Georgie's Heart by Kathryn Brocato

didn’t do just that.”
    They had reached the narrow asphalt road. Georgeanne gazed around and breathed in the rich, earthy scent of spring, noting with delight the early fireflies that dotted the lower level of the surrounding fields and tallow trees. The peaceful sight and deep breathing calmed her nerves, not to mention helped stifle the impulse to tell Zane exactly what she thought of his managing ways.
    â€œZane, I am not some delicate little creature — ”
    â€œThank God for that,” Zane interrupted. “Just don’t expect me to stand by while you do your best to exhaust yourself.”
    The next thing Georgeanne knew, his arms went around her and he pulled her solidly against him. She gasped with shock, and his mouth descended on hers.
    Georgeanne knew she must be dreaming. This could not possibly be happening. She stood in the middle of the rice fields, being thoroughly kissed by a man who looked like a movie star, and the only thing she could do about it was kiss him back.
    She had been kissed before, kissed with passion, kissed with need, even kissed with joy, but she had never been kissed like this. What the difference was, Georgeanne couldn’t have said, but there was a difference. The trouble was, she was so surprised she couldn’t think.
    Zane’s hands traveled up her back. He pressed her against him, so that her curves fit perfectly into the hard hollows of his body and kissed her again. One of his big hands pulled the rubber band out of her hair, freeing the thick brown mass to his touch. He worked his fingers into her hair and tilted her head to meet him. This time he parted her lips in a way that told Georgeanne he knew what he was doing. Nothing mattered except the feelings that exploded across every nerve ending she had.
    Georgeanne’s head fell back in acquiescence. Any thought she had of protesting the kiss evaporated before it had fully formed. Her arms rose to wrap themselves around his neck without any conscious direction from her. The next thing she knew, she kissed him back with enthusiasm.
    *
    Zane knew immediately when Georgeanne got over her surprise. Her body softened, and her lips parted to accept his tongue with an honesty and passion that enchanted him. His hand stayed buried as deeply in her hair as he wanted to bury himself in her. He slid his hand down the curve of her hip. She felt so good in his arms — just right, in fact. No woman had ever fit into his arms the way Georgeanne did. She had to realize that.
    He lifted his head and waited until her lashes fluttered up and Georgeanne’s dark eyes gazed into his. Even in the darkness, he could see that her face reflected dazed passion and mute acceptance “Georgie, I want you,” he said.
    Georgeanne’s expression altered, but she said nothing. Perhaps she didn’t know what to say.
    She had to feel his desire. She probably felt everything, close as he held her against him. He knew of no reason why she might withhold herself from him, but if there was a reason, he wanted to hear it now.
    â€œI can’t see pretending,” he went on. “You’ve got to know it sooner or later. Frankly, I’d rather it be sooner.”
    â€œI — Zane, I — ” Georgeanne broke off. To his surprise, she sounded unlike her usual decisive self.
    â€œI realize you don’t know me very well. That’s why I’m not going to push you. At least, not much,” he added with wry humor. “But I am going to be with you a lot. As much as you’ll let me, in fact. Will you let me take you to see Hunter’s movie?”
    â€œI — yes. I’d like that very much.”
    â€œGood.” He laughed suddenly, an exultant, boyish laugh. For a moment, he had feared she intended to turn him down. “I can’t wait until Hunter meets you. He’s going to love you. No, scratch that. He’s sure to recognize the fact that you’re off limits