by Tamara Gill
She turned from following Stone’s line of sight and her lips curved up in an amused smile. “Robert,” she said, sounding breathless. “I’m glad you like the pieces. I wanted to be certain I showed your brother just as you remembered and loved him.”
He tilted her chin up to better study her beloved face. “You’ve not only aptly captured him, but myself as well,” he whispered and gave in to the temptation that had been plaguing him since their impromptu walk on the beach.
He had intended to kiss her softly, reverently, in gratitude, but the moment his lips grazed hers, gratitude evaporated and desire flared. Her lips parted, perhaps in shock, but Robert didn’t care. No longer would he play second fiddle to his friends, her art, or to his absurd doubts about this wonderful woman. His hands nudged her forward until not a spec of alabaster dust could divide them.
* * *
By the time he withdrew from that soul-searing kiss, Pauline gasped in shock. Her knees would have collapsed but for his holding her up. Like flashes of starburst, wherever their bodies met, happiness sparkled the length of her.
How could she have been willing to abandon ever experiencing this amazing feeling? Her mother was right. Her work was indeed insufficient to sustain her the rest of her life. She could not, would not, allow this man to slip from her world a second time.
“Be warned, Robert,” she began, determined to make her intentions plain, “I am addicted to my art and if this is the payment you give for your commissions, I will never stop working for you.”
He chuckled, as if her dry humor delighted him. “As tempting as that offer is, I would like to make a counter proposal. You, my love, may craft your amazing statues for anyone you wish. Since stone is your preferred art form, as Lady Ashford, you may work on me for the rest of my life.”
The devilish gleam in his gaze alerted and thrilled her before his lips descended to stake his claim on her, as she had him.
THE END
* * *
If you enjoyed this Regency romance, please check out my fantasy Regency romance series, The Cauldron Effect.
Book 1: Coven at Callington, is currently available: https://www.shereenvedam.com/witches-warlocks/
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Shereen Vedam’s Biography
Once upon a time, USA Today bestselling author Shereen Vedam read fantasy and romance novels to entertain herself. Now she writes heartwarming tales braided with threads of magic and love and mystery elements woven in for good measure.
Shereen's a fan of resourceful women, intriguing men, and happily-ever-after endings. If her stories whisk you away to a different realm for a few hours, then Shereen will have achieved one of her life goals.