by Laura Mills
The heat simmering between their connected hands was only a prelude to the fire beginning to rage within her body. Thirsty to taste his mouth again, she finally replied with quivering lips, “Yes.” Yes, she wanted this.
His hands didn’t move, only his head lowered so his mouth could kiss hers. Her head lifted to meet him half way. The apprehension of feeling warm, desirable and acquainted lips seemed almost unreal when just a few inches apart. As reality intervened, their lips never met due to an interruption from Jack.
“How was supper?” Jack asked.
Melissa witnessed a devious smile upon Jack’s face, his eyes appearing glassy. He was drunk. Perfect timing, she thought.
John’s chin dropped to his chest, his eyes shut and he began cursing Jack under his breath. Their hands separated as Melissa reached over to steady Jack. John’s arms folded across his broad chest as he stood gaping at Jack and Melissa. He was not amused with Jack’s performance. In silence he observed them, thinking of appropriate actions to take to make Jack disappear.
“Supper was fine, Jack. I think perhaps you should get some rest,” Melissa responded, taking her hands off of his arms once he stood straight again.
Jack’s gaze had been unsteady but there was no mistaking John’s presence nearby. He remembered John’s treatment from earlier that day. Jack’s next move was calculating. Placing a hand on Melissa’s shoulder, he commented, “Great. I wanted to let you know that I will join you tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it,” he told her with a sly smile and a slur to his words. His hand slipped from her shoulder back to his side.
Melissa could only imagine what was going through John’s mind about now, but she replied to Jack with courtesy. “That’s fine Jack. Good night, then,” she said, trying to give him the hint to leave before John exploded.
Jack was tired and drunk anyway and ready for bed. “Good night, Melissa.” He turned toward John and bowed, almost falling over. “Milord.” He caught his balance and headed unsteadily three doors down to his room. Taking a minute to find the keyhole, he stumbled inside his room, barely managing to close the door after him.
Melissa followed Jack’s movements. She could already picture John’s expression even before looking at him. Nevertheless, she turned his way. “Don’t start John,” she said, pointing a finger toward him.
“Start what?” He tried to look innocent but it didn’t work. His pause was short as his hand gestured in Jack’s direction. “What the hell was that all about?” he inquired, knowing that Jack pushed his buttons on purpose and was taking advantage of Melissa’s kindness.
She crossed her arms and tipped her head to one side. “See what I mean?” she paused, gathering her resources to deal with his impossible attitude again. “I’m not a piece of property, John. You don’t own me.”
He was beginning to loathe her reminders of his not owning her. She was too beautiful for men to ignore and Jack had close proximity to her. John would have to change Jack’s position by making it clear that she wasn’t available. Only John had the privilege of touching her exquisite curves. He’d already made his stake. His eyes began searching over her body as he resumed his position.
His possessiveness intrigued her and enraged her at the same time. Jack had been every bit a gentleman. Why John was so unruly puzzled her. She could handle Jack. She was in love with this man, who was not so easy to handle, this obstinate man standing before her, looking her over as he had many times in the past. His glare was one that she knew meant he wasn’t going to give up without an answer. “I always give in, don’t I? Oh how I hate your persistent ways,” she said, shaking her golden head. Moments of silence fell between them and as usual her impatience gave way. “He’s bored so I invited him to join me on a tour of the town tomorrow.”
Showing temporary satisfaction, John behaved as any jealous lover would. “I see.” He hesitated while leaning forward, making his point specifically clear. “He’s not to touch you, Melissa. He’s not to lay a finger on you again.”
Realizing he was referring to Jack’s hand on her shoulder, she avoided the flinging of words and only made a comment, unsuspecting of the reaction it would get. “You’re unbelievable,” and saying so, she turned away from him to obtain her key. As she tried to open the door the key wouldn’t cooperate, falling to the floor three times before she could get a steady enough grip on it. She was a wreck, cursing the key aloud. “Damn key.” So much for a goodnight kiss, but was she supposed to let him interrogate her all night? She thought not.
John didn’t like being ignored or her trying to escape the inevitable. Grabbing her arm before she could open the door, he twisted her to face him then backed her against the wall adjacent to her door. His other hand grabbed her opposite arm, restraining her. Leaning his body into hers, his mouth took over, kissing her hard, devouring her, conquering her once again, ensuring his position, reminding her of the passion between them.
His kiss was like the very first one except this time it was acquainted and enticing. It had been so long since she’d had his strong, powerful body against hers. “Mm,” she moaned aloud without meaning too. Responding with intense need, her body obviously recognized the familiarity of his.
But her mind still fought against the exhausting conflict with her betraying body. Her hand came around his gripping forearm, trying to stop this madness, but his own hand curved around her wrist, gripping her hand within his, bringing her resistant arm toward his eager manhood. Slipping their clasped hands beneath his wool coat he placed her hand on his evident arousal. With his hand over hers he kept her there until her defensive motions vanished. Sensing her fingers curling around him, a groan retreated into her forgiving mouth. Still holding one arm against the wall and still kissing her, the brutal force of his lips turned tender and lingering. Feeling her submission his hand lifted off of hers and slipped beneath her shawl, settling on her firm, full breast.
