“Should we be doing that?” she asked. “I haven’t kissed for a long time and you are making me miss the intimacy.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Maybe. I don’t know.”
Joshua leaned back, propped up by his elbows. He scooted his ass so he was more even with her. He folded his hands behind his head and stared up at the rafters.
“Char, I was serious about my proposal.”
She turned to her side and braced her head in her hand. She used the straw and traced it over his lips. “I know you were.”
“Should I ask again? In your father’s library? Would you say yes this time?”
“Yes. No. Yes.”
That made him smile. He pressed another kiss to her lips. She tapped his nose with her straw.
He rolled to his side, forcing her to her back, and he drew close to her face. “Char Dunlevee, will you marry me?”
“Where will we live?”
“Here. Or wherever you want to be.”
“Just us?”
“Just us.”
Joshua moved closer, their sides touching, and traced his hand down over her ribs and along the curve of her waist. Their mouths met in another kiss, growing more heated and more meaningful. She wound her hand over his shoulders and slid her fingers through his hair. There was physical intercourse, and it was certainly intimate, but there was another kind of familiarity. The kind that said, I know you.
He broke their kiss. His breath came hard. Shrugging, he removed his jacket and then fell back into her arms.
Joshua stared into her gaze for a minute.
“Yes,” she said.
Yes to his marriage proposal or the other unspoken invitation? The one that made her sisters’ antics look tame.
She wrapped her hand in his shirt, catching some of his waistcoat and stock, pulling him close again. “Yes,” she said.
“Are you sure you want to do this in a hayloft?”
“Don’t talk,” she said.
Their mouths met again in mutual agreement. She was fresh like the wild fields, tasting of honeyed flowers and fertile earth. Cool, yet comfortingly warm.
He reached for her skirts and began the slow lifting—the crunching, crackling sound foreign in the hayloft setting—until his fingers brushed over her bare thigh, silky-smooth and welcoming. He slid his hand upward until he found the curve of her ass. When he cupped her bottom and squeezed, she moaned a bit, the reverberations singing through the kiss and shooting out to his groin.
Ah, hell! He did not want to rush this.
He pressed kisses down her neck then licked over her breasts. She arched, exposing more of herself—the light blue veins, the delicate collarbone.
“You’re sure?”
“It has been over two years. I am sure. You can see me naked some other time.”
He hung his head and laughed, helping control his anxiety. “My darling Char.”
“My dear Mr. Forrester.”
Joshua worked to free his cock, swept her skirts higher, waited for her to remove her unmentionables and then settled between her legs. It was all very efficient, as if they had done it a hundred times. Except they were both gasping as if it were the first time.
She plowed both of her hands through his hair and drew him near.
“Kiss me as if I am the only girl in the world.” Her brilliant smile could have ignited a fire in the loft. It certainly did disastrous things to his flammable cock.
“How about I kiss you as if you are the only girl in my world?”
“That will do.”
They kissed once, and again, before their mouths opened. Their tongues danced and their breath became one.
Joshua tilted his hips, his cock sliding along the wet fold between her thighs. He clamped his hand over her leg and lifted it around his waist.
There was no searching. He was home.
He slid into her body, going slow, filling her and satisfying all of his recent dreams about this one woman. Evidently, he fulfilled something in her as well. She was pleading to an unknown god.
Deep inside her sheath, he experience near pain trying to delay his gratification. He had to take a few breaths.
She was tight and slippery. And the only thing left for him to do was thrust. Shortly, neither of them wanted to kiss. They struggled against each other—Joshua holding her captive beneath him while he worked inside her body. Char clenching, squeezing, determined to milk him dry. And succeeding.
When he was certain he could not last another stroke, she said, “Wait for me.”
He grit his teeth, held steady and recited the Greek alphabet.
Beneath him, Char was straining. He could feel every pull of her sheath until, finally, she gasped. Her body jerked around him. Joshua let loose a stream of fluid, withdrew and sank deep again. Another rush of ejaculate filled her.
And with a last jerk, he lay over her, trying not to crush her now that all of his vigor had been spent.
Char’s eyes remained closed, but she wore a dreamy smile.
When she opened her eyes and stared at him, she said, “Will you marry me?”
CHAPTER NINE
THE SUN HAD LONG SINCE SET when they climbed down the ladder, but there was a three-quarter moon, illuminating the barn and the fields beyond. The air had cooled enough to make one seek a low fire rather than remain naked in the night air.
Somehow they got down the rickety ladder. Joshua waited for her at the bottom, set his hands to her waist and swept her off her feet.
He helped pluck the last of the straw from hair. They giggled like children, she thought, then kissed like longtime lovers.
“I’ll walk you home,” he said, with regret in his voice. He had her backed up against a horse stall, his hands stroking up and down her body.
“Yes, we should go, but only to the stable.”
“I thought I should go inside to speak to your father.”
She brushed her hand down his arm, so firm and muscled she’d found out. “Tomorrow, please. It will only make him wonder if we stroll in together, and me wearing such a silly smile.”
“He won’t wonder; he’ll know.”
