“Bennett, look at me.” She pulled away and tilted his chin until their gazes met. His eyes glistened with emotion, and her heart lurched at the sight. “The earl hasn’t asked me to marry him. Don’t worry about things that haven’t happened. As long as you need me, I’ll be by your side. Understand?”
He nodded once.
A footman cleared his throat. “Miss Lawson, the Earl of Queensland is calling. I put him in the front sitting room. Are you receiving?”
“Yes, I’ll see him.” She squeezed Bennett once more, then slowly released her hold. Instead of looking at her, he studied the falling snow outside. But she saw the lone tear that cascaded down his cheek.
He quickly dashed it away. “I’m going outside.”
“After I finish with Queensgrace, I’ll join you.”
“I’d like that,” he said softly, then quickly ran from the room.
Taking her heart with him.
Chapter 3
Cam stared at the falling snow outside the window that looked over the private courtyard at McCalpin House. Such a serene sight did little to calm his racing heartbeat that pounded in time with each movement of the second hand on his pocket watch. Each tick reminded him that he had to make the most of this chance to win Julia’s hand.
“Hello, Cam.”
Such a mellifluous sound instantly slowed the battering inside his chest. He turned and found a vision before him that would have made angels sing praise to the heavens.
His Julia.
All five feet five inches of her regally stood before him. Dressed in an azure brocade gown with a silver lace overlay, she was a vision of beauty.
God, how he’d missed her. When he’d left to attend his sister at the sudden death of her husband, he’d left his heart in her possession. Did she have any idea the power she held over him? Her incomparable beauty could make a man mute. But he couldn’t let it overshadow what he’d come to accomplish today. He’d not leave without her agreeing to allow him another chance. Nor would he leave without giving her the proper kiss he’d meant to give her before he left.
“Julia—” His traitorous throat thickened. In an attempt to tame the riot of emotions, he cleared his voice.
Before he could say another word, she closed the distance between them.
With an elegant ease that betrayed the turmoil running amok through him, he took her hand and brought it to his lips. The warmth of her skin could soothe the most jaded of beasts, and he allowed his lips to linger and savor the softness that resided there.
“Would you care to sit, or will your visit be short?” she asked serenely. The blue of her eyes sparkled, and a smile tugged at her lips.
Her inner imp was in rare form today. She knew bloody well that he wanted to spend every moment of his life with her starting now, and if she didn’t, she soon would. “My visit will be as long as necessary to convince you to give me a second chance at wooing you, lass.”
The smile on her face could light the entire end of East London with its brilliance. “Ah well, then I don’t think I have enough refreshments to serve you forever.”
“Refreshments might only be a nuisance for what I have planned.” Unable to hold his mirth at her antics inside, he laughed. Her eyes widened. But the feigned shock didn’t fool him as her gaze grew even brighter.
“Why is that?” She walked to a Louis XV settee, then sat.
He settled beside her, then angled his body so he could see every glorious inch of her. “Because I plan to kiss you until you forgive me.” He leaned closer until an inch separated their lips.
Her mouth formed a perfect and endearing “o.” Her gentle breath brushed his cheek. He took a deep breath, then slowly released it to keep from possessing her on the sofa that very instant. Every blond hair, eyelash, and inch of her perfect skin was his, and he’d do his damnedest to convince her of it. “Julia, I’ve thought of this moment every single day since I left London.” Gently, he took her hands in his. “I’ve thought of you every hour and minute of the day. I’ve dreamt of you every night.”
One perfect eyebrow arched in disbelief, but she didn’t release his hand which gave him hope.
“It wasn’t fear of marriage or unwanted gossip that kept me from coming to ask for your hand last May.” He bit the side of his cheek and hoped he’d find the words to convince her. “You must know that I’d have never left you to fend on your own had I known what those heathens at The Midnight Cryer were capable of printing about you and me.”
Her face remained frozen, and she didn’t offer a word.
