whispered “Yes,” Zach gently pushed her until she lay before him. In all his life, he’d never seen anything more beautiful. Moonlight shone softly on Savannah’s face; her amazing eyes glimmered with need; her soft, slightly swollen lips beckoned.
Determined that she would know only tenderness and beauty for her first time, Zach came over her and began to slowly and gently make love to her. The small part of his brain that was still working told him that his life would never be the same again.
Reaching to unzip his pants, his hand instead hit a bulge that had nothing to do with desire and everything to do with honor—the jewelry box. Reason returned with painful, glaring clarity. He had claimed that his number one priority was protecting Savannah. Where was that protection now? Taking her on the ground like she didn’t matter to him, when she meant everything?
Blowing out a long, pain-filled sigh, Zach sat up and then drew Savannah up to sit beside him.
“What’s wrong?”
“This isn’t the right time.”
“What do you mean?”
He hated the quiver in her voice. Hurting her feelings was the very last thing he wanted. He took her hand and held it in both of his. “When we make love—and I promise you that we will—I want it to be in a comfortable bed, not on a cold, hard ground or with a curfew hanging over our heads. You’re too special for anything else.”
“But, Zach, I—”
Before he lost all of his nerve, he dipped his hand into his pocket again and pulled out the ring box. “I have something for you.”
Savannah’s breath caught in her lungs and her heart clenched. She knew she would remember this moment always. Zach’s hand trembled slightly as he opened the box and revealed a small silver ring. The band had intricate weaving as if it were branches or limbs, in the middle was a rose, and at the center of the flower was a small, sparkling diamond. It was the most beautiful, exquisite thing Savannah had ever seen.
“Oh, Zach …” Tentatively and reverently, her finger traced the design of the band.
“It’s a promise ring, Savannah.” She heard him swallow hard and then he continued, “My promise to you.” He swallowed again. “That I’m yours forever.”
Never had she imagined anything more beautiful. “It’s perfect … the most beautiful ring in the world.”
“Will you wear it?”
“Of course.”
She watched in anticipation as he pulled it from the box, took her hand, and slid the ring on. A perfect fit.
Zach cleared his throat. “With me going away, I wanted to make sure you understand how important you are to me.”
The tears started falling before she could even try to prevent them. His sweet words and the ring were beyond wonderful. She wanted so much to savor this moment, but now all she could think of was that after tomorrow he would be gone. Electronic communication couldn’t replace the arms that held her so tenderly or the mouth that kissed her so thoroughly.
“Hey,” Zach said softly, “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
Embarrassed by her lack of control, Savannah shook her head. “This is all so wonderful. You’re so wonderful.” She swallowed past the emotion clogging her throat. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
“I’ll miss you, too, but once I get leave, I’ll come see you. Okay?”
Unable to speak coherently, she drew him toward her and let her lips show him what was in her heart. This was forever, they were forever.
Savannah put everything she had into the kiss, wanting Zach to always remember this moment. He had given her his promise with a ring and Savannah gave hers with this kiss. From now until the day she died, she was his.
But she wanted to give him more … everything. Renewed desire washed over her; passion swamped her, need consumed her. “Zach … please,” she whispered softly. “I want this night to be even more perfect. Make love to me.”
“Savannah … I …”
Taking the chance he wouldn’t reject her, she caressed the hard length beneath his jeans.
He surged into her hand as he cursed beneath his breath. “Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent sure,” she whispered.
A tortured-sounding groan came from deep within Zach’s chest. Getting to his knees, he pulled her to hers and said roughly, “Raise your arms.”
When she complied, he lifted her dress over her head. Savannah watched his eyes as they roamed over her body. She saw heat and desire but she also saw adoration. Taking his hands, she placed them on