“Hmmm. A man, I suppose, would. Mama won’t suspect, though.”
“I’m not asking your mother for your hand. Your father would turn an eye toward me and suspect I’d dishonored his daughter, especially if he happens to see hay stuck to my jacket.”
He snapped her scarf, hopefully ridding it of any stray grasses, and then threw it over her head, helping it to settle over her shoulders. He used the occasion, gripping the ends to pull her close.
“I don’t want to go another night without your kisses,” he said. “Special license or banns?”
“Banns, of course. The world must know.”
“You understand we won’t be able to do this again until we say our vows.”
The this was quite wonderful, but Char believed in social mores. And the Taylors needed no more scandals.
She threw her arms around his neck. “Are you trying to coerce me?”
“I coerced you in the hayloft. Let’s go. Before I decide to keep you here all night.”
She hooked her arm with his and they strolled from the barn and toward the lights of home.
“I want lots of children, Joshua.”
“I’ll do my best.”
She giggled. “I had no doubt.”
“Do you want a large house to hold fancy balls and large dinner parties?”
“Oh, what I want? There was always Mama and Papa’s wishes. And then Arthur. I wanted what he wanted. I thought it would make him happy. I thought I wanted to raise Arthur’s children.”
“Do you want to be with me?”
“Yes. That is one thing I do want. Without a doubt. And children. And lots of love. And, oh, it seems like a whole world awaits me.”
The Taylors’ barn was a black patch on the horizon, and when they reached the corner, Joshua stopped them, pulling her into his arms again.
“Dream about me tonight. And when you open your eyes, I will be there.”
Joshua pulled her into his embrace again, his hands cupping her bottom and lifting her into their kiss.
When she was once again steady on her feet, she asked, “And what about you, Joshua. What do you want?”
He glanced toward the Taylor house, a few candles lit in the windows.
“I want something between here and there,” he said, indicating the Taylor house and the mansion at Long Leaf. “I want a life filled with love and interesting conversation. I want nights of peace and good sleep and waking with your breast in my hand. I want to read to our children and introduce them to the world. I want to die in your arms.”
As he spoke, his arms held her protectively.
“I want so much I think a lifetime isn’t enough to accomplish it all,” he said.
“Oh, I need to catch up with you then.”
He cupped her face and she received one last kiss before they parted.
“Goodnight, Char.”
“Don’t be too early. Mama’s a stickler about visiting hours.”
* * * * *
“I’m home to stay,” Joshua said. He’d returned to the house, enjoying the solitude on his walk. Having Char’s kiss still linger upon his lips made the trip more enjoyable.
Adam had greeted him warmly, a slap on the back and then both hands at his shoulder. “Something’s changed.”
“No. Still me.” It was a small lie. Yet how did one explain such a phenomenon to another man? I love her. I love who I am when I’m with her. All very maudlin, maybe a little poetic. Certainly romantic.
Adam sat behind his father’s large oak desk, drink near at hand. He’d poured Joshua drink as well.
“You have shocked me. Had I not heard it from your own lips I would have called the man a liar. No. A damn liar.”
“I’ve asked Char Dunlevee to marry me. I will speak to Squire Taylor in the morning.”
When Joshua was younger, Adam had intimidated the “three little boys,” as Mother called them. Between family, he thought a title should not interfere and he refused to let it.
“Well, that explains much.”
“You know I’ve never cared about Sterling or the attendant wealth, but I have always envied you one thing.”
“Oh?”
“Nell.”
“I don’t want to hear it. I have Eloisa now.”
“No, hear me out. We always wanted to be like you. Our older brother, so confident and fierce. And then you had Nell. And everyone was envious of what you had with her. Everyone.”
“It was a ton marriage, like so many before it.”
“Did you love her?”
“I have made promises, Josh. And those promises involve Nell. If you want to talk about happiness in a marriage, talk to me about Eloisa. I have found the perfect wife and helpmate.”
“I think I have found that with Char.”
“Love? So few people actually know what that means. When will the wedding occur?”
“As soon as the banns are read. I do need a favor, Adam.”
“Sure.”
“You know the land near Woodbine?”
“My brother doesn’t need to ask. The land is yours.”
“Of course, I would pay for it.”
“Consider it a wedding gift.”
Joshua nodded. He couldn’t speak past the lump in his throat. He sipped at his drink. “I think I’ll take Char up next week. I’m going to build her a home there.”
“So you’ve given up world traveling?”
“Oh no. I have my books—I can travel anytime.”
* * * * *
The wedding might have been the event of the year—a lavish wedding at St George’s, a large breakfast hosted by Sterling and an extravagant, year-long continental honeymoon.
But it wasn’t. Char was determined to have the wedding at the small chapel in Kemsing. She’d made her dress during the three weeks while the banns were posted, a lace and pearl concoction with a demure bust line, slightly puffed sleeves, and a sweeping train. The church was only half full, only family. Char had recited her vows with a mix of giddy joy and profound gratitude. To have found him at last. He wore a bespoke black suit with tails. His cravat was snowy white and only his smile shone brighter. When he said his vows, Char wanted to reach up and brush back the hair from his brow and press a kiss to his forehead.
