’s take our time,” he murmured softly. “Come. Sit beside me.”
Slowly, he peeled away the t-shirt she had on staring at her body as if she was the most beautiful woman in the world as her jeans fell to the floor.
Ariella felt special. She felt loved.
Birch undressed, tugging her with onto the massive bed. Kissing her again, he murmured soft words of encouragement as she laid her hands over his shoulders, moving them down and running her fingers through the hair on his chest.
As he reached to unhook the bra she was wearing, Ariella had to ask a question. “Will it hurt?”
Birch stilled, finally emitting a long loud groan.
Reattaching her bra, he stared at her hard. “Ariella? What were you thinking? We can’t do this.”
Stunned, her jaw dropped. She’d never been so hurt and disappointed in her life, and she moved to get away from him and out of the bed.
Chapter Eleven
He could instantly see the hurt in her eyes. The fact that she’d never given herself to another man spoke volumes about her strength of character. He would protect her at all costs for the rest of their lives, and possibly longer.
“Ariella, stop. You’ve misunderstood. This is much more to me than having sex. We’re not going to taint the first time we make love by doing it before we’re married.”
She was definitely astonished