What is he doing to me she thought? She missed him more than she wanted to admit, and now, if she didn’t stop him soon, there wouldn’t be any stopping him. Forgetting where they were, only feeling, tasting and inhaling his maleness, she was lost in him until her eyes flickered open to look at him and she remembered they still stood in the hallway. His lips left hers, his kisses continuing down her neck. A single word escaped her. “Please,” she managed but couldn’t continue when his selfish fingers began tugging on the tip of her breast.
“Please stop . . . or . . . please go on?” John asked against her neck.
Melissa floated back to reality when he made the inquiry. “Please . . . stop.”
Obliging her, his hand left her breast and his head lifted, facing as close to her as possible without touching. “Now we both know that you don’t hate all of my persistent ways, do you?” he murmured. His hand rested atop hers again, his fingers wrapping around hers that delicately gripped him. Only his head shifted when he made a quick scan up and down the dimly lit hallway to ensure that they remained alone. Facing her again, his voice held purpose and considerable meaning. “This is all for you Melissa.” Her chest rose higher at his candor and a shiver ran through her body when he moved their hands together along an awakened part of him. His brazen hand lifted from hers, finding a stirring of warmth hidden within layers of her clothing. Knowing by now she’d be receptive, his fingers reached further in between her cloth-covered thighs and rubbed back and forth across her heated opening. “Just like this is all for me,” he convincingly informed her.
His protective motion struck her with such force that her immobile hand poised against the wall fell open, letting the key slip from her trembling hand to land on the carpet at her feet once again.
“Remember that when you’re spending the day with Mr. McGuire,” he told her. Knowing the key had struck the carpet from her quivering response told John that his sweet Melissa was just as restless as he was. In slow motion John let her go and bent down to retrieve the key.
Aware that tonight could go no further, he didn’t
waste any time and unlocked the door for her. When he turned back to her, she was straightening her clothing.
He’d caught her off guard with his ravishing physical display of possession. Thankfully he had stopped, for she might not have. She shifted to find him watching her. She only smiled as she stepped past him to enter her room.
He thought he’d made a big mistake by his actions a moment ago but he couldn’t help himself. Not knowing their future together and the presence of another man in her life, even if he was her driver, posed enough of a threat to make him act drastically, but then she had surprised him by her reaction. She didn’t fight, she didn’t fall apart, and she didn’t say anything, until now.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, John, if you’re free?”
“To say goodbye?” John asked with reservation.
“No. To spend time with you.” She needed to clear the air with John. It had to go one way or another and right now it seemed in limbo. She couldn’t handle limbo with a man like John.
John couldn’t hide the look of shock appearing on his features, yet the shock didn’t override his eager mannerism. “Where and when?”
“When are you free?”
“In the afternoon.”
“Would you be interested in going to the theater tomorrow night?” She had always wanted go.
Stumped, he didn’t reply right away. For all his life a woman had never asked him to the theater, and it sounded like Miss Howard had done just that. “Yes, yes I would,” he stumbled out.
Her straightened lips curved into a generous smile. “Fabulous. I’ve always wanted to go.”
He handed her the key. “Does this mean you are extending your trip?”
“Perhaps. I haven’t decided yet.”
“I see.”
They exchanged a lengthy gaze of internal longing. They used to talk about practically everything with each other and would feel comfortable about it, but now, neither could speak a meaningful syllable. Their feelings were closely guarded for pain had stabbed once into their short but illustrious relationship.
“Are you picking me up or am I picking you up?” John offered, unable to withstand the pressure of their quiet stance.
“I only asked for your company John. The rest is up to you.”
“What time?”
“How about five o’clock?”
“I’ll pick you up at five in front of your hotel then.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“I am as well.”
“Until tomorrow?”
“Until tomorrow. Goodnight Melissa.”
“Goodnight John.”
Upon entering the hotel John went over to a clerk to request bath water. “I need a bath drawn.” He thought about his present condition and clarified, “Make it cold.”
The clerk made his own suggestion. “There are more pleasant ways of relief, Lord Blackburn.” The clerk winked, his eyes shifting to a particular part of the hotel in reference.
John wasn’t interested. “Not tonight. Just bring the cold water, please,” and with that he headed for his room.
The clerk shrugged his shoulders as John strolled away.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The next morning found Melissa knocking at Jack’s door. He hadn’t come to her room so she figured he was still asleep, but then she heard his lazy voice, “Melissa?”
“Yes, Jack, it’s Melissa.”
His voice became louder, seeming to approach the door. “Melissa, forgive me.” The door creaked open a few inches. “I can’t go with you today. I don’t feel well this morning.” His eyes were half open, his hair disheveled and his robe hung loosely around him.
Noting his condition, she understood. “I understand Jack. You’d better get some rest then.”
His arms crossed over his chest and a slight smile appeared. “You’re not upset with me?” he asked, regretting his change of plans but sleep was his only comfort right now.
She returned his smile. “Not at all. Just get better, all right?”
“Thank you, I will.”
Melissa left and went about her business.
