Jonathan gazed adoringly at his stunning wife across the restaurant table and raised his champagne glass.

"Happy anniversary darling. Here’s to the best year of my life and for the many more we’ll be spending together."

They clinked glasses and leaned in together to share an intimate kiss.

"I love you," said Jennifer as she sat back in her seat. "I never imagined when you walked into my editors office fifteen months ago that I’d be sat here celebrating my first wedding anniversary. Especially with you."

Jonathan laughed.

"I knew you were the one for me as soon as I walked in. You just took a little convincing that was all."

Jennifer smiled and reached out to Jonathans hand, taking it in hers. "I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you in it. Thank you for a wonderful year."

Jonathan lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Shall we go. I’d like to finish the rest of this celebration at home."

"I’d like that a lot."

Jonathan rose from his seat pulled out Jennifers chair, then with his arm around her, escorted her to the car.

Back at the house Jonathan had champagne chilling and put on some soft music.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked standing and holding out his hand.

Jennifer liked nothing better than to be held in his arms and feel his strength envelop her. Without hesitation she stood and moved her body towards him. Jonathan watched her movements, as she seemed to glide across to him, her black dress hugging her lithe figure in all the right places. He put his arms around her back and pulled her close, Jennifers arms reaching around his neck and linking behind it. Cheek to cheek, they swayed to the music. Jonathan held on tightly feeling the rhythms of their hearts beating in time together, Jennifer feeling Jonathans breath, warm and comforting on her ear.

Jonathan moved his head back and looked directly into his wifes’ eyes.

"I wish we could stay like this forever."

"I know what you mean. This has been the perfect ending to a perfect day darling."

Jennifer moved her hands up into his hair and pulled his head towards her. Both sets of lips were quivering as they came close together and then finally touched. The kiss started slowly and gently as they each enjoyed the build up, but it became more intense as they each wanted to consume each other with their passion.

Jonathan moved his lips across to Jennifers ear and gently nibbled on her lobe before moving down her neck and back up to her lips.

"Mmmm," said Jennifer enjoying the sensation.

Jonathan reached up to the back of Jennifers gown and began to slowly pull down the zip.

"Jonathan. What about Max." Said Jennifer pulling back.

"What about him." Responded Jonathan continuing his quest.

"He could walk in on us." Jennifer reached back to stop Jonathans undressing of her.

"Don’t worry. He’s out for the night, I made sure of it." Jonathan smiled that smile of his and proceeded to smother Jennifers neck in kisses.

Jennifer grinned and put her hands back in her husbands hair. He thought of everything. Jonathan slowly turned Jennifer around so her back was facing him, his lips never leaving her neck. Taking a step back he gently pulled the zip down to its limit. He traced his finger from the top of her neck down her back following it with his lips, placing a kiss on each vertebra. Jennifer shuddered with delight at the feeling. Jonathan pulled the dress off her shoulders and watched it drop to the floor. He bent down and traced his fingers up the backs of her legs, starting at her ankles, over her calves and thighs before bringing his hands to rest on her hips and turning her back round to face him.

Jennifer managed to say "oh, Jonathan" before her breath was taken away again as Jonathan lips engulfed hers. Her hands quickly went to his trousers and proceeded to undo his belt. Lips still locked and tongues entwined, Jonathan pulled off his tie and threw it on the floor followed by his jacket. Jennifer decided to return some of the pleasure she’d been receiving and this time it was her lips that left his. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt and trailed a path of kisses across his shoulders. Following the buttons of the shirt her mouth glided down his chest and over his stomach. She felt it tense at her soft touch. Jonathan added the shirt to the growing pile of clothes and kicked off his shoes as Jennifer proceeded downwards. Now on her knees, Jennifer undid his trousers and pulled them down. She kissed Jonathans hardness through his boxers leaving a telltale lipstick mark, before pulling them down too.

Jonathan heartbeat quickened at her touch, and he waited in anticipation for her delicate mouth. Jennifer looked up at him gazing down at her and licked her lips before moving in to engulf him.

"God," yelled Jonathan as his hands went into her hair. The pair of them had taken their time exploring and learning about each other bodies and how to elicit the greatest pleasure from them over the last year and Jonathan was certainly reaping the benefit now. He looked down at Jennifer moving beneath him and grinned with pure delight that she was his wife, before letting out another groan of pleasure. God she was good at this he thought to himself. Much as he was enjoying it, he wanted to prolong the evening and with Jennifers handiwork, he knew he’d have to stop her before long. Besides, he got just as much satisfaction from pleasuring his wife.

His hands left her hair and pulled her back up to standing.

