Part 20 (1/2)

'This is nice,' he murmured, drawing her into his arms, his fingers already busy with the bootlace straps which were all that kept her sheer silk nightgown in place, but at her reluctant protest he bent his lips to her shoulder and allowed her to say huskily: 'It was good, wasn't it? The dinner party, I mean. You enjoyed it?'

Jake lifted his head and grinned down at her. 'I know something I enjoy more,' he told her mischievously, and her lips parted in knowing antic.i.p.ation. 'But yes, it was a very pleasant evening. I told you you'd like Gordon.'

'I like his wife, too,' said Joanna thoughtfully. 'She's invited me to lunch next week.' She coloured becomingly. 'To discuss family matters.'

Jake's mouth took on a sensual curve as his gaze lowered to the gentle swell of her stomach. 'It's becoming noticeable, isn't it?' he murmured wryly. 'Do you mind?'

'Do you?' she countered softly, and his eyes gave her her answer.

'I love you,' he told her huskily. 'I love everything about you.

Most particularly the knowledge of my child growing inside you.'

Joanna gave a breathless little laugh. 'I like it when you talk like that. You sound so-possessive.'

'I am possessive. Haven't you learned that yet?' he demanded, probing her ear-lobe with his teeth. 'Come on, let's go to bed. I don't want to be too exhausted to work tomorrow.'

Joanna tilted her face up to him. 'I told you I could help you,'

she teased. 'As soon as you stopped pressuring yourself, you were cured.'

'It was more than that,' he told her gently. 'It was you, your faith in me, in both of us. Without you, I'd never have had the nerve to try.'

Joanna smiled. 'I liked the smallholding, you know.'

'I know you did,' Jake nodded. 'That's why I've bought the farm. It would have been a shame to leave Matt and Mrs Parrish behind.

Besides, it's served a dual purpose so far as Matt is concerned. It's removed him from all the memories of his wife that used to haunt him, and Mrs Parrish says she's always wanted to move south.'

Joanna dimpled. 'Well, at least the children won't be deprived of fields, and animals, and fresh air ...'

'The children?' Jake's brow quirked mockingly.