Seth frowned. “Matt, run to the kitchen and find yourself a treat. I’m sure there’s pie somewhere.”
The adults watched their son race from the foyer, exchanging brief smiles at his display of abundant energy. Bess turned to find Seth devouring her with his gaze.
“Come here,” he said. “It seems like we’ve been apart for years. I want to hold you and kiss you.”
She went to him, flowing into his embrace, offering her mouth for him to kiss. Seth’s arms tightened about her until she could barely breathe. Their lips met and mated as if they were starved for one another.
“How are you, love?” Seth asked as they ended their kiss. He moved back so that he could caress her belly. “And how’s my baby?” The tenderness in his voice warmed her heart.
“I’m fine. We’re both fine,” she said, “now that you’re here.” She kept touching him to ensure that he was real. Her years without him had made her appreciate her present happiness all the more.
Seth drew her back into his arms. “I missed you. Did you miss me?”
“Every moment.” She snuggled against him, hugging him hard. Tantalized by his familiar warmth and scent, she felt desire warm within her breasts and belly. She kissed his chest and then withdrew from his arms.
Seeing her expression, her husband inhaled sharply. “Is Nellie here?” he asked, inquiring about their housekeeper.
Bess nodded, her pulse accelerating in anticipation. “In the kitchen, I think. She was there when I got home a little while ago.”
“Go upstairs,” Seth said. “I’ll join you after a word with Nellie.”
“Aye, aye, captain,” she replied teasingly.
But she didn’t go up, waiting for him instead. Seth smiled upon seeing her on the bottom stair. “Don’t you know how to obey orders?”
“Orders from whom?”
“Minx.”
“Tyrant,” she said lovingly.
And the two climbed the stairs together, warmed by the knowledge that the night was theirs to enjoy alone until the bright light of the new day.
About the Author
Candace McCarthy is the author of 20 romances—18 historicals and two contemporaries. She won the National Reader’s Choice Award for her book, White Bear’s Woman, and has been voted one of Affaire de Coeur’s Top Ten Favorite Authors on many occasions. She lives in Delaware with her husband Kevin, whom she married over 36 years ago. Candace and Kevin have one son, who is now grown and married, and three granddaughters. She is currently at work on new stories. Readers can find more information on Candace and her books at www.candacemccarthy.com.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
eKENSINGTON BOOKS are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp.
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New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 1993 by Candace McCarthy
Zebra mass market edition: September 1993
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
eKensington is a trademark of Kensington Publishing Corp. Kensington Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.
First Kensington Electronic Edition: November 2013
ISBN: 978-1-6018-3108-8
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