A New Day

by Nancy Hopper

  "What?" Dana laughed incredulously.

  "You didn't love him. You enjoyed the attention, and you were flattered, but I can see that you're not all that cut up. He hurt your pride, more than anything. I can see your heart, and it's pretty much on the mend."

  Dana looked at him pensively. "You know, I've hardly thought about him, this past week or so. At first, I wanted to die. But I really think you may be right."

  He smiled. "That's good. I'm very pleased to hear it. A man doesn't want the woman in his bed thinking about her past lover."

  Dana bristled immediately, and blushed. "I don't intend to be doing any jumping into bed with any other man in the future, so that shouldn't be a problem." She reacted instantly.

  "Then you and I are in for one hell of a stormy relationship, lady." He warned lightly. "Because I intend to have you in mine, just as soon as I can swing it."

  Dana gaped up at him, and just watched him come closer. She found herself pressed against his warm body, as his arms wrapped themselves tightly around her. She sucked in her breath, and held it. James couldn't tell if she was going to scream, pass out, or bite him.

  "Don't you dare." He said against her mouth. The attack was swift and devastating. Dana's knees simply turned to jelly as his mouth closed over hers. A sweet, languid fire coursed through her bones as he plundered. She could feel her defenses systematically crumbling.

  He lingered over her, tasting the sweetness of her soft lips with obvious pleasure. Then, he moved his mouth to her ear and tasted her skin all the way down her neck. His hands were warm and insistent, holding her close.

  "I did not enjoy waiting for him to blow it, any more than I wanted to see him hurt you." He told her in a low voice. "I know I'm not giving you much time, but I am not about to let any other clown ace me out, this time. I'm not waiting through any more of your pointless romances, Dana. I've already been down that road, and I did not like it." He told her distinctly.

  He stared down at her with burning eyes. "So, if you don't like the idea of being my woman, you'd better figure out how to get used to it." He warned her confidently. "Ready or not, I am coming after you."

  Dana just stared up at him in shock, and gave a nervous little laugh. "James. You move a little bit quickly for me."

  "On the contrary, I've been extremely patient. You just weren't aware of it at the time. Now; suppose you try kissing me back, and see if you don't like it." He challenged. The dimples in his cheeks fascinated her.

  Suddenly, he seemed so handsome; and very sexy. She'd thought so when they met; but now, it was somehow, deeply intensified. She found herself wanting to obey him.

  She went up on her tiptoes with wonder in her heart, unable to believe she was acting so recklessly; and pressed her lips to his. She nibbled his lower lip, and then she just went for it. And her whole body was on fire. Every part of her was being instantly aroused, until she ached intolerably.

  When he started kissing her back, the world exploded. She went absolutely nuts inside! She couldn't believe such passion was possible. She was wild with desire!

  "Does that work for you, sweetheart?" he asked raggedly against her ear.

  Her incredulous laughter brought a smile of satisfaction to his lips.

  "Listen, Dana. I'm getting on a plane tomorrow morning to go back home. What do I need to do, to get you to promise me you'll be mine?" he asked.

  "James; I don't know what to say." She protested gently.

  "You could say, James Burton, I am madly in love with you and you'd better be prepared to marry me the minute I get back to Jackson Hole. And then, I'm going to spend the rest of my life making you crazy in bed."

  She laughed and dropped her forehead against his chest. "I can't say that! You are impossible."

  "Probably. Now, how much of that speech can you bring yourself to say to me?"

  "None of it." She denied, laughing.

  "Dana, I don't have much time to romance you, just yet -- but I intend to have your promise before I go. Now, can you say, 'I love you'?"

  Dana blushed profusely and he kissed her, his lips persuading her, despite herself. She groaned as he stripped away every shred of protection and resistance she’d ever dreamed of clinging to.

  "Say, 'I love you, James'." He urged against her lips.

  "I think ..."

  "Huh, uh." He chastised her gently. "I love you, James."

  Dana blushed, and closed her eyes. "James," she protested.

  He kissed her again, and she was on fire.

  "Admit it." He insisted.

