Jodi Thomas by In a Heartbeat Page B

across her face to her lips. This time his mouth was gentle, giving her great pleasure. She pulled at his uniform jacket, wanting to feel his flesh and not the wool that covered him.
    Colt held the kiss as he unbuttoned his jacket and let her hands move inside. He loved the way she explored, hesitantly at first, then with a boldness that surprised him.
    He leaned her back and slowly unbuttoned her blouse. With each button freed he felt her tremble, but she didn’t move to stop him or turn away. He gently pulled her blouse open and lifted the cotton camisole. Then, with a feather-light touch, he brushed his rough hands over the softness of her breasts.
    She heard his sudden intake of breath as he touched her so tenderly, and she knew there was much loving in this man despite what he said. With a knowledge borne deep inside every woman, she covered his hand with hers and pressed his fingers against her skin. He was still for a moment, then leaned and kissed her fully as his touch grew bolder.
    While his hands roamed over her he kissed her with a passion that surprised them both.
    Joanna relaxed to his loving, knowing it was right. No man had ever touched her so boldly, but she knew he was taking only what she freely gave.
    Silently he moved her atop him and pulled her to face him. His mouth slid along her neck and lower, tasting her skin, warming her flesh to his need.
    She dug her fingers into his hair and leaned back, loving the explosions of emotions setting fire to her body.
    “This is what feelings are. Not thoughts and speeches, but real,” he whispered, his voice husky with need. “Love is flesh and need, not spirit.”
    “No.” Joanna didn’t want to pull away, but she didn’t believe his words.
    “I want you,” he returned. “But in my life there is no place for hearts and dreams, only reality. I want you like I’ve never wanted a woman in my life, but love is action, not emotion to be played with by poets and fools.”
    Joanna understood how he felt; she mirrored his desire. But love had to be more than just convenience or need. It had to be as vital as the pounding of one’s heart. It had to be made up of more than just reality. Dreams and longings and desires also must be its substance.
    With a cry of loss she pulled away, stumbling into the blackness and falling over the stack of blankets.
    “Joanna!” he shouted. “Don’t do this. Don’t pull away from me.”
    Tears spilled from her eyes, but she crawled farther away. Milton had offered a passionless love and now Colt offered only passion. Neither were enough for her.
    Absently she buttoned her blouse as though she could close out the pain. “No,” she whispered as she bumped into a corner.
    “You know you want me.” His words were low with anger. “Don’t lie and pretend you bargained for only a kiss.”
    “Yes, I want you.” She pulled her life back into order. “But your just wanting me is not enough.”
    “I have no more to give.” Colt wouldn’t break down the wall and allow another to hurt him no matter how much his arms ached to hold Joanna. Once in his life was enough. The scars were too deep to heal now.
    “You have more to give,” she whispered. She’d seen the depth of love in him when he’d danced with his daughters. “You’re just not willing. Not willing to take a chance.”
    “Not again,” he vowed. “Never again.”
    The silence in the tiny room seemed as thick as Mississippi mud. All that could be heard were footsteps in the distance. Footsteps coming closer.

Chapter Seven
    The door to the cellar swung open with a powerful pop and light flooded the dusty room. Colt swore again to himself and stepped away from the stairs, allowing Joanna to leave first.
    “Joanna!” Aunt Etta shouted. “Are you all right?”
    Joanna climbed the steps, praying she didn’t look as disheveled as she felt. “Yes,” she answered as she climbed. “I fell over some of the blankets and hit my head.” She knew her words sounded