“I want you to feel safe and comfortable. I want to adore every part of you. And that’s going to take time. And—ah—it’s going to require more amenities than this field can afford.” He smiled at her seductively and cocked an eyebrow at her. “Of course, what I want is of very little consequence. What is at issue is what you want.”
“I think my feelings are pretty clear.”
“Are they?” His voice sounded unsure.
She leaned up to kiss him but caught his chin instead of his lips. “I wouldn’t be here with you in cold weather if I didn’t want to be.”
“It’s still nice to hear.”
“Gabriel Emerson, I want you,” she breathed. “In fact, I—” She bit down on her lip roughly to keep from saying the four letter word.
“You can say it,” he whispered. “It will be all right. Say what you feel.”
“I—I want you to be my first. I’m yours, Gabriel. If you want me.”
“I want nothing more.”
This time he captured her mouth. His kiss was filled with promise and resolve. The intensity set fire to Julia’s insides, stirring and swirling her desires.
Gabriel wanted her. It had always been there in his kiss, but the line between hunger and affection was so easily misread. She was no longer concerned with that line, there was just his body pressed up against hers and their two mouths connected while their hands gently explored one another. In their orchard, which was Paradise, there were only two almost-lovers and no one and nothing else.
As their kisses grew more passionate, Gabriel slowly reclined backward onto the blanket, pulling her until he was flat and she was kneeling on either side of him. Her chest pressed against his, and a pleasant friction arose between their hips. She moved atop him, shamelessly pressing her softness and curves against him. It was like nothing she had ever felt before.
He allowed her to continue, but only for a moment or two. He freed her lips and traced her cheekbones with his thumbs, lightly back and forth, his gaze heated.
“I burn for you, Julianne, but it’s more than just a physical hunger. I crave you, all of you.” He sighed and shook his head. “I hate to do this, but there are a few things we need to discuss.”
Julia’s sigh matched his. “Such as?”
“Such as my trip to Italy. I should have told you first.”
She sat up slowly. “Professors travel for work. I know that.” She dropped her gaze to the blanket beneath them.
Gabriel sat up too. “Julianne.” He lifted her chin with a single finger. “Don’t hide from me. Tell me what you are thinking.”
She twisted her hands together. “I know I don’t have any right to be—demanding, but it hurt to find out that Richard knew about your trip before I did.”
“You have every right to be demanding. I am your boyfriend. I should have told you first.”
“Are you my boyfriend?” she whispered.
“I’m more than that. I am your lover.”
Gabriel’s words and his voice, low and sensual, sent a shiver up her spine.
“Even though we aren’t having sex?”
“Lovers are intimate with one another in many different ways. But you need to know that I desire all intimacy with you and only you. So the term boyfriend is inadequate. And I’m very sorry I hurt your feelings. My trip to Italy came up when Richard and I discussed the house because it affected our arrangements.
“I received the invitation from the Uffizi months ago, long before you came to Toronto. I wanted to bring it up, but I was putting it off until we were more—comfortable with one another.”
She peered over at him with interest.
“I wanted your Christmas gift to be a trip to Florence. Of course I don’t want to go alone. The thought of leaving you behind, of being separated from you—” His voice grew rough. “I was worried you’d refuse, that you would think it was a tool of seduction.”
She frowned at him. “Do you really want me to go with you?”
“I’d rather not go if you won’t accompany me.”
She smiled widely and kissed him. “Then thank you for the invitation. I accept.”
Gabriel smiled in relief and buried his face in her hair. “After what happened with the clothes, I was convinced you’d say no. I’ll book separate accommodations, if you wish. And I’ll book you an open ticket so you can leave if you decide—”
“Gabriel, I said yes. With all my heart. I can think of no one I’d rather visit Florence with, and please let me stay with you.” She looked at him shyly. “The semester will be over. We wouldn’t be breaking the rules if we were to…if you were to decide to take me to your bed and make me yours—”
He cut her off with a searing kiss. “Are you sure? Are you sure you want me to be your first?”
She gazed at him earnestly. “It was always you, Gabriel. I never wanted anyone else. You are the man I’ve been waiting for.”
She initiated a soft kiss that quickly escalated. Within moments she was lying on top of him, their bodies flush together. She was so close to him, to it, to everything. And she’d never wanted to be closer, not even during their tango in the museum.