By afternoon, Robert had arrived in Sheffield. On his way to finding John at the track Robert spotted Melissa walking down a pathway toward the entrance of the hotel. The carriage stopped and he fled from it, dashing to catch up to her. “Melissa,” he shouted, waving his hand.
She turned, recognizing the voice before seeing the face that belonged to it. “Robert?” she replied in surprise.
Robert briefly explained the reason he had come to Sheffield, careful not to alarm Melissa. He would explain in more detail when they found John. Nevertheless she needed to be informed of his suspicions regarding Vanessa.
Within twenty minutes of their meeting John appeared and was strolling towards them. His expression of surprise upon seeing Robert changed to dreadful concern after Robert gave a brief overview of his reason for being there.
Robert suggested that they find a private place to talk. Melissa suggested her hotel room but John thought his would be better. “Let’s go to mine,” he said, attempting to keep plenty of distance between Melissa and Jack McGuire.
“What’s wrong with my room? It’s right here,” Melissa pointed out.
John spoke his mind. “Jack won’t be around.” His voice was stern and his eyes narrowed when speaking.
Robert was flabbergasted to hear the name mentioned between John and Melissa and immediately inquired, “Jack?”
Oblivious to Robert’s state change, John and Melissa carried on with their discussion. “I at least need to change so we’re not late for the theater, John,” she declared, as she planned to dress very elegantly tonight.
John, who hadn’t a clue as to her extensive plans, took the opportunity to keep her away from Jack and ordered, “We’ll get your clothing and you can change in my room.”
Melissa gave John a familiar look, one he’d grown accustomed to, and was thankful when Robert spoke. They had more important items to discuss than where to get dressed.
“Jack who?” Robert inquired, with more insistence. They both switched their view to Robert at the same time.
Melissa answered first. “Jack McGuire, my driver. Do you know him Robert?” she asked. Robert pushed away from the wooden post he’d been leaning on, mumbling to himself.
John and Melissa looked at each other in total confusion at Robert’s reaction and watched his expression change from one of awe to satisfying joy.
“Robert, what the hell is going on?” John implored.
“We need to go to John’s room and talk, the sooner the better.”
John reached inside his pocket and pulled out a key. “Robert, take Melissa to my room, number one ninety-six. I’ll fetch her clothes.”
Melissa was disappointed. She hadn’t wanted John to see the dress she’d picked out. “Why can’t I go? You’re not certain which dress to get.”
John ignored her plea and held out his hand, his fingers motioning for her key. “I won’t know which dress because I plan on retrieving all your items.” A generous smiled curved upon his lips.
Melissa stalled a mere moment longer, then conceded and handed over her key. “You’re going to pay for this John Blackburn.”
The stern look on her face didn’t faze him and his grin told her so. His confidence soared and he knew that he’d enjoy her paying him back. John proceeded with a cocky grin as he entered the hotel, making his way to her room.
Robert and Melissa strode down the main dirt road to John’s hotel. “Robert, how do you know Jack McGuire?”
Robert preferred to wait for John. “I don’t really know him Melissa, but let’s wait until John comes back and then all of us can discuss it together.” When he noticed the worried look on her face, he tried consoling her. “Everything will be fine. Please don’t worry. It’s just a hunch, and the three of us will get to the bottom of it.”
He thought changing the subject would help. While taking her elbow, he help
ed her onto the wooden planks adjacent to the many shops and pubs. When they neared the entrance to John’s hotel, he remarked, “You and John seem to be getting along.” His observation wasn’t unwarranted. Genuinely pleased for both of them, his instinctual feeling told him that when they cleared up this mess of Vanessa’s, John and Melissa would most likely get married.
Melissa threw Robert a sideways glance before responding. “Yes, we are, although I believe there are more issues to resolve between us.” Melissa stepped through the glass door Robert held open for her.
As they advanced towards the stairs Robert replied, “Surely they can be worked out.”
She debated on speaking frankly with Robert. “Robert, can I confide in you? I don’t wish this repeated to John.”
Striding down a long corridor of rooms, Robert eyeballed a room number on one of the doors before shifting his focus to Melissa. “Of course you can. What is it?”
Melissa’s focus came in direct contact with Robert’s green eyes. “John has never told me precisely how he feels about me.” She paused, debating on how much to reveal. “I know he cares but I need more.” Robert slowed his pace, listening intently. “Perhaps that’s asking too much, but that’s the way it has to be for me.”
Robert’s gaze averted temporarily so he wouldn’t miss their room. Finding it, they stopped in front of the door. He looked back to Melissa, giving what insight he could. “Melissa, I’ve known John since we were boys. You know that. I’ve never seen him act the way he’s acting with anyone but you. He’s definitely hooked.” Robert half turned to unlock the door and pushed it open. Robert gestured for Melissa to enter but before she did her hand went to his arm, gaining his full attention.
“I’m in love with him, Robert. He knows that. But he hasn’t told me the same. What do I do?”
Robert felt for the poor lass. John was never good at expressing himself emotionally, but then there had never been a reason to before now. Robert spoke honestly. “Talk to him. Tell him how you feel again, this is new territory for him, and be patient.”