Midnight My Love
Page 20
He gathered her closer, causing her to gasp for breath. "I was a fool. I've been a fool a thousand times over. Remember a long time ago, when you accused me of betraying the friendship we shared? I also felt betrayed, because you'd grown up to be so beautiful." He smiled as her eyes widened in disbelief. "I thought I could never be friends with a beautiful woman. I despised myself for my obsession with you. But I never forgot the first kiss I stole. That kiss haunted me. As you've haunted me all of these years."
She placed her finger over his mouth. "We've both played the fool, then, haven't we? I, for not looking past your reputation, for not realizing why you acted as you did. That kiss haunted me too, Damien. I tried to forget it. I even tried to believe I could marry Carlisle. But I loved you. I've always loved you."
Leaning back, he sat on the workbench and pulled Alex onto his lap. Damien buried his fingers in her hair, holding her head with his strong hands. He covered her mouth with his, deepening the embrace as she eagerly returned his kisses.
Damien stared at the emerald eyes shining with love and desire. How had he gotten so lucky? He laughed and hugged Alex closer.
"What's so funny now?" she asked, hugging him back.
"I've had a hell of a week," he said. "I've traveled halfway across the kingdom and back, and it seems I've made many unnecessary arrangements." He kissed her throat and the sensitive skin of her collarbone. When her breath hitched in response, he returned to her mouth to taste her again.
After a few enchanting moments of decadent delight, Damien felt her hands pushing against his chest. "What kind of unnecessary arrangements?" Alex asked, eyeing him curiously.
"Promise you won't be angry, my love?"
When she nodded, Damien kissed her nose again. "I'm afraid I'm guilty of another piece of arrogant high-handedness."
"Such as sending my thesis without my permission?"
"Worse."
She looked at him with wary eyes. "How worse?"
"It's all Garrett's fault." Damien loved how she felt in his arms. How good and right. Why had he fought the truth for so long?
"Garrett's fault?" she asked, at a loss.
"Yes, Garrett. He told me to do something romantic. He said women liked to be swept off their feet." He smiled at her astonishment.
"I wasn't aware Garrett was an expert on feminine desires."
"He has five sisters," Damien explained.
"I know. I was at school with two of them."
Damien kissed her quickly. "I was desperate, Alex. You were so angry when I left."
"And?" she asked, unsure of what she was about to hear.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Garrett Fleming stuck his head into the room.
"Garr!" Damien shouted. "What are you doing at Willowmede?"
Garrett beamed. "Knew you'd be surprised. Couldn't let my best friend tie the knot without me, you know."
Damien shook his head. "I thought you were on your way to Spain."
"I was, but I decided the war could wait a few days." He stepped into the room. "The vicar is ready. In the library." He winked broadly at his friend.
Alex jumped off Damien's lap. "The vicar? What's going on?"
Damien pulled Alex close again. "Thanks, Garr. We'll be down in a minute."
Garrett grinned and went away.
Damien gathered Alexandra in his arms again. Her eyes sparkled dangerously.
"What is the vicar doing here at this hour?" she demanded. "And Garrett Fleming, for that matter?"
"I didn't know Garrett was coming. I certainly didn't invite him," he said, innocently.
"And the vicar?"
Tightening his hold, he murmured in her ear. "You do want to marry me, don't you, Alexandra?"
"Yes, but . . ."
"You didn't want a large wedding, did you, my love?" he asked, kissing her behind the ear.
"No, but . . ."
"I was only trying to be romantic."
"What have you done? Tell me at once," she demanded.
"I have a special license in my pocket," he said. "Robert and Jenny are waiting downstairs with the vicar. Oh, yes, and Garrett, too."
"Waiting? I don't understand."
"Waiting to celebrate our wedding, of course. And Mrs. Abernathy has spent the whole day preparing for a midnight wedding feast. You wouldn't want to disappoint Mrs. Abernathy, now would you, Alex?"
"Certainly not," she said. "You have been busy, haven't you? And quite certain of the outcome to this romantic venture of yours?"
Damien crushed her slender body against his hard one. "I'm certain of only one thing," he said huskily. "I love you . . . I want you . . . and I can't live without you. And if you love me, I see no reason to wait. We've wasted enough time already, Alex. I want to make you mine as soon as possible."
Alexandra wrapped her arms around his neck, molded her body to his and gazed into the golden eyes she loved so well. "Then let's not keep the vicar waiting any longer, my sweet, wicked, Demon."
THE END
###
Author's Note
Dear Reader,
In Midnight My Love, Alexandra and Damien spend many hours in the observatory at Willowmede studying the wonders of the night sky. Alex is a serious astronomer; Damien is more of a hobbyist.
Since the beginning of time, man has been fascinated with the stars and the planets. Ancient astronomers studied the heavens and noted common characteristics of certain celestial bodies that led to the discovery of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. For centuries, these five planets (and Earth) were the only ones known to exist in our solar system.