“My heart was ripped in two by what they said I’d done to you. I never left you, lass.”
“Yes, you did,” she answered curtly. “For over six long months. Besides, your last letter released me from a betrothal that never existed.”
“No.” He shook his head. “Never. Do you know why?”
She bit one adorable lip in answer.
Unable to resist, he brushed his thumb across her plush lower lip. “Because I left my heart with you.”
She slowly blinked her eyes and took a ragged breath. His Julia was strong, but she was hurting now. He hated to cause her pain, but as his dear mother had always said, you must lance the wound before it can heal.
“Then why didn’t you come back for me?” she asked softly. “Why didn’t you at least write more than the note that your sister was ill and might never recover? If I meant that much to you…was it just an excuse?”
“No, sweetheart.” He ran a hand through his hair as he struggled to explain his actions. How to share the fact his sister had gone practically stark-raving mad after her husband had died? He’d never felt so alone or so helpless when he’d returned home to Edinburgh.
“It’s true my notes were vague, but it wasn’t something I could write about. In my missives, I told you part of the story but not all.” Cam rested his elbows on his legs and studied his hands. He’d always been strong with brawny muscles and stamina, but Lara had taught him that physical strength meant nothing if you didn’t have emotional fortitude. “After my sister’s husband died, she called me home. What I found there would have made even a witch’s toes curl.”
Julia put one delicate hand over his. “If you’re not comfortable sharing, I understand.”
“No, I’ll hide nothing from you.” He placed his other hand atop hers. His were so much larger than hers, but the warmth of her skin beckoned him to tell her everything. “Lara had always put her family first. Her husband and her sons were everything in the world to her. I had always thought of her as the glue that held the family together. She’d always been able to handle anything that life could throw her way. When Ewan died that hadn’t been the case—not when she left her two small boys alone to care for themselves when she disappeared.”
“What happened?” Julia’s voice had softened, but her eyes warmed with an unmistakable empathy at his words. “Where did she go?”
“I don’t know. When I went to their home, I found my nephews alone, hungry, and dirty. She’d been gone for at least a week. I took Kinnon and Tavis to my estate. Once they were safe and sound, I assigned my housekeeper to look after them while I rode over practically every stream and crag in the highlands to find their mother. This went on for weeks. I couldn’t trust that what I wrote to you wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands.” He shook his head gently as the feelings of helplessness and agony threatened to take his words. “I found her alone in a rundown shack not far from Edinburgh. I thought she’d be ruined if anyone found out about her disappearance.” He swallowed the grip of emotion that held tight. “I didn’t want any of it to taint you.” He huffed a feigned laugh. “But I only put you in a worse situation.”
“Oh, Cam. I’m so sorry,” she said gently. “That must have been horrible for her sons…and for you. Where are Lara and the boys now?”
“I brought them with me to London. I couldn’t leave them alone, but I couldn’t stay in Scotland with you here.”
She contemplated h
im with a depth that cut straight through him. In that instant, she saw all his faults and fears, and the truth hit him square in the chest. She’d never judge him or his sister. “I’m not certain I can find the words, but I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“Of course.” A sad smile tugged at her lips. “I’d like to meet Lara. I’d welcome her as a friend and so would my family. And of course, your nephews.”
“They’d be delighted, I’m sure. She’s better now, but I can’t leave her alone.” Cam nodded. “Perhaps we can share a special Christmas celebration for all of us?”
An adorable expression of befuddlement crossed her face. “I didn’t think Scots celebrated Christmas the way the English do.”
“My mother was English and brought all the lovely traditions with her. Mince pies, mulled wine.” His voice deepened as the urge to take her in his arms became overpowering. “Of course, the Scots brought the Yule log and mistletoe for sweet passionate kisses.”
A soothing silence descended around them wrapping them in the safety of its comfort. A log fell on the fire, and her eyes brightened. It was the perfect timing to bring out the small gift he’d brought her. Truthfully, it was as much for him as for her, but it would bring her pleasure, or his name wasn’t Cameron Dunmore. He reached into his morning coat pocket and pulled out the mistletoe posy tied with the ribbon she’d given him last spring as a token of her affection.