"I hadn’t finished," she said smiling.

"My mouth was getting lonely," he said moving in for another kiss, their bodies moving together, with Jonathans erection straining between them.

Stepping back again Jonathans hands reached behind his wife and unclasped her bra. He slowly pulled the straps over her shoulders and watched the rise and fall of her breasts as the depth of her breathing increased. He stood admiring them for a few seconds.

"You have beautiful breasts," he said reaching out to cup one in each hand. His thumbs moved across her already erect nipples. They were round and soft like peaches and that was how he liked to treat them. He caressed them both equally before moving his mouth to join his hands.

"Jonathan," she cried as she pulled his head closer. Her breasts were especially sensitive and she was rushing towards her climax just from his touch. Jonathan pushed them together, so he could capture both nipples in his mouth at the same time. He lightly blew on them before taking them in to his moist enclosure. His mouth continued on her breasts as his hands moved down her sides to remove her underwear.

Easing her legs apart he moved his hand to the top of her thighs and between them. Jennifer gasped. It only took a few strokes of his dexterous finger to bring about her climax. She knew it wouldn’t be the first she’d be having that night. Jonathans lips went back to hers trying to capture the pleasure she was attaining. He loved the fact she was so sensual and the effect his touch had on her. This had the effect of turning him on more too and he was ready to feel her around him. He eased her down and back on to the rug.

"Here?" Jennifer questioned between kisses.

"I don’t think I can hold on much longer. Besides, we haven’t christened this rug yet."

Jennifer laughed and pulled him in for another luscious kiss. Jonathan moved in between Jennifers legs. She moved her hands down his body and glided them over Jonathans hard erection. Jonathan groaned at the feeling of it. She guided his penis to the entrance to her femininity, teasing him before lifting her hips, letting him fill her fully. Jonathans hips ground against his wifes as he moved his mouth back to her lips taking in the sweetness of them once again.

"I love you, " he said as he prepared to take her to another level. Moving back he thrust into her slowly at first. The thought of release deep into his wife stirred emotions he felt again and again each time he made love to Jennifer.

Jennifer groaned under him enjoying the tingling sensation the feel of her husbands hard body writhing against hers was giving her. She grasped his arms as he thrust into her for the final time and heard him call out her name. That final thrust sent her back off on a wave of pleasure.

Jonathan felt his wifes body shuddering beneath him and looked down on her, watching her face show the ecstasy and elation they were both feeling. He gave her one final kiss before moving off and resting by her side, both bodies bathed in sweat.

Jennifer reached over and clasped his hand, linking fingers.

"Where do you want to christen next?"

Jonathan moved on to his side and stroked the hair away from Jennifers face.

"Aren’t you ever satisfied?" he asked grinning.

"Haven’t you realised yet, I can’t get enough of you."

"I’m glad your attitude to me has changed since our first encounter."

"Me too darling, me too."

"Morning Mr Hart."

"Morning Deanne," said Jonathan passing through his outer office to the inner sanctum of Hart Industries. "My appointment with Weir Publishing has changed to 9.30, so could you reschedule Stanley please."

"Sure thing Mr Hart. Your notes about Weir are on the desk."

Jonathan collected the paper work and headed back out. Hart Industries was growing all the time and Jonathan had decided to further its diversification. Whilst it primarily dealt with electronics, oil and real estate, Weir Publishing looked like a good deal. It covered a number of market sectors including novels and periodicals. Jonathan had arranged meetings with a number of the editors at Weir. He liked to know the inner workings of a company before he made an offer.

"Good morning. Jonathan Hart to see Tom Brady."

"Yes, you are expected Mr Hart. Would you like to take a seat, he’s just finishing up in a meeting."

Jonathan put down his briefcase and perused the foyer. Decking the walls were framed dust jackets from the companys latest publications. Jonathan was working his way around the wall when one in particular caught his eye. Wow, he thought to himself, she was gorgeous. He smiled. Okay he had a girlfriend, but he could still admire an attractive woman.

"Mr Hart." " Mr Hart." The call of his name pulled Jonathan out of his trance. "Mr Brady will see you now."

Jonathan took one final look at the beauty before heading off to his meeting.

"Well, is there anything else I can do for you Mr Hart?" asked Tom as the meeting concluded.

"Actually, there is one thing. As I think you’ve realized, I like to get into the nitty gritty of the workings of any companies I’m interested in. That involves getting to know the workforce too. Obviously novelists primarily work on their own, but there is the periodical side. I’d like to trail one of your reporters for an article if I may, to see what makes them tick."

