Excerpt from Chapter Fifteen

Anna followed the drive to its end and found the stone steps leading down to the lower level of the house. She descended and turned left, away from the house, and trod the narrow footpath running parallel to the stream, past the sluice gate. The ground was hard and dry under her feet and the Limousin sun warmed her face.

Although the path continued on into the woods she spied a large stone, placed on two smaller uprights; a small Stonehenge, she thought; man-made, but fitting into the natural way of things. She brushed the few dead, crinkled-up leaves from the top and gingerly tested it, putting out her hands to support her body. It didn't even wobble and so she relaxed. She smelled the freshness of the air and relished the pleasure of just sitting and being lazy.

Anna closed her eyes for a few seconds and listened, picking up the sounds that broke the silence: the stream slipping over the water worn boulders, the flutter and flap of the birds in the trees overhead, going about their daily chores. The refreshing scent of the pines, carried on the pure Limousin air, reached her nostrils. She opened her eyes and watched a couple of brightly, coloured jays, hop amongst the grasses, then spread their beautiful wings and disappear heavenwards.

Eventually two, lazy, brown lizards caught her attention. They stalked out onto the flat stones edging the stream, which were now warmed by the autumn sun; their extended toes tested the surface and each other. One chased a small beetle, the other followed, grabbing hold of the first one's tail. There was a scuffle in which the beetle got away, and after running in rings for a few seconds, the lizards fell off the stone. Anna gasped at their fall and laughed at herself, a little embarrassed at her reaction to the tiny reptiles. She moved and they scurried into the dark crevices of the stones once more.

Looking up, Anna saw Matthew in jeans and pale blue sweater walking from the house. She smiled and welcomed his responsive broad grin. He is so handsome, she thought; fresh from a shower, his hair was still damp and reflected the sunlight, and he was so vital to her happiness.

'Hi,' he said. He stopped behind her stone seat and placed his hands on her shoulders.

She leant back on him, her right hand reaching up to touch his. 'Where is everyone?'

'Gone to Toulouse to have Sunday lunch with Claude's family. We have the day to ourselves.'

'Misty, as well?'

'Yes.'

'It's so beautiful here, Matt. Peaceful even.' She was content and the silence that developed increased her awareness of his hands gently caressing her shoulders, bringing her whole body to life. And at that moment she made her commitment, willingly. Slowly, she moved her body round and looked up into his longing eyes. His hands moved to her arms, and he gently encouraged her to stand, her face raised to his. He held her captive with his gaze until she closed her eyes as his lips touched hers. His kiss was gentle, yet firm, demanding, yet allowing her to respond. She was overwhelmed. And now there was no doubt. She loved him. Oh, how she loved him.

Her heart was singing. Surely he must hear it. All nature's sounds were echoing in her head. Oh, God. Her legs felt weak as her arms slid effortlessly around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair. This felt so good. She knew it was right. No more delays, no more prevarications.

He held her so close; she could feel his heart beating against hers. Their kisses deepened. Expecting more, Anna opened her lips to receive Matthew's seeking tongue, tasting hers; moments of pure desire and intimacy. She needed Matthew to love her. Anna eased herself back and looked searchingly into his eyes. And exhilarated by the depth of his desire she smiled.

'Matt, make love to me.' She held his gaze once more, seeing the wonderment there.

'Are you sure?'

Her answer was a kiss. Holding her close, he walked her back to the house and entered through the French doors to his room. Anna wondered how her legs managed to convey her shaking body. She slipped off her jacket and Matthew placed it on a chair near his bed. And then she waited while Matthew closed the doors and had to adjust her eyes to the change as he pulled down the honey-coloured blinds; the room took on a golden glow as the morning sun seeped through the canvas.

Matthew pulled off his sweater as he walked back to her. His bare chest pulsed as he captured her once more into his arms and Anna's slender arms naturally encompassed him. Her fingers spread out touching the smooth firm muscles of his back. He bent his head and softly touched her eyes with kisses.

'Matt, I …' How could she tell him she wasn't promiscuous. She hadn't been with other men.

'Anna, I want you. I want to make love to you too.'

She shivered involuntarily, and he pulled his head back to look at her. 'Are you having second thoughts?'

'No … but, Matt, I'm not experienced in this sort of thing.' She wanted him. She wanted to please him. Did he understand how inexperienced she was?

He smiled at her and held her close, and then slowly he lifted her sweater over her head and dropped it to the floor.

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