Safe in His Arms

by Christine Scott

  Reluctantly he forced himself to move. The box springs creaked a protest as he lowered himself onto the mattress beside her. The sheets still felt warm from her body. He drew in a quick breath, and jasmine, Jessie’s scent, wafted up to greet him. Samuel set his jaw as he was hit by another ill-timed surge of desire.

  “Thank you, Samuel,” Jessie whispered, breaking into his troubled thoughts. She looked up at him, her dark eyes wide and luminous in the shadowy light, holding such innocence, such naïveté in their depths. “The dreams…they keep getting worse. I…I just don’t think I could be alone right now.”

  Then, catching him completely off guard, she rested her head against his shoulder and snuggled her soft curves against him.

  Samuel tensed, not allowing himself to savor the contact, too afraid of how his unpredictable body might react. Jessie trusted him. She had had enough shocks this evening. The last thing she needed was to deal with a fully aroused man in her bed.

  Having her this close was such sweet torture. But he forced himself to lie quietly beside her, listening until her breath became even, watching until her beautiful face softened with sleep. Only then did he allow himself to put a protective arm around her waist and pull her close against him.

  Jessie awoke feeling rested for the first time in weeks. It was still early. Moonlight filtered in through the drawn curtains of her bedroom windows. Not a sound could be heard in the house. Nothing but the sound of Samuel breathing softly next to her.

  She shivered. Not from the cold, for the combined heat of their bodies wrapped her in a cocoon of warmth and security. But rather because his closeness brought an unexpected quiver of anticipation traveling through her body. Slowly, careful not to disturb him, she turned to look at him.

  The lines of tension that had marred his handsome face earlier were gone. In sleep he looked relaxed and comfortable. His blond hair was tousled, spilling across his forehead. Her fingers itched to brush the errant lock from his face, but she kept her hands pressed firmly to her sides. An early morning beard bristled his strong jawline. The sheet rode low at his waist, revealing wide shoulders, a matting of blond hair across his tanned chest and a flat, washboard stomach.

  A warm flush of awareness flowed through her veins, pooling in the pit of her stomach. Though she had dated other men, the relationships had been brief and deliberately casual. Never before had she woken with a man in bed beside her. Though she had craved the tenderness of a man’s touch—a temporary end to her loneliness—something had always stopped her from taking that step.

  She had never felt strong enough to handle an intimate relationship. At times events in her life seemed beyond her control, her future uncertain. The unexplained dreams had always haunted her…a secret she had guarded with her heart. She’d never wanted to let anyone see her in such a vulnerable light. Besides, what man would want to get involved with a woman whose life seemed so unstable?

  But with Samuel it was different. Not only did he seem to understand her, but with him beside her, she felt safe, secure. For the first time, she wasn’t frightened of the future. Somehow he made her life simpler. He made her feel that everything would be all right.

  She trusted him.

  As though sensing that he was being watched, Samuel’s eyelids twitched. Slowly his pale blue eyes opened. His sleepy gaze locked on to hers.

  Embarrassed heat flushed her skin as she realized she’d been caught staring. Then the previous night’s events tumbled back into her mind, and she felt guilty. Someone had shot at them. Because of her obsession with the past, she had put Samuel in danger. Instead of being angry, he’d been concerned. He’d insisted on staying the night. But in doing so he’d been witness to her own private hell…her nightmare.

  Samuel had seen her at her worst, and he hadn’t abandoned her. He had comforted her and had tried to make an unbearable situation bearable. For that she would always be grateful.

  But it was more than gratitude that she craved, she admitted to herself. More than anything she wanted to feel his body close to hers. She wanted to touch him, to make love to him. She wanted him with such longing that it frightened her.

  In her heart she knew he felt the same.

  “Good morning.” His deep voice rumbled in her ears.

  Suddenly shy—a reaction that seemed silly, considering the fact that she’d shared her bed with him—she said, “Good morning.”

  “Feeling better?” he asked, with a smile that set her heart pounding.