"I can’t see a problem. I know who’d be good for you. Let me have a word and can I get back to you."

"Sure. I have another couple of meeting here today and then I’ll be back at the office. If you can’t get hold of me, you can leave a message with my secretary."

"Great. I’ll be in touch."

Jonathan left for his next meeting.

"Jennifer. Just the woman. I’m glad you’ve called in, I was just thinking about you."

"Tom. What are you after?" Jennifer eyed Tom suspiciously. By the intonation in his voice, she could tell she wasn’t going to like what he had to say.

"I’m after a favour."

Jennifer plonked herself down on the seat opposite Tom preparing herself. She crossed her arms and glared.

"Go on. I’m listening."

"You know we’ve got Jonathan Hart looking to buy the company. Well, he’d like to spend some time trailing a reporter. And you being one over our best I immediately thought of you."

"Don’t try and get around me with flattery. You want me to have some fat cat industrialist on my tail, you must be joking."

"I’ll make it worth your while. You can go to Africa and do that conservation piece you’ve been nagging me about."

Damn, there it was, the catch. She’d been dying to do that story for the last year, but hadn’t got very far in managing to persuade Tom that it was a worthwhile assignment. Jennifer got out of her chair and paced around the office thinking for a few minutes.

"Okay. I’ll do it, but on my conditions. No private aeroplanes, no swanky hotels, we rough it. If he’s not willing to abide by the rules then it’s a no." We’ll see how Jonathan Hart copes with this she thought to herself.

"Great. I knew you were the right one. I think Mr Hart is probably still in the building. I’ll introduce the two of you."

Jennifer groaned. What have I let myself in for? Still as long as he doesn’t get under my feet I suppose it will be worth it for the article.

"Alison. When Mr Hart comes through, could you send him back to me. Thanks," said Tom phoning through to reception.

Jennifer and Tom were immersed in the article Jennifer had just submitted, when there was a knock at the open office door. Jonathan watched as the woman sat opposite Toms desk pulled her hair back off her neck and turned around in her seat. His eyes opened wide when he realised she was the one from the picture he’d been admiring earlier that morning. She was even more gorgeous in the flesh, in fact she was stunning. His current girlfriend, Julie, was attractive, yes, but nothing compared to the woman looking at him now. She had very little makeup on, but her skin and features were fresh and just glowed. His eyes moved down, trying to be discrete. While she was casually dressed, he could tell from the way the clothes hung about her frame that there was some figure under there.

"Mr Hart. Come on in. I’d like you to meet the reporter you’re going to be with."

"How do you do? I’m Jonathan Hart," he said holding out his hand and giving her a wide grin.

"Jennifer Edwards." She responded taking his outstretched hand. It was to the point, but Jennifer wasn’t about to be forthcoming. She really hated being railroaded, and that’s exactly how she felt. At least he looked like he could handle himself, not quite the rotund businessman she was expecting.

"I hope this isn’t too much of an imposition for you." Jonathan could sense the frosty reception he was getting, but he wanted to get through to her. Her handshake was firm and business like, but her skin was soft and supple. He wondered what the rest of her body felt like. This was ridiculous, he’d just met this woman, and already she was taking over his thoughts.

"Well, it’s not something I’m used too, but as I said to Tom, this isn’t going to be some cushy number. It’ll be hard work and I expect to be left to get on with the job in hand."

"You’re the expert."

"Good as long as you accept that."

"Perhaps I can take you out to dinner to make arrangements. Tonight maybe." What was he doing. He already had a date arranged with Julie that night, but he was willing to break that for Jennifer.

"I don’t really think that will be necessary. I’ll make all the arrangements and let your office know. Is there any time you can’t do? We’ll be away for about a week."

"No. Just let me know." Jonathan would drop any appointments to make that week.

"Right if that’s it, I’ll be off. Tom I’ll be in touch."

Jennifer departed without looking back, but Jonathan watched until he could no longer see anything of her.

"I get the impression she doesn’t like me," said Jonathan turning back to Tom.

"You’ll be fine. She can be a feisty one, but she’s one of our best. When you get to know her, she’s one hell of a lady."

Jonathan believed him and knew he definitely wanted to get to know her. He’d never believed in love at first sight. Until now.

"Darling, you’ve hardly said a word all night and have barely touched your dinner. Are you feeling alright."

"Hmm." Jonathan stopped pushing his food around the plate and looked up at Julie.

"I said are you feeling alright."

"Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit tired." He hadn’t stopped thinking about Jennifer all day and here he was on a date, and still couldn’t get her out of his mind. He knew he had it bad. He’d spent the entire dinner wishing it was Jennifer sat opposite him and what he’d like to do to her once he got her home.