  "I love you." She said, in anguish. She thought it might be true, but she was so afraid! She hardly knew this man! And after being so wrong about Rick …

  James laughed, and drew her deeper in. "So, will you marry me?" he asked hopefully.

  She opened her eyes, and looked up at him. "James, I don't even know you." She protested.

  He gazed down at her with those lazy, insolent eyes, and considered. "All right. Can you stay out of trouble until you get home to Jackson, and keep all your sweet kisses for me?"

  She blushed and ducked her head. "Yes."

  His thumb caressed her throat, then lifted her chin. Dana shivered as he took her lips again. This man was ... incredible! She couldn't deny him anything. She'd never experienced such a deep, magnetic attraction in her life!

  "What are you waiting for?" her brain taunted her. "You think you're ever going to resist this? You think somebody sexier is going to come along? What are you scared of? He wants you, just give yourself to him!"

  "You must like my kisses, then?" he teased her with a glint in his eye. "At least, you're willing to keep them all for me."

  She smiled up at him shyly. "Trust me, I have never been kissed the way you kiss me. Never."

  "The best, or the worst?" he demanded in mock belligerence.

  "You know they're the best." She chided him with brilliant eyes and a sweet smile.

  "What are you holding back for, then?" he asked gently. "Don't you believe in love at first sight?"

  "Sure." She admitted. "It's just that I'm -- well, you know, kind of gun shy. I mean, after what I just went through, it's kind of alarming to be promising anything."

  James considered her adoringly. "I see. I know what to do, then." He said with satisfaction. "A ring would probably convince you that I mean everything I've said. Wouldn't it?"

  Dana looked up at him with troubled, puzzled eyes. "James, I believe you. You don't have to do anything to prove yourself to me."

  "Will you wear my ring?" he asked insistently, taking a ring case from his pocket, and opening it. There was a lovely, glittering diamond solitaire inside.

  Her eyes flew up to his. "You bought this – for me?" she asked incredulously.

  He shrugged. "It's been waiting for you for a long, long time." He said hopefully.

  "But you don't even know me. How could you buy something like this, so impulsively?"

  He shook his head. "It's not impulsive, Dana. It's called faith. When I first saw you, I had these crazy feelings. It scared me so bad, I went right home and got on my knees. I asked the Lord what was wrong with me; and He told me that there was absolutely nothing wrong. You're perfect for me, Dana. So, I bought the ring and I pray daily for a chance to put it on your finger. Today, I felt like I finally had the green light. I guess now, it's up to you."

  Dana closed her trembling lips and eyes, and lifted her heart to heaven. "Lord, is this You?" she asked silently. "Can this be right? Is this what You've wanted for me all along?" She waited, and felt peace settle over her like a warm, heavy fleece.

  She felt as though she heard Him chuckle, and say to her gently, "take the ring."

  She looked up at James and let the love she was feeling, shine through her. "James. You are wonderful. Will it fit?" she wondered softly.

  James turned a bit pale. He took the ring, and slipped it onto Dana's left hand. It fit snugly, and sparkled like the sun.

  She looked up into his ey
es, and let her heart shine through. "James. I do love you." She said, as though it were a revelation. She was so impressed that he’d prayed to make her his wife; waited and prayed. With this ring in his pocket.

  There was no better bet to make. She was strongly attracted to this man, and Tim approved. She was certain of it, this time.

  James kissed her and held her to his heart, with tears of grateful joy in his eyes.

  "Now, you watch." James predicted as they mounted the front steps to the house. "Billy and Mike will be pouting, and I will enjoy their expressions when they see the ring on your finger."

  Dana shook her head at him. "You, sir, are very naughty." She chided. "These men are your friends."

  James snorted. "Yes, and they'd steal you in a heartbeat, if they thought they could. They could both use a little humbling where women are concerned. They've enjoyed so much attention, that it's become a dangerous thing. But you'd better not let either of them change your mind." He warned in a low voice.

  "They wouldn't really do that to you, would they?" she asked worriedly.

