“George had been through so much. He couldn’t come to grips with Josh’s death, the war, the prison camp. And his life even before all that happened was harsh.”
Sarah scowled. “Are you saying it’s not his fault for leaving you?”
“Not entirely.”
“Oh, Cassie. You’ve a lot to learn about men. You need a man who will treat you well and put you above his own selfish needs. Besides, as far as I can tell, George doesn’t have a job. How can he compete with a doctor?” Sarah sighed.
Cassidy bristled. What did George do for a living besides his claim of gambling winnings? He said he was investigating Madison for the colonel, but she’d thought it just a temporary job. She wondered how much the colonel paid him. “I need time to think about what I want.”
“Just don’t take too much time, you hear?”
Cassidy shook her head as she wiped her hands on her apron. Why did I defend George? The memory of his dark gaze, male scent, and tender kisses set her pulse racing. She’d explain to him her attention to Madison last night was a ploy. George had to understand she’d not only put herself in peril for him, but for the good of the entire town.
Chapter Sixteen
George strode from the hotel. The first order of the day, to get hold of Cassidy and demand to know what the hell kind of game she’d been playing last night. How could he protect her, if she insisted on taking such risks?
Halfway down the block, he caught sight of a familiar dark-haired woman striding toward him. Perfect.
Halting in his tracks, he waited for Cassidy to approach.
“George.” Her rasping voice clued him she’d raced over here. “I have to tell you—”
He cut her off with a raised hand. Pulling her close, he whispered. “We can’t talk here.”
“Then where?” She glanced down the street.
“My room.”
“George?” She raised her brows. “Not a good idea.”
“It’s the only place we can talk in private. Are you coming or not?” He pinned her with a glare, hoping she’d agree.
She nodded, heaving a sigh.
He led her around the back entrance to the hotel. He’d not ruin her reputation by taking her through the lobby, although someone could see them anyway.
He pressed his hand against the small of her back.
“George,” she whispered, “are you sure we should do this?” Her breath against his ear sent tingles shooting down his spine.
“I need to talk to you, Cassie. This is the one place we can.”
She nodded, allowing him to guide her through the back entrance to the stairs off the kitchen. Fortunately, the cook was nowhere around. At the top of the stairs on the third floor, he glanced down the hall to be sure no one watched them enter his room. Producing his key, he hustled her to the door, opened it, and guided her in, while again scanning the hall.
So far, so good. But he still had to get her out later.
After securing the door, he turned to find her brushing her hand over the one upholstered chair in the room. Good thing he’d hung up his extra pair of trousers so she had a place to sit. He motioned to the chair.
“This is a very nice room, George.” She smoothed her skirts, pulled the pin from her hat, and placed it on his bed before sitting.
“For a hotel room.” He pushed the hat aside and sat on the bed facing her.
She cleared her throat and glanced around the Spartan room. “No. It’s very nice.” She caught his gaze. “Not so nice as your room in New York City, I reckon.”
“No, but it’ll do for now.” He reached for her hand and eased the kid glove off. “Now, I want you to tell me what you were doing in an alley with that bastard. Did he hurt you?”
“If you must know, I was trying to get close to him.”
George folded his arms across his chest and scowled.
“To get information, of course.” She lifted her chin. “To see if he’d...”
“If he’d try to accost you?” George stood and paced the small room. “Cassie, I can’t believe you put yourself in such a position.”
“I’m trying to help.” She gazed about the room. “If Miss Baker won’t tell us what happened, we have to find out some other way.”
“Do you really believe Madison would tell you?”
She shrugged. “Well, no...”
George approached her and brushed a finger along her cheek. Her scent and softness sent his pulse racing. “Because if anything were to happen to you, darlin’, and I had the power to stop it, I’d never forgive myself. I know how brave you are and how much you want to help, but I can’t risk it.”
She glanced down at her hands in her lap. “I’ve been leading him on, pretending I want to work as his assistant. Then he seemed interested in courting me. I thought, if I played into his hands, he’d relax and say or do something that would help you, help us.”
George grimaced. “What did he do in the alley before I showed up?”
“He kissed me.” She glared at him. “That’s all, nothing else.”
He blew out a sigh of relief, but his blood heated at the thought of Madison touching her in such an intimate way. He stepped over to the window to cool his face. “I’m afraid if you allow him to get closer; he’ll try something else...”
She shook her head. “If he’s courting me, he wouldn’t do anything improper. He wouldn’t want to scare me off.” She looked off into space.
He scowled. “You can’t be sure.”
“He only asked to court me, not to marry him.” She gazed up at him candidly. “I need to draw him out. Gain his confidence.”
He glanced out the window at the people strolling along the street, his emotions warring. “There has to be another way, Cassie. This is my investigation, not yours.” George moved across the room to kneel by her side. “If Madison hurts you...”
She rubbed her arm. “I promise I’ll stay in the public view. To be truthful, I’m afraid to be alone with him again.”
“Cassie, I fear for your safety.”
She reached up to stroke his cheek. His face heated at her touch.
