jordan 's brows pulled together as several astonishing realizations struck him at once : first , despite her magnificent show of courage and unconcern , alexandra was apparently on the brink of tears ; second , the brave , innocent , engaging girl he had married had become a gorgeous creature of exotic beauty and spirit , but along the way she had also acquired an undesirable streak of fiery rebellion ; last-and most disconcerting-was the discovery that he was as physically attracted to her now as he had been a year ago .