But then, she’d had her shower already.
Feeling infinitely much better forty-five minutes later, Gabriel called Millie Richards to ask if she could stay with Brian during the coming week. She could. Then, following the sound of the television drifting into the kitchen from the living room, he strode down the hallway purposefully. As he passed the dining room, he halted in midstep, suddenly reminded of the plans he’d made for the previous night. Plans he had completely forgotten until now.
Eyeing the table, covered with a snowy linen cloth and set with china, silverware and crystal for two, as well as an assortment of brass candlesticks holding white candles and a brass bowl full of fresh flowers, he wondered what Madelyn had thought of the preparations he’d made.
He had planned to serve her the gourmet meal he’d picked up yesterday afternoon at the city’s premier catering shop and stored in the refrigerator. Then he had intended to see where the remainder of the evening took them.
That it had been Gabriel’s hope they’d end up in his bed now made him slightly uncomfortable.
Bringing her to the house last night—with the lights turned down low, soft music on the stereo and both of them dressed in their best—would have set the mood for romance. But in the light of day, with his son hurt and both of them still a bit frazzled...
Gabriel could only hope she hadn’t gotten the wrong idea. Though what idea he expected her to get, he wasn’t really sure. Seduction had been on his mind. He had the newly purchased box of condoms on his nightstand to prove it. But seduction of a willing woman only.
He had tried to be patient. Had tried to maintain some semblance of control over himself and the situation he’d found himself in. But going slowly, deepening his relationship with Madelyn at a measured pace while holding back, always holding back, hadn’t made it any easier for him to distance himself emotionally. Instead, it seemed he had only fed his desire for her, as effectively as he would have fed a raging fire with dry wood.
In addition, Gabriel had grown increasingly concerned that what he considered a subtle courtship had left Madelyn more confused than anything. He didn’t want her thinking he was playing games with her when that wasn’t true at all. He intended for her to be a permanent part of his life, and he wanted her to know it. Especially since he’d begun to believe that was what she wanted, too.
After seeing the photographs of the two of them together—photographs in which her fondness for him was more than evident—Gabriel had come to the conclusion that taking Madelyn to bed would be the best thing he could do for both of them.
He would finally be able to gain some surcease from the lustful yearnings that surely could be nothing more than the result of certain...urges being denied all too long. Once he had relieved the sexual tension that now seemed to be holding him in thrall, he knew he would be able to think straight again.
Seeing Madelyn, being with her, talking to her, touching her, would no longer be of such importance to him. His every thought and most every action wouldn’t revolve around her as had been the case far too often lately.
As for Madelyn, she would have to realize, once and for all, that his intentions were serious. They would make love, and then they would sit down like the mature adults they were and talk about the future—their future—together.
Considering how she had stood by him yesterday, any lingering doubts he’d had about making her his wife had vanished. She had proven herself worthy of his faith and trust. Now all he had to do was convince her that she belonged there with him, and that, in the years ahead, he would do everything in his power to see that she was content.
He might not be able to promise her love, but then, he wouldn’t be expecting that from her, either. He firmly believed a marriage could survive on mutual respect and affection. And unless he was mistaken, they already had that going for them.
Unable to think of any good reason why they couldn’t pick up where they had left off yesterday afternoon—with a few modifications for the change in circumstances—Gabriel continued into the living room, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He could set another place at the table for his son, then heat and serve the meal. And after Brian went to bed, he could see where the remainder of the evening took them.
He certainly didn’t like the idea of Madelyn going back to the cottage just yet. As a matter of fact, he didn’t like the idea of her ever going back there at all. But until they were officially husband and wife—
“Hey, Dad, why’s all that stuff on the dining room table?” Brian asked.
He was tucked under a blanket on the sofa, a pillow under his head, another under his arm, the remnants of a sandwich and half a glass of milk on the end table and Buddy snuggled up beside him. He looked and sounded more like his old self.
Gabriel knew he had Madelyn to thank for that. She sat at the opposite end of the sofa, her legs under her, holding a steaming mug of coffee in her hands, her expression slightly amused as she met his gaze.
“Expecting company last night, were you?” she inquired as he hunkered down on the floor in front of her.
“The stuff on the dining room table is our best china, crystal and silverware, handed down from your grandmother, Brian. And yes, I was expecting company last night, Ms. St. James. Before Brian’s accident, I was planning to fix dinner for you. Now I guess I’ll just have to do it tonight.”
“But what about me?” the boy demanded. “There’s only enough dishes and stuff on the table for two people.”
“Well, luckily for you, I just happen to have enough dishes and stuff to set a place for you, too,” Gabriel advised. “That is, if you’d care to join us.”
“What are you gonna fix?” Brian asked suspiciously.
“Something special.”
“Tell me what it is.”
“I’d rather surprise you,” Gabriel replied, smiling at his son enigmatically.
“Will I like it?”
“I hope so.”
“What about Madelyn? Will she like it?”
“I hope so.” Gabriel glanced over his shoulder at her. “You will stay for dinner, won’t you?”