  "I don't know. They're not used to 'quiet little Jimmy' nosing them out. I wouldn't be surprised if they decide it's their duty to see how devoted you really are to me. Being my friends, you know, they wouldn't want me to be in a relationship that isn't strong ."

  Dana rolled her eyes. "I can't imagine that kind of behavior."

  "Oh, they behave seemly enough – barely – and they do live as chastely as single men should. It's just that they put a very high value on feminine companionship and attention. And, I perceive that their sense of friendly competition is becoming unhealthy."

  "Well, they'd better behave around me, or they may get more than they bargained on." Dana snorted.

  James' smile was naughty. "That's my girl talking." He said with satisfaction. He pulled her into his arms again, and kissed her. It left them both shaking.

  James pushed her away, and groaned. "I hope you have a lock on your bedroom door." He teased.

  "Yes, I sure do." Dana assured him.

  "You'd better lock it, tonight." He advised flatly.

  She paled. "Jimmy, surely they wouldn't go that far!"

  He grinned at her, and stroked her chin with a sensuous look that melted her bones. "No. But I'm beginning to think that I might get out of hand."

  It was with no little regret that he kissed her goodnight, and opened the front door. They found Timothy, Tasha, Brent, Elaine, Mike and Billy, all relaxing with hot cider around the fire. Lucinda had heard the couple coming in, and was already scurrying in with a steaming mug for each of them.

  "That was one long walk." Tim drawled with a raised eyebrow.

  Dana smiled broadly, and blushed; and James couldn't begin to hide his satisfaction. Dana saw that Mike and Billy were indeed wearing exactly the wounded and pouting expressions that Jimmy had predicted. She gave him a knowing grin, and then had to bite her lip to keep from laughing aloud.

  "Well, now that you're finally back, I think I'll take Dana to a late movie." Billy said forcefully.

  Dana's dimples jumped. "Oh. Thank you, but no. I don't think so." She said gently.

  "Aw, come on. You need to get out and have some fun. You don't want to let moody, pokey old James monopolize all your time." he scoffed.

  One of Dana's delicate eyebrows arched to a dangerous height. "Really? Just for the record, why not?" she challenged coolly.

  Billy chuckled nervously. "Well, come on. Let's go have some fun. James is really just kind of a home body."

  Dana smiled sweetly, sat down, and picked up her mug of hot cider. "Well, Tim. Have you and Tasha ironed out all the details for your wedding yet?"

  Tim shook his head. "I don't think we ever will." He sighed. "There are about ten million and one."

  Tasha grinned. "We're almost there." She assured Dana. "I think we'll be leaving for Jackson within the week."

  Dana sent a delighted look at James, who had put on his poker face. "I think I'll be delighted to go home." She giggled.

  "So, Dana. About that movie," Billy insisted. "How about if we get going?" He stood up and held a hand to her, but Dana just kept her chilly hands wrapped around her cider mug, and smiled serenely up at him.

  "Perhaps Mike would go with you." She suggested.

  Bill frowned and dropped his hand to his side. "I didn't ask him. I asked you."

  "And I said no. Perhaps you'd forgotten." Dana said steadily. "Thank you, anyway."

  Billy stuffed his hands in his pockets, and turned a disgruntled face toward Mike. "Well?" he growled.

  "I ain't going to be your blooming escort to any movie! You've got a nerve, asking me just because she refused you." Mike groused disdainfully. "But when we get back to Jackson Hole, I certainly plan to look Dana up and get better acquainted with her, myself."

  Dana looked up at them with mild irritation in her eyes. "Really, gentlemen. I'm not some kind of trophy. You two eminently eligible bachelors should have no trouble finding ladies to keep you company. I am just not interested in being fought over."

  Billy and Mike looked at her with incredulous eyes.

  "You look like the cat that ate the canary, James." Elaine drawled. "What on earth have you been up to?"

  "Just enjoying the moment." He said, with satisfaction.

  "What moment might that be?" Mike asked pointedly.

  "Seeing you two get your come-uppance. Dana's a little more than you bargained on, is she?"

  "She's just playing hard to get." Billy waved it away.