“Cam…you kept my ribbon?” she asked incredulously. Her eyes flashed as if truly happy making her even more beautiful.
“Next to my heart this entire time.” He held the posy above her head and leaned close until no more than an inch separated them.
Her lips parted slightly, and he took that as a blessed sign from heaven that this Christmas celebration would be one forever engraved upon his heart.
He leaned until his mouth touched hers. The supple warmth from her lips was ambrosia, and he gently rubbed his against hers until the sweetest moan escaped her. Still holding the mistletoe, he wrapped her in his embrace and brought her close until her softness melded with his hardness. A perfect fit that he’d never tire of. Nor would he ever tire of her kisses. They had so much lost time to make up for. With his tongue, he traced the crease of her lips, begging for entry into her sweet mouth. With a soft breath she sighed, and he deepened the kiss.
“Julia.” A curt voice called from behind them.
Cam softly groaned before slowly pulling away. The desire in her eyes and the slight swelling of her lips from their kiss made him want to throw the intruder out so they could continue losing themselves in each other’s arms.
“Queensland, I’ll have you take your hands off my sister.”
“Bennett, stop,” she protested. “The earl is—”
“Mauling you,” her little brother declared as he approached.
A perfect crimson blush colored her cheeks reminding Cam of the hot house roses he’d ordered for her to be delivered today. Reluctantly, he let her go and turned to face her irate brother. Though the boy only came to his chest, his demeanor indicated the young viscount had the anger of a man. Frankly, Cam couldn’t fault him. If it was his sister who was being kissed like there was no tomorrow, he’d object too.
“Lawson, I apologize for getting carried away. But I can assure you that I have the best intentions here.” Cam extended his hand for a shake man-to-man. “I want to marry your sister.”
“You pig.” The grimace on the boy’s face was pure disgust. “Never in a million years will I allow that.”
Julia seemed to come out of the sensual fog they’d created together. “Bennett, apologize to his lordship this instant,” she demanded.
“That was ill-mannered of me. I apologize,” he murmured. The young viscount’s cheeks turned a color reminiscent of holly berries.
“Lovely.” Julia’s exuberant smile was a little too bright. “Then let’s all go for a walk in the snow.”
“No,” Bennett declared.
Cam bit his lip so he wouldn’t respond to the young lord’s outburst. “Miss Lawson, perhaps another time.”
Julia’s brow creased. “Perhaps another time?”
Cam nodded. “May I stop by tomorrow?”
“Could you come this afternoon? I think the sooner we finish our discussion, the better.”
An excellent sign that she wanted him back so quickly. “I agree.”
“Come for tea?” she asked.
“It would be my pleasure,” Cam said softly while ignoring the young viscount’s look of outrage.
Chapter 4
That afternoon, Julia inspected the front salon and found it perfectly situated for the tea she would host. She plumped the red silk pillows that adorned the deep green sofas, then counted the plates, cups and saucers in the McCalpin china. Pleased with the festive look of the room, she walked to the side table where another massive arrangement of red roses accompanied by boughs of holly stood guard in a silver vase. She inhaled the sweet fragrance and instantly, all thoughts turned to Cam.
Her heart skipped a beat or two. Cam had made his intentions clear—he was once again her suitor. Secretly, she was thrilled that he was pursuing her so vigorously. If she’d only had to be concerned with herself, then her decision would be easy. But she’d not allow Bennett to feel discarded or ignored. Her brother was too precious to her.
But so was Cam. Though she’d been angry at him when she first saw him, once he’d explained his reasons for being vague in his letters because of his sister’s disappearance, she’d been able to forgive him. Life was too short to hold such anger.