"Do you mind if we go now Julie."

"Sure, my place or yours."

"I’ll, ah, drop you at yours and go home. I just need a good nights sleep."

"Oh, okay." Julie was disappointed but Jonathan knew if he made love to her tonight he’d be pretending it was Jennifer, and that wasn’t fair to Julie.

"You’re home early Mr H. and no company."

"No, not tonight Max."

"Mr H. Is anything wrong? You don’t seem to have been yourself since you got home tonight."

"Max. You know me too well."

"Well, we do go back a long way. Wanna talk about it."

"I met this woman today and I’ve never known anything like it. I can’t get her out of my mind. I had to take a cold shower earlier on just from thinking about her and all I’ve done is shake her hand."

"Boy she must be some dame."

"She is Max, She is."

"What about Julie?"

"I don’t know. I thought I had feelings for her until today, but now I can’t stop thinking about Jennifer." Jonathan poured himself and Max a drink. "Every time I look at Julie, I just want to see Jennifer looking back at me, and that’s not fair on Julie."

"Has she given you any come on."

"No. That’s just it. Like I said I’ve shaken her hand, but I don’t think she even likes me."

"Ah, come on Mr H. Who wouldn’t like you."

"She was a bit frosty in her reception."

"I know you have the ways and means to thaw her out."

Jonathan smiled. "I’d certainly like to give it a go. I’m going away to trail her for a week to do with this new publishing acquisition."

"I’d say that’s an ideal opportunity."

"Yeah, but I don’t want to blow it. She really is something special Max."

"What are you going to do about Julie?"

Jonathan sighed. "The honourable thing. I can’t go on leading her on, when my feelings are elsewhere. It might seem daft, when Jennifer has give me no indication, but to carry on with someone knowing I have more feeling for a near enough stranger is wrong."

"Jonathan. I wasn’t expecting you. Not that I mind, but I thought you wanted a good nights sleep."

"We have to talk."

"Oh. That sounds ominous."

"I’m sorry Julie, but I can’t see you any more."

"What!" Julie’s eyes filled with tears. "I thought we had something good."

"So did I until today, but it’s not enough."

"Is there someone else?"

"No, not exactly."

"What the hell do you mean not exactly," tears giving way to anger.

"I do like someone, but that’s it. Nothing’s happened, and I don’t know if it ever will. I’m trying to be honest here."

"Then why break up. If nothing’s happened why finish?"

"Because I have feelings for someone else and that’s not fair on you or me."

"But Jonathan I love you."

"Julie, I’m sorry. It’s no good. I’m in love with someone else."

Tears were now streaming down Julie’s face.

"Julie. Please don’t," said Jonathan approaching her.

"Get out."

"I’m sorry, I really am."

Julie slammed the door behind Jonathan’s back and broke down.

Jonathan felt terrible, but despite knowing he’d hurt Julie, he knew he’d made the right decision. Even if Jennifer wanted nothing to do with him, he knew he was in love with her.

"Mr Hart. A messenger just bought all this for you."

Jonathan took the manila envelope and walked to his desk. Enclosed were aeroplane tickets, an itinerary and Jennifers card.

"Deanne. Can you cancel all my appointments for next week," said Jonathan into the intercom.

He picked up the phone and dialed Jennifers number.

"Hello."

"Hi. Miss Edwards, it’s Jonathan Hart."

"Oh hi. Could you hold on a couple of seconds."

Jonathans hands were clammy and sweating. He was nervous. How did she manage to have this effect on him.

"Sorry about that. I’ve just got out of the shower and was dripping everywhere. Now what can I do for you Mr Hart."

Why did she have to tell him that. Now he couldn’t help but picture her standing there virtually naked. He imagined droplets of water falling from her hair on to her shoulders and down the rest of her body.

"Mr Hart. Are you still there?"

"Sorry. Yes, and please call me Jonathan. I’ve just received your package thank you. I wasn’t expecting the trip to be organised quite so quickly."

"Does it cause you a problem."

"No, it’s fine." Jonathan wasn’t about to let the chance of spending a week in her company slip through his fingers. "I have a jet at my disposal though and thought it might be more comfortable than a scheduled flight."

"I thought we were doing it my way." Jennifer knew it would have been more comfortable, but by putting barriers up, she was hoping he’d drop out. He did seem intent on coming though.

"Fine. Can I at least give you a ride to the airport."

"That I will accept. My address is on the card. I’ll see you Saturday morning then."

"Right see you then." Jonathan wanted to prolong the conversation but wasn’t quite sure what to say.