  She nodded. “Much. I don’t remember the last time I slept so solidly. It helped…having you here.” Her flush deepening, she added, “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Jessie, you don’t need to thank me,” he said, looking her straight in the eye, holding her gaze. “Trust me, staying the night with you was no hardship.”

  She stared mutely at him, not sure how to answer.

  Samuel was the first to look away. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he asked, “What time is it?”

  She raised herself on one elbow to glance at the bedside clock. Lying back down on the pillows, she sighed. “It’s early, only five-thirty.”

  “I should leave soon. Or my crew will wonder what happened to me,” he said, but didn’t make an effort to leave. He shifted his weight, settling himself more comfortably in the bed, his movements bringing them even closer.

  Jessie held herself rigid as his warm breath fanned her skin. Goose bumps skittered up and down the length of her body. Every fiber of her being came to an instant alert.

  “You have to go to the boat now?” she asked, her voice sounding strained. Self-consciously she cleared her throat. “I mean…it’s so early.”

  “The earlier the better,” he said, his tone patient. “The best time to catch shrimp is before the sun rises.”

  “Oh, well, of course…” She stopped, heat scorching her face. What was wrong with her? Why was he making her feel like a tongue-tied schoolgirl? “I just didn’t know—”

  Smiling, he brought a finger to her lips, quieting her. “It’s okay, Jessie. You’re a city girl. You wouldn’t know the ways of the island.”

  She drew in a sharp breath at his touch.

  Slowly his smile faded. He stared down at her, studying her face with an intensity that made her tummy flutter. She trembled as he traced the outline of her mouth with the tip of his work-roughened finger. He lifted her chin. Then, with infinite care, he placed a light, tentative kiss upon her sensitive lips.

  Jessie gasped beneath the tender onslaught. She slid her hands behind his neck, burying her fingers into the thick strands of hair. Feeling bold, she tugged him closer, impatient with the fleeting caress.

  With a moan of frustration Samuel brushed his tongue against her mouth. Obligingly she opened up to him. And the kiss deepened, building with a mutual need.

  Too soon Samuel pulled away. The bedcovers rustled as he shifted onto one elbow, turning his body to face her. He slid one jeans-clad leg between her thighs, the worn fabric feeling soft against her bare skin. Relief poured through her when he resumed his gentle exploration. He pressed butterfly kisses against her lips, her chin, her throat, he slipped his hands downward, tracing the curves of her body, sliding them beneath the hem of her nightshirt.

  Jessie’s breath caught in her throat. Her body quickened as heat pulsed at the center of her womanhood. She was dizzy with longing. Gripping his shoulders, she felt the breadth and strength of his muscles. Her hands moved restlessly, molding them to the contours of his back, fitting them around his narrow waist, stopping at the band of his jeans.

  Impatiently Samuel pushed her nightshirt up and over her head. Cool air rushed to meet her, fanning her heated skin. For a long moment he didn’t move to touch her. Instead, he raked an intimate gaze over her body. Jessie shivered. Her breasts swelled in sweet anticipation. A soft moan escaped her lips when his fingertips finally grazed the ripe crests, cupping them in his hands, weighing their fullness.

  Her nipples contracted, harden
ing in response. Lowering his head, he brought his mouth to one, teasing it with his tongue, tugging gently. Jessie nearly cried out as shock waves of desire rippled through her body. She closed her eyes and bit down on her lower lip, her inexperience making her cautious.

  Oblivious to her innocence, he found her mouth once again, taking it with an impatience matching her own. With their lips sealed, he slipped his hand into her panties, finding her warm and moist.

  At the intimate touch her reaction was immediate, intense. Jessie dug her fingers into the small of his back as a fireball of heat exploded deep inside her. Never before had she felt such exquisite pleasure, such throbbing need. She felt as though she might die from wanting him.

  All logic, all fear abandoned her. She forgot about their troubled past, her lack of experience, all the reasons why they shouldn’t be doing this. All that mattered was now, the present. The two of them together. The fulfillment which only they could give to each other.