When he’d held her arms and kissed her, it’d been heaven. She realized her decision to let go of her anger was the right one. Their morning kiss had set a fire inside of her, and all she wanted for Christmas was more. Once their lips had touched, it had kindled the familiar yearning she had always carried for him. Any doubts she had about loving him evaporated like snow on a May day. She loved him with everything she possessed. Her heart, her happiness, her sorrow, and all her desires for life were his.
“Hello lass, I’m back.” The deep reverberation of Cameron’s voice pulled her from her musings, and she turned to greet him.
Resplendent in an iron gray dress coat and a green velvet waistcoat that magnified the color of his eyes and his chestnut hair, Cam was her very own Christmas present come calling.
She rushed to his side with her arms held out in greeting. “Cam, welcome.” The breathlessness in her own voice couldn’t be helped as she was delighted that he was here once again. Heat bludgeoned her cheeks from the intensity of his devouring gaze.
“Julia, you’re more beautiful than the last time I saw you.” He took her in his embrace, then gently kissed her cheek in welcome. When his cool cheek pressed against hers, it did little to bank the fire that had roared to life when she saw him.
“It’s only been hours since we last saw each other.” She took his hand and led him to the sitting area. “Come. Are you hungry?”
“Only for you,” he whispered as he followed her.
Another blistering heat rolled through her. “Stop that or I’ll not be able to serve you a proper tea.”
A charming self-satisfied smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. “Hmm, I like the sound of ‘not proper.’”
After they sat, Julia poured the tea and served Cam several pastries including a delicate mille-feuille filled with raspberry jam and several almond cakes sprinkled with crushed nuts. He accepted the plate without a word, then gently tugged her hand where a spot of jam stained her forefinger. Holding her gaze to his, he took her finger into his mouth and gently sucked.
She inhaled sharply as a bolt of electricity shot through her. The warmth of his mouth surrounding her skin melted her insides. But when his tongue moved against the sensitive skin, her gaze latched on his perfect lips and the slight indentation of his cheeks.
If she thought she’d experienced heat from his teasing, the sensations he summoned forth now could only be described a
s an inferno. Her heart pounded while her breath grew shallow. The force of their desire for one another caused a deep throbbing low in her middle. She closed her eyes so that all her concentration was focused on his mouth sucking her finger. Instantly, wicked thoughts of his mouth all over body threatened to consume her.
“Cam…I…we…”
He slowly withdrew her finger from his mouth but pressed it against his lips. “Hmm, I like that last bit, ‘we.’ Such a clever lass. I don’t think I’ll let you go.”
The vibrations of his words against her wet skin caused her to shiver, but then his words registered. “What do you mean you won’t let me go?”
“I want you all the days of my life and beyond, Miss Julia Lawson.” He clasped her hand in his, then covered it with his other. “There is a solution to my dilemma, sweetheart.”
The rumble of the endearment from his lips beguiled her, and she leaned forward. The smell of peppermint and male rose to greet her, and she breathed deeply.
“Marry me.” He brought her hand to his lips. “Tell me you will, and I’ll wait all day and all night outside McCalpin House so I won’t miss your sister and brother-in-law’s arrival. I’ll fall to my knees in the snow and beg their permission.” He pressed another kiss to the top of her hand. “I should have asked them before I spoke with you.” He raked his free hand through his chestnut locks, the act causing a riot of curls to revolt by falling askew about his face. “But I love you, Julia. I don’t want to lose you again.”
The sincerity in his eyes caused her heart to pound against her ribs in a desperate act to reach him. “I love you,” she said gently as tears flooded her eyes. “I always have and always will.”
With the utmost care, he wiped one renegade tear that slid down her cheek, then pressed his lips against hers. With a sigh, she opened to him and he deepened the kiss. His sweet taste and gentle lips told her how much he cared. In return, she kissed him with the same tender affection.
When he pulled away, he released an anguished breath, then pressed his forehead to hers. “I take that as a ‘yes?’”
'Tis the Season: Regency Yuletide Short Stories Page 25