In 1781, the famous British astronomer, Sir William Herschel, discovered the seventh planet using a telescope. He named it Georgium Sidus after his royal patron, King George the Third. The name was not popular outside of Britain, and in 1850, the George was renamed Uranus as suggested by the German astronomer, Johann Elert Bode.
Almost immediately after its discovery, astronomers determined that the new planet's orbit was erratic, and the race was on to find the cause. This was the data Alexandra so meticulously collected on those long nights in the observatory. This was the subject of the thesis Damien sent (behind her back) to the Royal Society.
Finally, in September1846, Uranus's irregular orbit was discovered to be caused by the influence of yet another new planet--the eighth planet in our solar system--Neptune.
Sincerely,
Anne Marie
###
For Email Alerts about Anne Marie's upcoming releases:
Join AnneMarie's Mailing List
Visit her at www.annemarienovark.com
and Facebook.
****
To His Lady's Rescue
A Damsels in Breeches Regency Novella
by Anne Marie Novark
As children, Arabella Trent and Gilbert St. John were best of friends. Wherever he led, she happily followed. Their friendship held fast until Gilbert went off to fight Napoleon and Bella stayed home. Years passed and their youthful camaraderie faded to pleasant memory.
Now Gilbert is home from the wars and Bella needs his help. From the moment she climbs in his bedroom window, he knows he's in trouble. Can this beautiful desirable young lady be the same hoydenish friend from his childhood? Can Gilbert rescue Bella from her desperate circumstances even if it means . . . marriage?
****
The Viscount's Surprise
A Damsels in Breeches Regency Novella
by Anne Marie Novark
Philomena Wheeler has been living a lie for the past twelve years. After her mother dies, she pretends to be a boy so she can work in Lady Hembrough's stables alongside her beloved papa. When she's promoted to the position of groom, her father thinks it's time to call a halt to the dangerous masquerade and wants to send Phil to his sister in York to learn to be a girl again.
Viscount Hembrough pays a rare visit to his mother in London. He's looking for a new groom and hires Phil for a one-month trial period before he
returns to his horse-breeding estate in the wilds of Ireland. Under the mistaken belief that she's a he, the viscount takes Phil on a trip to inspect a promising stallion for his stables.
Will Phil be able to guard her secret while traveling with the handsome viscount? And more importantly, will she be able to guard her heart against a forbidden love?
****
Portrait of a Gentleman
A Damsels in Breeches Regency Novella
by Anne Marie Novark
Thankful for the chance to leave London and escape the unwelcome advances of an ardent suitor, Abigail Prescott accepts an invitation to Brydmoor Castle to paint the portrait of the reclusive Viscount Devlin and his small son. A young widow in straightened circumstances, she soon finds herself ensconced in his home and the object of his unwavering attention.
Nathan Holt vows never to marry again. He's done his duty and has an heir. But when Abigail Prescott comes into his vicinity, the daily presence of her in his home becomes a temptation too hard to resist. Unable to deny himself any longer, he begins his seduction of her in earnest, only to find that once will never be enough.
****
You might also enjoy:
The Diamondback Ranch Series
Book One: The Doctor Wears a Stetson
by Anne Marie Novark
Jessie Kincaid was fifteen and innocent when Cameron asked her to the prom. She lost her heart that night, but his plans didn't change. He left their small town to pursue his dreams.
Seventeen years later, a trip home leads Cameron McCade back to Salt Fork, Texas and the newly widowed Jessie Divine. Since his return, the fire between them burns as hot as ever. Can they take up where they left off? Can Jessie risk her heart again?
****
The Rancher's Virgin Acquisition
by Lynda Chance
When the stagecoach that is carrying Emma Martin to her new job in Denver is attacked and robbed in the wilds of Colorado, she is the only survivor. Alone and terrified, she is rescued by Luke Butler, a rancher who knows only one way. His way.
When Luke Butler finds Emma Martin, he has no other choice but to bring her back to his ranch. Soon, his life is turned upside down by a female who doesn’t know how to mind and who doesn’t know how to stay put.
The battle that follows is a clash of wills, a test of tempers, and a lesson in love.
***
Or how about a Sweet Historical Western Romance Short Story?
The Rancher's Orphan Bride
by Anna St. James
Rachel Hendricks moves to Cactus Gap, Texas, to reclaim her young brothers whom she sent out West on the Orphan Train after their parents died. She plans to reunite her family and make a home for them so they can start a new life together.
Reese Cooper takes the Hendricks boys under his temporary guardianship and provides room and board in exchange for good honest work. Even though he still mourns the death of his wife, the two boys inch their way into his battered heart. When their sister comes to claim them, Reese discovers the healing power of love.
Happy Reading!!!