His teeth clenched at the thought of Madison manhandling her. Once the man’s indiscretions were out in the open, he wouldn’t wait for Wellingham to mete out justice; he’d kill the scum himself. He brushed his thumb over Cassidy’s dewy cheek.
“Come on, I’ll walk you home.”
“No, George.” She shook her head. “I want to stay here...with you.”
He swallowed hard. “Do you know what you’re saying? If you stay here much longer, I won’t be able to keep my hands off you.”
She smiled. “I know. I feel the same way.” She rose and led him to stand by the bed. “So many years have passed since the war ended. I dreamed of marrying you, being with you as your wife. In all the years that passed, I never stopped loving you. It’s the reason I couldn’t even feign interest in the other men who courted me afterward. They weren’t you.”
“I can’t believe you’re saying this. I’ve loved you all these years, too, but hoped you’d found happiness with another man...a better man than me.”
“George...” She took his hands and gazed up at him. “You’re the best man I’ve ever met in my life. You’re the one I want to spend my future with.”
He reached behind her head and pulled the pins from her hair, allowing the dark, silken strands to flow in waves over her shoulders. “Cassie, you’re even more beautiful than my memory of you. I’ve never stopped dreaming of being with you all these years.”
“Then why didn’t you stay?” Her breath hot against his face, she nuzzled him and kissed her way along his cheek, her lush lips sliding to his mouth. He instantly grew hard.
“I wanted you to be happy,” he breathed as his lips slid over hers. “I thought you’d find a good man to marry and have a life with.”
“Oh, George...” She wrapped her arms around his neck and slid her tongue against his mouth. He opened, sliding his tongue out to
meet hers.
The room grew hot. He reached for the buttons of his coat. She grasped his hands, soft, warm fingers gliding over his and helped him unbutton. Together, they slid the coat from his shoulders to the floor. Next she undid his vest. The garment joined the coat at his feet.
When she reached for his shirt buttons, he covered her hands with his. Although she knew about his chest wound from Gettysburg, she hadn’t seen him shirtless since she’d treated him before he left to rejoin his regiment. He feared the scar would repulse her. “Cassie, if we go much further, I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop.”
“You won’t have to,” she breathed into his ear. “I want to be with you, George, in every way.” Her heated gaze convinced him to allow her to open his shirt and pull the fabric over his head.
She gazed at his bared chest, gliding the tip of her tongue over her bottom lip. No disgust existed in her expression. She reached up and slid her fingers along the scar, then her lips followed.
His pulse raced. He longed to undress her, too, but hesitated. Had she been with a man before?
Fingering the brooch at the neckline of her gown, she unfastened it and opened the top clasp of her bodice. She leaned against him, pressing hot kisses over his chest.
How much more can I take?
Emboldened, he stepped back and fingered the clasps of her bodice, loosening it. She shrugged out of the garment, exposing the lace trimmings of her chemise and corset.
Lowering his lips to the edge of the chemise, where her ivory skin lay exposed, he licked his way across, savoring the sweet taste. He fingered the button on her skirt, unhooking it.
She smiled and allowed the skirt to slip to the floor at her feet.
Next, he pulled the strings of her petticoats, and they joined the skirt and bodice in a pool on the floor. His pulse raced as he gazed at her. Even days before their wedding five years ago, he’d never seen her this way but had always imagined what their wedding night might have been like.
“Darlin’, you’re beautiful.”
Her gaze dipped, as she unhooked the top clasp of the corset. Her fingers slid down the garment, until the fabric fell away, exposing the natural swell of her breasts.
“Oh, Cassie...you heat my blood.”
“I want you to see me, as I long to see all of you.”
He grasped the hem of her chemise and lifted it over her head. Her midnight dark hair shook free, the silky veil sliding over her bared shoulders.
He gazed at her, swallowing hard. She was clad in shoes, stockings and drawers, and nothing else. Her breasts, pert with rose tinged nipples, peaked awaiting his touch. She reached for the string to loosen the drawers, and his heart leaped to his throat.
“Wait,” he said. “Sit down first.”
She frowned but did as he asked, sitting on the bed.
He kneeled before her and slipped off her shoes. “Lie down.”
Doing as he asked, she stretched her arms over her head, her bosom swelling toward him. His fingers tingled as he loosened the ties of her drawers and slid them down her stocking clad legs. The dark curls at her core enticed him. He longed to dip his finger inside but didn’t want to alarm her. He didn’t know if she were a virgin.
She shifted her hips, writhing as he reached for her garters and peeled off her stockings, one by one. His hands glided over her silken legs.
“Oh, George,” she breathed. Her eyes closed halfway. “Now, let me see you.”
He rose to his feet and fingered the waist of his trousers. “Cassie, are you sure?” He bit his lip. “Have you ever done this before?”
“No.” She shook her head against the pillow. “Never.”
“Then maybe we shouldn’t. Not yet, anyway.”
She reached for him. “Let me undo them, if you won’t.” Grasping his hands, she helped him loosen the buttons, allowing his trousers to slide down around his ankles. “Now, the drawers,” she breathed.
His pulse raced as he undid the drawers, allowing them to drop. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t shy away or cower. She eyed him boldly and patted the bed. “Show me what it’s like to be a woman, George.”