  Needing to remove all barriers, clumsily, she fumbled with the top button of his jeans. He sucked in a breath as her fingers brushed the hardness of his arousal. Pulling away, he rolled onto his back and unsnapped the fly of his pants. Jessie shivered at the erotic sound of each pop. He shimmied out of his jeans and briefs, until he lay naked beside her.

  Curiosity winning out over any lingering inhibitions, she raised herself up far enough to stare down at him in innocent fascination. Never before had she seen a fully aroused man. Samuel was an overwhelming combination of strength and power, of raw beauty and pure maleness. Unable to stop herself, she touched him, closing her hand around him. And felt an illicit thrill course through her body.

  Drawing in a sharp breath, he pushed her gently down onto the bed. He rubbed his chin against her tender breasts, his early morning beard chafing her sensitive skin. Burying his fingers in her moist heat, he tested her, readied her. Overwhelmed, Jessie threw back her head and drew in a shuddering breath. Her heart pounded in her ears, as she gave herself to the building urgency of his caress.

  A confusing mix of emotions threatened. She felt nervous and anxious, all at once. She was afraid of disappointing him, yet intrigued by the challenge of pleasing him.

  “Jessie…” he whispered.

  Her breath caught at the raw sound of his voice. Panic stirred at her breast, afraid he’d changed his mind. “Samuel, what’s wrong?”

  “Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked, looking at her intently. “Because if it isn’t—”

  She answered him with a kiss. A hot, steamy mating of their lips that brought a tingling sensation from the roots of her hair to the tips of her toes. She left little doubt of her wants or her needs.

  Groaning, he ended the kiss. Reaching for his jeans, he took out a foil packet and readied himself. Hovering above her, he paused, looking down into her eyes. Then, finally, he slipped inside her.

  Jessie winced, drawing in a quick breath, as she experienced a moment of discomfort. Reflexively her body tightened around him as he nudged deeper, his unexpected fullness bringing her a pinch of pain. But overriding the pain was a shiver of excitement that sent tremors throughout her body.

  At the first sign of resistance, however, Samuel froze, staring at her in surprise. To her dismay he began to pull away.

  But she wouldn’t allow him to stop. Clasping his hips, she drew him closer, unwilling to let him go.

  For a moment he looked uncertain. Then, swearing softly beneath his breath, he closed his eyes and plunged deeper. Slowly, he moved inside her, stretching and filling her.

  The initial soreness soon gave way to a more primal emotion…the seeking of pleasure, of fulfillment. She’d never felt such longing, such abandon. Her body moved with a mind of its own, rising up to meet each of his thrusts.

  He slid his hands beneath her bottom, lifting her, driving himself deeper into her. Slow at first, then faster and faster. He rocked her, bringing her higher and higher, until she could stand it no more.

  She called out his name on a burst of light and a flood of warmth. As her body exploded beneath him, he reached his own trembling climax. Seconds later she felt his pulsing release deep inside her.

  Samuel buried his head against her shoulder, giving himself a moment to recover. His breathing was ragged; his chest rose and fell heavily against her breast. With their bodies still pressed together, she felt the rapid beat of his heart. Tenderly she stroked the strong curves of his back.

  Finally he lifted his head and looked at her. In his eyes she saw a worrisome mix of emotions: satisfaction, wonderment and an undeniable annoyance.

  She had no doubt that keeping her innocence from him until it was too late had made him angry. But she had no regrets, not now, not ever. Being with Samuel was even more special than she’d dreamed possible.

  For just a moment, in his arms, she had felt loved.

  Chapter 11

  “You should have told me,” Samuel said, his expression stern.

  Jessie swallowed hard at the lump of guilt in her throat. She looked away, suddenly too embarrassed to face him. “Does it really matter?”

  “Of course it matters. I could have hurt you.” He caught a thumb beneath her chin, turning her to look at him. Frowning, he studied her face as though searching for the truth. “Did I…hurt you? Are you sure you’re all right?”

  Heat blossomed on her face. “I’m fine, Samuel.”