“As long you’re serving the goodies I saw in the refrigerator, yes,” she answered, grinning broadly.
“I am, compliments of Mayfair and Vargo,” he said, naming the well-known catering service.
“Oh, yum.” She held his gaze, her eyes twinkling. “Shall I go home and change into my black dress?”
“How about we just keep it casual?” he suggested.
“Okay.”
At that moment, the doorbell rang. Excusing himself, Gabriel went to see who had come to call. He returned a few moments later with the other members of Brian’s Scout troop, along with his leader and two coleaders, all come to see how he was doing. The snowfall in the mountains hadn’t been as heavy as originally expected, so they had made it back to Santa Fe as planned.
Brian delighted in being the center of attention, offering up his cast for signatures all around, while Gabriel and Madelyn busied themselves serving soft drinks to the boys and welcome mugs of fresh coffee to the men.
By the time they left, it was almost five-thirty. Bidding Madelyn to sit back and relax, Gabriel popped their dinner in the oven, set another place at the table and opened a bottle of wine.
Although the Caesar salad was a bit wilted, Gabriel and Madelyn agreed that, overall, the dinner was delicious. They thoroughly enjoyed the salad, chicken in wine sauce, fresh asparagus and potatoes lyonnaise. After one look at the adult fare, Brian, on the other hand, opted for beans and wieners hot out of the microwave.
After they’d eaten, Gabriel sent Madelyn back to the living room, forbidding her to lift a finger while he helped Brian take a bath and put on his pajamas. However, when he went in search of her so she could help tuck his son into bed, he found her in the kitchen, loading the dishwasher.
“I was going to do that,” he chided.
“I know, but I felt kind of foolish just sitting, doing noth
ing, when I could have been helping out,” she replied, her smile endearingly wry.
“You’ve helped quite a lot already.”
“As in helped enough, thank you very much. Now please go home?” she asked, her smile fading.
“As in please stay and let me look after you.” Reaching out, he touched the back of his hand to her cheek. “Come and give my son a good-night hug. Then we can share the chocolate cake I stashed in the cupboard.”
“Mayfair and Vargo chocolate cake?” she asked, following him down the hallway.
“Of course.”
“You really went all out, didn’t you?”
“I told you we’d do something special. Even postponed a night, the food was still pretty good, wasn’t it?”
“Indeed, it was,” she agreed. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the company, as well.”
Brian looked half-asleep when they joined him in his room, but he perked up momentarily. He was snug in bed, his left arm propped on an extra pillow. Buddy was with him once again, curled up at his side.
Gabriel stood back as Madelyn bent to hug the boy, his heart swelling with an emotion he dared not name. She really did care for his son. The warmth and affection she showed him came naturally, without the slightest hint of pretense.
“Can Buddy stay with me all night?” Brian asked as Madelyn straightened and stepped back.
“I don’t see why not,” she replied. “He looks perfectly content there with you.”
“What about you? Are you gonna stay here tonight, too.
“I can’t, really,” she demurred, blushing prettily. “Unlike you, I have school tomorrow, and lots still to do in preparation for my classes.”
“Will you come to see me when you get home?”
“I most certainly will. But only if you promise not to run Millie ragged.”
“I won’t.” He smiled sleepily, looking from one to the other of them. “Good night, Madelyn. Good night, Dad.”
Avoiding Gabriel’s gaze, Madelyn moved away from the bed so he could give his son a hug. Then she walked back to the kitchen with him, suddenly much quieter than she had been earlier.
“You haven’t changed your mind about the cake, have you?” he asked, concerned about her sudden shift in mood.
Brian’s mention of her staying the night had definitely made her uncomfortable. Though the boy had meant well, Gabriel had a feeling his innocent question had reminded her that she really wasn’t a part of their family, a reminder Gabriel would have preferred she hadn’t had. While technically true, he already thought of her as one of them and wanted her to feel that way, too.
“Oh, no,” she assured him, although she still refused to look at him. “But then I really should go back to the cottage. I have quite a bit of work—”
Not liking the barriers she suddenly seemed intent on erecting between them, Gabriel caught her by the arm and gently turned her to face him. When she ducked her head, he slid a finger under her chin, tilting her face up until she finally met his gaze.
An odd mix of sadness and bewilderment shadowed her gray-green eyes, making his heart ache. She looked so forlorn that he put his arms around her and drew her close.
“Don’t go back there tonight, Maddy,” he muttered, speaking his heart’s desire aloud. “Stay here with me. Please...”
He hadn’t intended to be so blunt, to blurt out such an intimate invitation in such a spontaneous manner that he was no less taken by surprise than she. He had meant to lure her into his bed with gentlemanly kisses and caresses, not a few blatant words of wanting, needing—
“Are you sure, Gabriel? Are you sure that’s what you want?” she asked, resting her head against his chest.
“I can’t remember ever wanting anything—anyone—more,” he answered with absolute honesty.
“You can’t?” She looked up at him wonderingly.
“No, I can’t.”
Taking a step back, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her with a thoroughness he hoped would erase any lingering doubts she might have. After only the slightest hesitation, she kissed him back with equal fervor, sliding her arms around his waist and pressing her slender body close to his.