She would care for this man as long as they breathed the same air. She would love him for all of her days.
Joshua had swept her up outside the chapel and kissed her soundly before whispering in her ear, “I have grand plans for this evening.”
Char’s mother insisted on preparing the wedding breakfast feast and Sterling did host a fabulous evening meal.
The room was lit with dozens of candles. The banquet which Eloisa, Char and the Sterling cooks arranged dazzled the guests. The servants began serving each course in turn.
“To the bride and groom,” Sterling toasted, smiling at his wife and family, undoubtedly pierced by the emotion of the happy day.
“Hear, hear!” There was a resounding cacophony of cheers for the newlyweds.
Char sat next to Joshua, his left hand resting on her thigh. When he turned to speak with her, there was a certain intimacy. She felt sure everyone in the room knew they’d already consummated their vows.
But it would be fun to do so again, once they were alone in Joshua’s room.
“When I get married, it’s going to be at St. George’s,” Kat said. “And at the very least, I will marry an earl.”
Joshua leaned toward Char and whispered, “I know an earl who may or may not have already seen your sister nude.”
She gasped and put her hand to her mouth. “Don’t say such things. Not here!”
The Dowager Duchess of Sterling sat next to Joshua. “Well, I admit that I am overjoyed by this turn of events. It really is too bad my other children could not bother to be here for such an event.”
“They missed our wedding too, Mama,” Sterling said.
“Then I am doubly thankful for you, Charlotte. Not only did I get a son back, he’s going to be close by.”
“Mama, Sterling and I see you all the time,” Joshua’s sister Candace said. Her husband and children had come a short distance for the wedding and were staying at Long Leaf for the week. Her children were similar in ages to Adam’s.
“Oh, the heartache of bearing sons. They are quick to leave the nest, ne’re to return.” The dowager duchess dabbed her linen, drawn from her dress sleeve, to her eyes.
There was more chatter from the young children. Kat and Prim were whispering together. Lady Carvelle had captured Sterling’s attention.
“How soon do you think we can escape their evil clutches?” Char asked her new husband.
“I could loudly yawn.”
“That will fool no one. Help me from my chair, sir. I am a widow and no longer embarrassed by the facts of life.”
“You were a widow. You’re my wife now.”
There was giggling at the other end of the table, then a fork was tapped against the glassware, a heavenly tinkling sounding in the room. Everyone joined them and Joshua turned to her to press a light kiss to her lips, which seemed to satisfy the raucous, demanding crowd.
The dining room door opened, one of the servants stepping aside to allow a tall man to enter.
“So I have not missed all the festivities,” he said.
“Roman!” Joshua said, squeezing her hand before he jumped to his feet. Adam was also standing and rounding the table.
Char heard their mother sob, a soft little sound, and she dabbed her linen handkerchief at her eyes in earnest.
Joshua hugged him. Adam shook his hand and then gripped him in a tight hug, patting his back.
“I shall kiss your bride in a moment, Joshua. And yours too, Adam, but I haven’t seen this beautiful lady in months.” He stooped next to his mother and pressed a kiss to her uptur
ned cheek.
She patted his face. “My dear boy.”
The table was soon empty as everyone waited to greet Roman. He was tall and muscular, more so than either Joshua or Adam. His presence was intimidating and mysterious.
Char stood beside Joshua, holding his hand. “I don’t mind if you wish to spend time with your brother.”
“Actually, I was thinking it was a perfect time to escape. Don’t worry, they won’t miss us.”
All eyes were on Roman. Char and Joshua took a few steps backward, and just like that, they were in the hallway. He gripped her hand and they hurried toward the stairs. Char laughed a little, one hand clutching at her skirts, trying to keep up with Joshua.
Inside their room, Joshua leaned against the door and pulled her into his arms. “Well, Mrs. Forrester, how should we begin?”
“As we mean to go on,” she said.
They kissed, one that started with sweet affection but ended with them breathless and wide-eyed.
“Oh, Joshua, you don’t know how happy I am.”
“I think I do. Now, how about we make our way to that bed over there?”
“And then?”
“First, I’d like to see you pose in the nude for me. Then I’ll let you take advantage of me.”
* * * * *
Joshua had seen the secretive glance Roman had shared with Adam. Joshua hated to leave his bride alone in bed, but Roman’s appearance, out of the blue, was significant. He tossed back the covers, slipped into his trousers and found a robe.
The library door was closed, but he could see a light beneath it.
He heard the murmur of Roman’s deep voice and Adam’s in return. Joshua opened the door and stepped inside. They glanced toward him but said nothing as Joshua approached.
“What’s happened?” he asked.
“Some troubling news,” Roman said.
“You’d better sit down,” Adam advised.
“Tell me.”
“The Home Office received word the H.M.S. Victorious is missing and presumed down, with all hands.”
“Oh, shit.” Joshua took a seat beside Roman. Adam had a bottle next to him and poured liquid into the glass he’d been using and pushed it toward Joshua.
Seven Nights of Sin: Seven Sensuous Stories by Bestselling Historical Romance Authors Page 34