by J. D. Robb
As the two hurried away, Bridget watched with a dreamy smile on her lips before returning to her chores.
“It’s all so beautiful, Ross.” Aidan reined in her mount at the top of a hill and stared down at the scene below.
The sprawling mansion resembled a castle, with its tur reted roofs sparkling in the sunlight. Around it were the graceful arboretum, green fields of sheep and cattle, and even a bee farm on a nearby incline. “I don’t know how you can ever bear to leave this place for even a day.”
“It is lovely, isn’t it?” Ross brought his horse beside hers. “I once accused Cullen of being a magician. When he first started the renovation, the lodge lay in ruins, the river polluted from an old factory and the fields around it were fallow. The village of Glinkilly was so poor there seemed no hope of ever bringing it back to life. And yet here it is, all of it looking like a sparkling jewel.”
He looked up at the clouds beginning to roll in. “Looks like the storm Bridget predicted. It’s coming in fast. We’d better get back to the stable.”
“I’ll race you.” Aidan shot him a grin before nudging her mount into a run.
Ross gave a shout of laughter and joined in the race.
By the time they’d turned the horses into their stalls and stepped from the stable, they were feeling the first raindrops.
“Just in time.” Ross caught her arm. “I don’t think we can make it up to the big house.”
They turned and raced through the rain to his cottage.
Once inside, they heard the rumble of thunder. Minutes later the skies opened up and the storm began in earnest.
They stood together by the windows, witnessing the wind whip the trees into a frenzied dance.
For long minutes they stood watching, each achingly aware of the other. As the minutes ticked by and the storm grew in intensity, Aidan turned toward the door, rubbing her arms.
“I think I’ll brave the rain and return to the house.”
“Don’t go.” The words were torn from his throat.
“Ross, if I stay . . .”
He crossed to her in quick strides and gathered her close.
“I’m sorry.” Ross pressed his mouth to a tangle of hair at her temple.
“What . . . what are you sorry about?”
“This. I thought I could fight it, but it’s too much, Aidan. I want you too much. There’s something deeper, stronger here than just my will.”
She gave a long, deep sigh. “I know. I feel it, too.”
He stared down at her, his eyes so fierce she actually shivered. And then his mouth was on hers, and she was lost in the kiss.
When they came up for air, she touched a finger to his lips. “I’ve tried fighting, but the truth is I want you, Ross.”
It was true. She had to have this man. She was actually trembling with need for him.
“I want you, too, Aidan.”
And then there was no need for words as they came together in a storm of passion. With each touch of his lips, his tongue, his clever fingers, she felt herself growing hotter and hotter until she was engulfed in fire.
Because her legs had turned to rubber, she clutched at his waist for support, and would have surely fallen if he hadn’t held her firmly against the cool wood of the door.
His hands found the zipper of her dress, and he slid it from her shoulders. It pooled at their feet as his clever fingers dispensed with the lace that covered her breasts.
She hadn’t known how desperately she’d wanted his hands on her. His mouth followed, taking her even higher.
When he lifted his head to catch a breath, she used that moment to tear at his shirt. She heard the buttons pop and roll across the floor as she flung it aside and reached for the fasteners at his waist.
With his help his clothes soon joined hers on the floor around them. In one quick motion her bikini panties were stripped aside.
Now they were free to feast. And did.
She ran her hands over the muscled contours of his chest and shoulders, then followed with her mouth, and thrilled to his low growl of pleasure.
“The bed.” She managed the words despite a throat constricted with need.
“Too far.” He lifted her, his mouth still feasting on hers, until he bumped into the overstuffed sofa.
He drew her down before stretching out beside her. At last free of any restraint, they came together in a firestorm of desire that rocked them both.
She shuddered as his hands and lips moved over her, taking her on a wild, dizzying ride that had her head spinning, her mind going blank.
“I knew,” he whispered against her ear. “The first time I saw you, I knew that you’d be here with me.”
“Though I tried to deny it, I knew . . .” Before she could finish, his mouth covered hers in a kiss so heated, she could feel her bones melting.
No one had ever excited her like this. The darkness, the danger of this man had the heat growing until it threatened to choke her.
Desperate, she twined her arms around his neck, dragging his head down for a long, drugging kiss.
Against his mouth she whispered, “I want you, Ross. Now.”
“And I want you.” He lifted his head. “Look at me, Aidan.” His voice was rough with need.
Through the heat of passion that clouded her vision, she struggled to focus. His eyes were hot and fierce, and remained steady on hers as he entered her and began to move.
With incredible strength she matched his rhythm, moving with him, climbing with him.
Heat rose between them, pearling their flesh, dampening their hair as they strained to reach the very top of a high, sheer cliff.
For one precious moment they seemed to hang suspended. Then, eyes steady, hearts thundering, they took that final step into space.
“Ross.” His name was torn from her lips as she felt herself soaring high, then higher still, before shattering.
“Aidan.”
She heard him sigh her name as though in prayer as she slowly drifted back to earth.
Still joined, they lay in a limp heap of arms and legs on the narrow, cramped sofa.
Ross pressed his lips to her forehead. “What just happened?”