  Looking unconvinced, he disentangled himself from her embrace. Rolling to one side, he swung his feet off the bed and sat up. He paused before standing, staring down at the floor.

  She felt his withdrawal like a slap on the face. Jessie shivered as cool air swept her passion-heated skin. She missed the reassuring warmth of his body next to hers, the closeness she’d felt in his arms. Clutching the forgotten sheet to her breasts in a belated show of modesty, she sat up and watched him.

  Samuel, as she was still learning, was a man who took a great deal of responsibility upon his shoulders. He seemed to blame himself for whatever wrong was committed. Since the day she’d met him, she had sensed the guilt that was his constant companion.

  When she’d first arrived on Prudence Island, he’d been rude and unfriendly, going out of his way to make her unwelcome. As time passed and they’d gotten to know each other, she truly believed he regretted his initial behavior and, perhaps, that was why he felt so guilty.

  But now she wasn’t so sure.

  Whenever he spoke of his past, she saw a sadness in his eyes, a remorse so obvious that she had wondered at its cause. It was as though he held himself accountable for his parents’ fate.

  Yesterday, after the break-in and the shooting, when the sheriff and his men had tried to accuse Samuel of being the cause of her troubles, she’d watched as he took their condemnation in silence. He hadn’t defended himself; he’d defended her need to be protected. It was as though he, too, blamed himself for what had happened.

  Now, he wanted to blame himself for taking her virginity.

  But this was one responsibility she couldn’t allow him to assume. Not when her innocence was a gift she had willingly given.

  “Samuel,” she said, reaching out to him, placing the palm of her hand on his back.

  He stiffened beneath her touch.

  “Please, Samuel,” she whispered. “Don’t be angry.”

  “I’m not angry with you,” he said, his tone flat, emotionless.

  “No, you’re angry with yourself,” she said, her voice heating in frustration.

  He flinched at the words, but didn’t answer. Nor did he meet her gaze.

  “Samuel, look at me.”

  Reluctantly he raised his eyes to hers, and she saw the telltale guilt shimmering in their depths.

  “Oh, Samuel,” she said, on a sigh. Her vision blurred as unwanted tears threatened. Goodness only knew, she’d made such a mess of things. She wondered if she’d lost him even before she really had him. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I’m the one who wasn’t completely hones
t. What happened between us—” Her voice broke beneath the weight of uncertainty. Swallowing hard, she whispered, “It happened because I wanted it as much as you did.”

  Slowly he shook his head. “I don’t understand, Jessie. If you’d waited this long, then why did you let me—”

  “Because I trusted you.”

  “You trust me?” Pressing a finger to his chest, he gave a hollow-sounding laugh. “You barely know me.”

  “I do know you,” she insisted, refusing to let him brush away the feelings that had grown between them. “I know you well enough to know that you could never hurt me.”

  “Not intentionally,” he admitted grimly. Closing his eyes, he said in a voice that sounded hoarse with emotion, “Things have a way of turning out badly in my life. People seem to get hurt whenever they get too close to me.”

  “Not this time, Samuel,” Jessie said, with more confidence than she felt in her heart. “This time everything will be all right. You’ll see.”

  Slowly he opened his eyes and stared at her, looking as though he’d like to argue. She shivered beneath the intensity of his gaze, waiting for what seemed like an eternity for him to answer. Just when she thought she’d lost him for good, he gave a resigned breath and pulled her into his arms.

  Holding her tight, he buried his face in her hair. His breath tickled her ear, sending a tremor down her spine as he whispered, “I hope you’re right, Jessie. I hope you’re right.”

  “You’re sure about this?” Samuel said, glancing at Jessie, wondering if he looked as doubtful as he felt.

  “Of course I’m sure.” A smile teased her lips. “Don’t you think I can handle it?”

  “You’re not the one I’m worried about,” he muttered beneath his breath, scowling.

  “It’s not as though we have much choice, do we?” she continued, ignoring his bout of bad temper. “You’re the one who insisted I couldn’t stay at Gull’s Cottage alone.”