"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he whispered, catching a lock of her gleaming hair in his rough fingers. "Who are you?"
She could barely find the voice to speak. Spell or no spell, it was the most magical moment of her entire life.
"Ella Kent," she managed.
Strong fingers tipped her chin back up, forcing her to meet his eyes again. "What?"
"Ella Kent," she said slowly.
Some emotion crossed his handsome features, but he said nothing. She'd have been uncomfortable with the silence if she hadn't already wanted to jump out of her skin from the nearness of him. The smell of warm skin and man, and the heat from his body had her tingling with an unfamiliar awareness.
"You know…rhymes with elephant," she tried with a half-hearted attempted to laugh.
His smile had her heart leaping, the fire down low burning hotter.
"I thought you said 'elegant.'"
Ian lowered his head and took her mouth with a gentleness she hadn't expected. His firm, sensuous lips caressed hers slowly, savoring her, as his hands sank into her hair, holding her in place for his skillful exploration. Ella drowned in that kiss, clutching his leather jacket for support because she didn't know how much longer her shaking knees would hold her up…