"Look, you'll have to get used to hearing it, because we can't have you passing out every time I tell you I love you. That would be very inconvenient. Besides, I'm not into making love to an unconscious woman."
For some reason that struck her as funny, and she began to giggle. She wasn't a giggler, but that's exactly what she was doing.
"Lord, now you're hysterical. I hope the shock wears off soon, because I really, really want to start the kissing part."
So did she. Still grinning, she lifted her head and gazed at him. "Okay, I believe you."
"Glory be." He guided her back down to the mattress. "So the fling's on?"
"It's on." Her heart swelled with more happiness than she'd known it could hold.
"Followed by the wedding?"
"Yep."
"Hot damn." He eased over on top of her again. "How are you feeling? Dizzy again?"
"A little, but it'll pass." She gazed up into his eyes. Next time they made love, she'd be able to see them. She could hardly wait.
"How come you feel like fainting when I tell you I love you and I want to marry you?"
"Because I've wanted that since I was four years old."
His eyes widened. "Get outta here."
"It's true. I've loved you ever since I can remember, Jonas."
His gaze warmed. "I think the same goes for me. Only I didn't have sense enough to know it." He shook his head. "Which makes me a real fool, but I plan to spend a lifetime making up for that, starting now." Propped himself on one elbow, he started unbuttoning her blouse. "It's fling time."
"Jonas! Right here?"
"Why not? Don't start in on that I'm not the woman you think I am routine. It won't wash, not with me. I know you're one hot little number when you want to be."
She laughed with delight, because he did know that about her. And he was the only one who did. "But it's broad daylight, and—"
"Oh, hey, I'm glad you mentioned that." He scrambled from the bed and hurried over to open his top dresser drawer. "I can take care of the daylight angle for you." He dangled a red silk scarf from one hand. "My souvenir."
She clapped a hand to her mouth. She'd never missed it.
He approached the bed holding the blindfold. "I'll tie this over your eyes and you can pretend it's dark out. I don't have a feather duster, but I'm sure I can round up something to tickle you with. I think I still have that old toy headdress in my closet."
She smiled at him. They were going to have such fun being married. "Let's play with the blindfold later, Jonas. This time I want to look into your eyes when we make love."
He tossed the blindfold aside immediately. "Works for me," he said softly.
Jonas loved her. That was enough to make her bolder than brass. She unfastened the remaining buttons on her blouse.
His gaze drifted to her lace-covered breasts. "As for me, I want to look … everywhere. I've been through some serious sight deprivation recently."
She unfastened the front catch of her bra and arched her back. Then she lowered her voice to the sultry murmur she'd used at Sarah's house. "Then be my guest."
"Oh, yeah. That's the woman I was looking for." He grinned as he came toward her. Then his grin faded as he gazed into her eyes. His voice grew husky with emotion. "You are the woman I was looking for," he said. "All my life."
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MYSTERY LOVER Page 9