He swallowed hard. “I reckon we’d better take it slow.”
“I’ve got nowhere else to go.” She smiled as he settled beside her on the mattress.
Knowing no other man had touched her in all these years, increased his yearning, but he’d have to be gentle. The last thing he wanted was to hurt her.
Chapter Seventeen
Cassidy arched her back as George settled on the bed. Although she practiced medicine, her father had always shielded her from viewing this part of a man’s anatomy. She’d sneaked a peek now and again without her father’s knowledge, and now examined males on a regular basis, but to see the broad plains of George’s body for the first time, now he was healthy and whole, intrigued, and excited her. Even his scar didn’t repulse her but only reminded her of the time she’d spent caring for him after their return. She couldn’t tear her gaze away.
He leaned over and took her mouth, sending a thrill straight to her belly. Although she wasn’t a stranger to a man’s kisses, the feel of his hot skin so close to her own heated body sent delicious sensations racing through her. She wanted more. Much more.
His hand moved down her throat to her breast. He cupped one in his hand, sending her pulse spiraling. He took a hardened nipple between his teeth. Liquid heat rushed to her core. She thought she’d die of the sheer excitement the act brought.
Her breath came in gasps.
He fingered her nipple and slid his hands down to her waist. “I’ll show you what it feels like to be a woman, but anytime you want to stop, you tell me.”
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
His fingers slid up and down her inner thighs, slowly, bringing an unbearable ache. All her senses were heightened by his touch, his scent, and the knowledge of what they were about to share.
His hand moved over her nub, increasing the wave of pleasure. A soft moan escaped her lips.
Was it possible to die of wanting?
The lightness of his fingers moving over her caused her breath to hitch. A series of moans escalated as the wave grew, threatening to drown her in its murky depth.
“Do you want me to stop, Cassie?”
She heard the question as if from the end of a long tunnel as the wave enveloped her.
“No,” she rasped.
“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered. “Just relax.”
His finger pushed inside her, increasing her want. A hot shaft of desire pierced her as the intensity of the wave coiled inside her body. When she feared she could stand no more, an explosion of pure hot pleasure sent shudders racing through her. She’d never felt such an intense feeling before. Wetness seeped between her thighs as she collapsed on the mattress.
“Are you all right?”
George’s concerned gaze brought her back from pure rapture. She whooshed out a breath. “It was wonderful.” She frowned. “But that’s not all that happens between a man and woman. I want to pleasure you, too.”
“That doesn’t matter right now.”
“Yes, it does.” She pushed him flat on his back and licked and kissed his chest, the way he’d done to her, losing herself in his scent, the texture of his skin, and the light hair peppering his chest. As she licked his flat male nipple, his breath hitched.
“I think we should take it slower,” he rasped.
She shook her head. “I want to feel everything...with you.” She kissed his lips. “I’ve waited much too long.”
“Well, then...if you’re sure.”
“I’m very sure. Show me everything.” Fingering the tip of his shaft, she smiled as his eyes closed.
“If you keep that up, darlin’, there won’t be much left to show you. At least not right now.”
“Oh.” She released his shaft and slid her body against his, slipping her arms around the rock hard muscles of his broad back as they rolled to face each other. His
desire danced against her belly. Her breath grew shallow as her longing increased.
Gently, he rolled her onto her back. Again, he fingered her, causing tingles to build to intense spirals. A hoarse scream ripped from her throat. He lifted her legs, positioning them, and braced himself on top of her, his shaft between her thighs.
“Last chance to back out,” he whispered. His hot breath sent a thrill racing over her body.
“I don’t want to stop,” she breathed.
“This may hurt a bit. I’ll take it real slow.” He slid into her. Resistance built, but she tried to ignore the slight pain and breathed deeply, concentrating on him. Just him.
“The pain should just last for a moment,” he rasped.
She opened her legs wider as he slid farther inside, pushing slowly. After a moment of pain, she relaxed, relishing the feel of his chest against her breasts. She reached up and cupped his nape, fingering his thick hair, inhaling his male scent.
When he glanced at her, she nodded. He pushed again, and she writhed beneath him, enhancing her pleasure. Her gasps and moans built, until the upward spiral burst into release. She lay gasping under his weight, certain she’d never feel this good ever again.
He brushed his thumb against her cheek and rolled beside her. “Cassie, are you all right?”
She smiled. “This is the best I’ve ever felt.” She rolled over and cupped his face in her hands. “Don’t ever leave me again, George. I couldn’t bear it.”
“I won’t, darlin’. Never again.”
****
George sneaked Cassidy out of his room and down the service stairs at the back of the hotel. Maybe they’d be lucky and no one would notice the couple as they made their escape out the kitchen entrance.
He noted the clang of pots and pans and voices conversing. Pulling Cassidy aside, he lifted a finger to her lips to indicate silence. She nodded, grinning. Apparently, she enjoyed the secrecy and intrigue. But how would she feel if they were caught and word got back to her family, as it surely would?
He scowled. She giggled but covered her mouth to hide the sound. He led her out the back door and glanced around. No servants were outside at the moment. He motioned for her to follow around the side of the hotel, down the alley.
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