Needing no further encouragement, Gabriel shifted one hand from her face to her breast, stroking her gently. She tensed slightly, as if surprised, then relaxed with a quiet sigh. Still kissing her, he rubbed his thumb over her nipple, taut beneath the fabric of her bra and sweater. Again, she seemed startled by his touch. But again she quickly gave herself up to his tender ministrations, her own hands roving over his shoulders restlessly.
Reluctantly he raised his head at last, though he still cupped her breast in his palm.
“Come to bed with me, Maddy,” he said, his voice low, his breathing ragged.
Though she didn’t speak, she gazed up at him with such longing that he stole another swift kiss from her, then took her by the hand and headed toward the hallway.
A glance into Brian’s bedroom as they passed assured him the boy was fast asleep. But just in case he awoke and called out, Gabriel closed his bedroom door only partway.
After turning on one small lamp on the dresser, he led Madelyn to his bed. He kissed her on the cheek, then moved alone to the fireplace where he’d laid fresh wood the day before. Now he struck a match, touched it to the kindling, waited a few moments for the flames to catch and walked back to her.
She had sat down on the edge of the mattress, and as he approached, she eyed him with a hint of trepidation. Kneeling in front of her, he took her hands in his.
“You look a little scared.”
“I am,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You’re not afraid of me, are you? Because I would never hurt you. Never,” he vowed.
“I know.” She smiled slightly, but almost immediately her expression grew serious again.
“Then what’s bothering you?”
“I...I have to tell you something, and I’m not sure...” As her words trailed off, she looked away.
Gently, so as not to frighten her further, Gabriel reached up, cupped her cheek in his palm, and turned her face until their gazes met again.
“Just tell me, Maddy. Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”
“I...” She blinked once, then again, a blush climbing her neck and spreading across her face. “I’m a...a virgin,” she murmured.
“A virgin?” he repeated, sitting back on his heels.
“I’ve never...been with anyone...not ever.”
Stunned, Gabriel stared at her, unable to speak as her words slowly sank into his befuddled brain. She was a virgin. She hadn’t ever been with anyone. Not even Ethan.
Yet she was here in his bedroom, ready to give herself to him.
“I wanted to wait for someone special. Someone I loved, and I—”
“Hush, Maddy. You don’t have to explain.”
Moving to sit beside her, he turned her toward him and kissed the words from her lips. He didn’t want to hear her say she loved him. Not when he couldn’t say it back to her.
But he could make these moments special for her. He could show her that, as much as he was able, he truly cared for her and always would.
With a soul-deep sigh, Madelyn gave herself up to Gabriel’s loving attention. He hadn’t laughed at her. Nor had he looked at her with pity. Rather, he had gazed at her with a reverence that made her realize just how much he appreciated the simple gift she was about to give him.
The gift of her deepest love and trust.
“I’ll be gentle with you, Maddy,” he promised.
“And I’ll be gentle with you, too,” she said, teasing him lightheartedly.
He chuckled softly, sexily, pressing his lips against her neck, then nibbling at her ear.
“You’re sounding awfully feisty all of a sudden.”
“Mmm, I’m feeling...” Her breath caught in her throat as his hands found their way under her sweater.
“Yes? You’re feeling what?” he growle
d, releasing the catch on her bra, then cupping her bare breasts in his palms.
“I’m...I’m...” She moaned softly as he gently played first one nipple, then the other, between his thumb and forefinger.
“What, sweetheart?”
“Is it just me, or is it...is it hot in here?”
She was on fire, burning up, every nerve ending in her body tingling with sensation as he tormented her lovingly with his hands and mouth.
“I’m a little warm myself,” he admitted, laughing quietly.
To her dismay, he moved his hands away. Then, at her murmured protest, he kissed her on the cheek, adding, “But I have just the remedy for that.”
“You’re going to stop?”
“Only until I get us out of our clothes.”
He did so deftly, kissing away her momentary embarrassment.
“You’re so lovely,” he said when she finally lay beside him, naked.
“So are you,” she admitted, unabashedly admiring the masculine lines of his body, her gaze lingering here and... there.
Tentatively she trailed her fingertips over his broad chest, then his flat belly, finally touching him intimately, mesmerized by the hardness of him and the velvet softness.
“Maddy...” He breathed her name.
Then he was kissing her again and touching her as intimately as she had touched him. She writhed under his hands and mouth, unable to get enough of him, until, at last, he moved away from her just long enough to deal with a condom, then braced himself between her widespread thighs.
“Look at me, Madelyn,” he muttered, his hands in her hair.
She did as he asked, falling into the depths of his dark eyes as he entered her ever so slowly, ever so gently. For an instant, she felt only the slightest pinch of pain, and then pleasure. A rolling, undulating, all-encompassing pleasure that built steadily as he moved inside her.
All control seemed to slip away, and suddenly she cried out, coming apart in his arms as he arched back, his own gratification imminent.
“Yes,” he growled low in his throat, his gaze, still holding hers, triumphant. “Yes.”
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