Whispering Rock (Virgin River #3)(46)

Finally she said, very softly, “Is there anything between us?”

“Oh, I think there’s much.”

“Tell me…”

“Well, I am determined to do anything I can to be there for you, and you are determined to break my heart. That heartbreaking business, it’s very serious.”

She laughed at him. She felt his head drop forward to her shoulder and nuzzle her hair. A hand on her upper left arm gently squeezed and he said, “Brie… Tu creas un fuego en mi corazón.” Brie, you create a fire in my heart.

She straightened a bit, but didn’t pull away. “What did you say?” she whispered.

“You are lovely. You touch my heart,” he answered, pulling her back against him again. He slipped an arm around her waist gently, tenderly, cautiously holding her against him, very careful that she not feel confined. “Tu debes sentir estas manos amorosas así a ti.” You should feel loving hands on you.

Her heart beat a little faster and she knew that it was not fear she felt. She wanted to say, “Deja a que sean sus manos.” Let them be your hands. But she wasn’t ready. Instead, she said, “Your language is beautiful.”

“Te tengo en mis brazos,” he said. I will hold you in my arms.

“Tell me what you said,” she urged him.

“Nothing, really. Just an endearment. It is a very romantic language.”

She could tell him now she spoke his language fluently, that she knew he lied. But she didn’t want to break the spell he had created in thinking she couldn’t understand him. He spoke his heart while he thought she was innocent of his desires. “Say something to me—something heartfelt,” she said, not turning around.

He touched the hair at her temple, threading his fingers into it. “Te querido más te de lo tu hubieras.” I have wanted you for longer than you know.

She let her eyes close. “What did you say?” she asked in a whisper.

“You deserve all happiness,” he said—he lied.

A small smile floated across her face. She was on to him.

“No te merezco.” I don’t deserve you. “Te quiero en mi vida.” I want you in my life.

“I think you seduce women with your language.”

“When you are with me, you should know that I care about you as much as I care about any of my sisters. Or my mother, who is queen of the world.”

She laughed a little. “I’m not sure that was entirely flattering.”

“I want you to believe you are completely safe and protected when you’re with me. I promise you, you have nothing to fear from me. Not ever.”

“I think you’re manipulating me.”

“Do you, now?” he asked, humor in his voice.

“You’re luring me into a false sense of security, trying to trick me so I forget my plan to break your heart a hundred times.”

He laughed, stroking that long mane of hair that floated down her back. “I know you’re a very determined woman, and if breaking my heart is your goal, you won’t rest until it’s done.”

“I’m going to make mincemeat out of you,” she said.

“I have no doubt.”

She pivoted to face him. It was dark enough so that it was hard to see the light in his eyes. She leaned toward him and put her lips softly against his. Her kiss was very tentative. Brief. Cautionary. “I suppose I’ll have to lure you into my confidence first.”

“A good idea,” he said, aware that his voice had become husky. “Tienes labios que gritan besame.” You have lips that scream kiss me. And he slowly, carefully, leaned toward her. He touched her mouth, drawing her lower lip between his lips sweetly, sensuously. He wanted to put his hands on her, but he was unsure what she could tolerate. He let one large hand touch her waist delicately, but he didn’t apply pressure and didn’t pull her to him. “I think I like this—being drawn into your confidence. I knew the heart-breaking would be something to look forward to.”

“I didn’t know I could do this,” she said a little breathlessly.

“I knew,” he said. “I told you. It was just a matter of time.”

“You’re going to get us into trouble….”

“No, Brie. There’s no trouble here, no problem. Everything is all right.”

“You sound overconfident.”

“I’m not worried about anything,” he said. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“You’re not trying for an upset? Trying to break my heart before I can break yours?”

“Estas en mi corazón.” You are my heart. “Go ahead. Do your worst. I’m strong. I welcome the pain.”

“Kiss me,” she said. “Kiss me one time, as though you don’t find me breakable.”

“Oh.” He chuckled, a husky sound. “Are you sure you mean that?”

“Just once,” she said, her voice a breath.

He circled her waist with his arms and drew her forward, pulling her across his lap and against his chest. Her hands rested lightly on his shoulders, waiting. He hovered over her lips for a moment. He let the flesh of his lips touch hers. Slowly, giving her time to change her mind, he pressed against her mouth. Her hands slowly drifted upward, circling his neck, a hand reaching up to the back of his head, holding him against her mouth, and with a groan of desire he moved over her mouth passionately, opening his lips. Hers opened as well, admitting his tongue. He wanted to die, the taste of her was so sweet, so delicious. He pulled her harder against him, feeling her firm br**sts bore into his chest.