She managed a laugh. “I think we got caught in a storm.”
“Sorry I was so rough. Are you all right?”
“I think so. My head’s still spinning. You?”
He levered himself above her. “I’m not sure. Guess I’d better check.” He brushed a kiss over her lips. “Umm. That works.” He ran a hand down her side, then up again, pausing at the swell of her breast. “Everything’s still working just fine.” He kissed her again, slowly.
Against her mouth, he whispered, “That storm has been building since you stepped out of Cullin’s car. But maybe now that we’ve got that out of the way, we can actually think and talk.”
She couldn’t help grinning. “You want to talk?”
His smile matched hers. “Not really. But I thought I’d show you that I can be civilized.”
“I see. Civilized. I think it’s a bit late for that.”
He threw back his head and roared. “I guess you’re right. All right then, what would you think about joining me in my bed?”
“Is it bigger than this sofa?”
“Much.”
“Good.” She started to stand.
As she got to her feet he scooped her up in his arms and strode from the room, depositing her in the middle of his big bed.
“Much better.” She sat up and watched as he settled himself beside her. “Now, what would you like to talk about?”
“Let’s save that for later.” He gave her a wolfish grin. “I thought I’d show you that I’m not always in such a rush.”
“You have another speed?”
“I do. Yes. Just watch me.” He drew her down among the bed linens and began a slow, leisurely exploration of her body with his tongue.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Ross snagged her wrist as she started to slide ou
t of bed.
They’d spent hours talking, laughing, loving, until both were sated. Now, with the rain gone and evening shadows dappling the lawn outside the window, Aidan bent to brush a kiss over his mouth and allowed her free hand to stroke his cheek.
“To grab a shower and dress. Cullen will be back. It might prove awkward explaining to Bridget and Cullen why I’m sneaking in, late and mussed.”
“To save face, you intend to leave me alone and bereft? I can see where your priorities lie.”
The look on his face had her heart stuttering. He looked so inviting, with his hair tousled and his eyes heavy-l idded with passion. Like a man who had been thoroughly loved.
In her most haughty tone, she said, “I live to break men’s hearts. Now, like Cinderella, I fear the witching hour. I must flee before I’m discovered, barefoot and in rags.”
“Even in rags, Aidan, I’d want you.”
Her heart lurched. To keep things light, she simply smiled. “Easy for you. You don’t have to face Bridget’s wrath.”
As she started away he drew her back. “You can’t leave me without a kiss.”
She brushed her lips over his and was startled when he dragged her close and ravaged her mouth until her heart began tripping over itself.
“Stay, Aidan. I’ll show you all the wonders of the world.”
“I thought you’d already done that.”
“Oh, but there are so many more.”
She drew back. “You make it entirely too tempting.” She stepped away and this time managed to cross the room.
“All right.” He slid out of bed and trailed her. “The least I can do is scrub your back.”
Still laughing, they showered together.
As they dressed, Aidan spotted the cashmere throw which had been carefully folded over the back of a chair.
She arched a brow. “I’d forgotten this.”
He merely smiled. “Like Cinderella’s glass slipper, it remained after you’d fled. I liked having it here.” His tone deepened. “I missed you the minute you walked out the door. Which is why . . .” He linked his fingers with hers and held the door. “This time I’m not going to let you out of my sight.”
His words touched her heart and made her so incredibly happy that she couldn’t stop smiling as they strode hand in hand from the cottage and made their way to the lodge.
As dusk settled over the land, the storm had blown itself out, leaving the gardens fresh and glistening with raindrops.
Aidan and Ross stepped apart before entering the library.
Cullen and Bridget were huddled in quiet conversation in front of a roaring fire.
The old man looked up with a smile and held out a tulip glass of champagne to Aidan. “I hope you found something to do while I was gone, my dear.”
She accepted the glass and sipped. “I had a lovely tour of the countryside by horseback.”
“Excellent.” He handed Ross a tumbler of ice water. “Thank you for standing in for me, lad.”
“It was my pleasure. You had to drive through quite a storm.”
“Storm?” For a moment the older man seemed puzzled. Then a wide smile split his lips. “Oh. Yes. The storm. Not quite as fierce in town as it was here, I expect. Did you two have supper?”
Aidan nodded. “And you?”
“Oh, my, yes. We ate at the pub after our meeting. Here, my dear.” He indicated a group of chairs in front of the fire. “Warm yourself.”
Cullen settled himself beside Aidan, while Ross chose to stand in front of the fireplace where he could watch her expressive face.
“The farmers were impressed by the accuracy of your figures. They claimed that without your help, they’d have had to hire a firm from Dublin, which would have charged them a fortune. Thanks to you, Aidan, they’re showing their biggest profit ever.”
“I’m so glad.” Aidan sipped her champagne and shot a quick glance at Ross, who was openly staring, as though he couldn’t get his fill of looking at her.
“The Cooperative would like to pay you for your services.”
Aidan flushed. “Please thank them for me, and explain why I must refuse their generous offer. It was such a treat for me to be able to do something that I enjoy while knowing that I was helping them. To me, that’s reward enough.”