  "I don't think that my fiance found that to be the case." Dana advised smugly.

  Tim gave her a sharp look, and James chuckled. Timothy gave his sister's bright eyes and very rosy cheeks a hard look, before he pierced James with his eyes again. "You didn't waste any time, Sir James."

  "No." He agreed, looking distinctly pleased. “I wasn't taking any more chances, especially with our present company.”

  Tim relaxed, and a satisfied smile replaced his look of worry.

  "Would you two mind telling me what you're talking about?" Tasha asked with irritation.

  Tim looked at James, and shrugged. "That's up to you, James."

  James smiled. "Dana has just consented to be my wife." He said with obvious pleasure.

  There was an entire room full of open mouths and shocked faces staring back at them. Except Tim, who was laughing under his breath in absolute joy and thanksgiving. He had to blink back a tear or two before he could manage to say anything. "It's about doggone time." He finally managed, with obvious emotion.

  All of the shocked faces swiveled to look at Tim. "I've seen the torch James has been carrying for Dana, since the first day he saw her." He told Tasha with a chuckle. "I was beginning to wonder, though, if anything was ever going to happen."

  "Well, you might have told me!" Dana objected hotly. "You could have saved me a whole lot of heartache."

  Tim shook his head at her forcefully. "I didn't have a clue that there was any cause for worry. Besides, it's much better that it be your idea to marry James – not mine."

  "But, I don't understand." Billy said quizzically. "When you picked us up at the airport this morning, you didn't know any of us. How could you all of a sudden be engaged to James?"

  Dana smiled up at James with a sultry expression. "I find James to be a very decisive man. I guess he just swept me off my feet."

  Mike shook his head. "Are you trying to tell me that you went from 0 to 90 miles an hour, after dinner tonight?" he charged dubiously.

  "I don't gamble very often." James said quietly. "But when I put my money on the table, I'm going to win."

  Mike and Billy both stood up and reluctantly shook James' hand, offering stiff words of congratulations.

  "I didn't think ye had it in ye, James." Mike admitted grudgingly. "But ye snatched her right out from under our noses."

  Billy was a bit less gracious, having made such strong overtures toward Dana. "Well, James, I suppose I can at least tel
l you that you're a lucky man." he sniffed.

  James smiled at him. "It wouldn't be true," he argued. Everyone stopped, and stared at him. "Luck had nothing to do with it. The Lord was gracious enough to show me my wife, when I asked Him to bring her to me – and I was faithful to pray and proclaim it, and wait for His timing. Even when I knew that Snyder was in the picture, I never gave up the vision. And, the Lord is always faithful to deliver on His promises.”

  "So -- I'm sorry, you two, but your empty posturing and petty competitions didn't stand you a chance. This relationship is holy to the Lord. His hand is on it. Nobody, but nobody is going to come between Dana and I.” He assured them boldly.

  Mike and Billy both stepped back and opened their eyes wider, at these strong and decidedly authoritative words.

  "If you think I'm 'a lucky guy', then get on your own knees, and get serious before God. Ask for your wives. Sow the seed. Then wait and pray. And while I'm on a roll, I'm just going to tell you that it's wrong to be toying with the single sisters. It's unfair to the ones who are seeking husbands. They’re the ones who stand to get hurt by your games, and it's not any way to represent Jesus. Frankly, you guys concern me a whole lot these days.”

  Tim's eyebrows went up. "Well said, James. I think Tasha and I are going to bed. We'll see you all in the morning."

  Tim and Tasha hugged the new couple, wished them their best, and went upstairs to their rooms. James and Dana followed them.

  Billy gave Mike a piqued look. "Well, wasn't that a mouthful?" he snorted. "Want to go to that movie?"

  Mike shook his head slowly. "No. What James said, fairly blasted me, if ya want ta know the truth. I'm goin' up to my room to talk to God aboot this one. I'm afraid I've got some repenting to do."

  Billy scoffed. "We do nothing wrong, it's all in fun. How are you going to know if you like a woman, if you don't get a good, close look?"