“Indeed.” Her response seemed to please Cullen tremendously. “You’ve a generous heart, my dear. But then, I never doubted it. You come from a long line of generous souls.”
After less than an hour of pleasant conversation, Cullen stifled a yawn. “I’m afraid this day has worn me out. Forgive an old man his weariness.” He got to his feet. “You two stay and enjoy the fire.”
Ross gave a quick shake of his head. “I thought I’d give Aidan a tour of the gardens by moonlight. Will you join us?”
“Not tonight. I’m off to my bed.” Cullen bent to press a kiss to Aidan’s cheek. “I expect the courier should be here by the time we finish our breakfast.”
“So soon?” Aidan’s heart contracted and she looked over to see Ross’ little frown.
“’Twill end the suspense for you. For both of us,” he added as an afterthought. “Good night, my dear.” He straightened and walked to Ross, laying a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “Good night, son.”
“Good night, Cullen.”‘
Aidan was touched by the affection between the two men. It warmed her more than the fire.
Ross opened the French doors leading to the gardens. As she was about to follow, she turned to see Cullen and Bridget, heads bent once more in quiet conversation.
The moment she stepped outside Ross caught her hand and drew her deeper into the shadows.
“This is what I wanted.” He gathered her close to press soft kisses from her temple to her jaw, before claiming her mouth. “Only this.”
When they stepped apart, he started leading her along the path toward his cottage.
She held back. “I thought you were going to show me the gardens by moonlight.”
“And so I shall.” He gave her a wicked grin. “Look quickly. Drink it all in as you pass through. As soon as we reach my place, I have no intention of letting you out of my arms again until morning.”
Their laughter drifted like music on the night air and carried into the library, where the old man and woman shared a conspiratorial smile.
Eight
Aidan crept into the lodge and up the stairs. In the privacy of her room, she undressed and stepped into the shower. When she emerged, wrapped in a huge bath sheet, she sat at the ornate dressing table and dried her hair before dressing for the day.
She’d never felt so alive. So filled with joy. So thoroughly loved.
And all because of Ross Delaney. She felt as though she’d been waiting for this man all of her life. He was fun and funny. Sophisticated, yet as down-to-earth as any man she’d ever known. He had a gentle way of teasing, of coaxing a laugh from her even in the midst of a serious conversation.
Her soul mate.
He’d been so much more than she’d expected. Warm and sentimental. And sexy as hell.
Love at first sight. It was a concept she’d long disdained. But there was no denying, it had happened to her. She felt as giddy as a girl on her first date. Light-as-air happy, and wildly, madly, deeply in love.
Foolish, of course. For Ross, she would be nothing more than a harmless fling.
The woman hasn’t been born to suit Ross Delaney. ’Tis said he’ll never marry.
Aidan consoled herself that it didn’t matter. What she was feeling for Ross was enough for both of them. And he would never know, for she would never admit her foolish feelings. The love she felt for him would be her secret.
At a knock on the parlor door, she hurried over to find Bridget carrying a silver tea service.
“Good morning, miss. I thought, since I heard you up and about so early, you might want a cup of tea before you go down to breakfast.”
“Thank you, Bridget. That’s so thoughtful.” She watc
hed as the housekeeper set the tray on a side table. “Do you have time to join me?”
The old woman smiled at the unexpected gesture. Not that she was surprised. In the short time the lass had been here, she’d proven herself to be kind and thoughtful with everyone, from Himself to the staff to the strangers in the Farmers’ Cooperative.
“Afraid not. I’ve my morning chores to see to.” Bridget stared directly at Aidan. “And, as you can imagine, I’ll be keeping an eye out for the courier.”
Aidan’s hand went to her heart as it took a quick dip.
Bridget poured a cup of tea. “Cullen Glin is the finest man I’ve ever known. It does my heart good to see him so happy, hoping that today may be the day he’ll learn that he’s a grandfather. Just think, after today, this could all be yours.” She set down the teapot and handed the steaming cup to Aidan. “Of course, that will mean he’ll have to amend his will.”
“His will?” Aidan’s head came up sharply.
“When he had his lawyers draw up his original will, he’d planned on leaving everything to the young man who saved his life. Having a blood relative changes everything. Not that Ross will mind in the least. His love and loyalty for Cullen Glin are true and deep, and has never been about fortune or status. Still, it will surely change things between the two.”
Seeing the stunned look in Aidan’s eyes, Bridget clapped a hand over her mouth. “There I go. Running off at the mouth again. Talking about things that are none of my business. It’s always been my greatest shortcoming.” She turned away. “Now you just forget everything I said, miss, and enjoy your tea.”
She nearly ran from the room in her haste to escape.
When the door closed behind her, Aidan sat, staring into space. Through the open windows she could hear the soothing sound of the fountains and could smell the wonderful perfume of the roses.
Hadn’t she called this paradise?
And it was. It was almost too perfect to be real. This could all be hers. If she was indeed Cullen’s granddaughter as he hoped, her life as she’d known it would be forever altered. All her debts would be erased. Her childhood home could be saved or sold, according to her whims. Her future secure for all time.