Instead of reaching for the buttons on the petticoats, he circled her. One hand stroked her hair and another wave of heat rolled through her.
“I wondered if I’d imagined how beautiful you are.” He stopped behind her. His finger traced a pattern down her back. She shivered, but her skin tingled wherever he touched her.
Finally, her petticoats dropped to the floor and Gerritt grasped her around the waist. He lifted her out of the fabric gathered around her boots. Once she was free he turned her around to face him.
She stood in her corset, drawers, stockings and boots. She fought the urge to grab her gown and cover herself again.
“Now I want you to undress me,” he demanded.
Prudence blinked. “I don’t...I’ve never...” She could feel the excitement that swirled from the butterflies fluttering in her belly, up to make her nipples grow to hard, aching pebbles.
Gerritt frowned. “Do you mean to tell me you never undressed your husband?”
Prudence nearly choked. She knew her eyes must be as wide as saucers. She was so tongue-tied; she could only shake her head in response.
He removed his frock coat and hung it on the other chair.
“Unbutton my vest,” he ordered. Prudence complied, her fingers felt as thick and clumsy as sticks. She pulled it from his broad shoulders, folded it and settled it on the seat of the chair.
“Now the shirt,” he said. His gaze was focused on her face, with a few heated glances at her bosom as she worked faster to unbutton the shirt. She slipped his braces from his shoulders.
When she pulled the linen fabric of his shirt apart, she gasped. Her fingers moved across his chest as if possessed. She enjoyed the feel of the hard, chiseled muscles. Now he was the one shivering.
She tugged the shirt from his trousers, noticing the thin trail of hair that covered his chest and dipped down to below the waistband. She flung the shirt onto the table. She’d decided to be a bit more careless in order to work faster at her task.
His breathing grew heavier, and with painstaking slowness, she unbuttoned his trousers. She became bolder and let one finger trace the thick, hard lump beneath the fabric and he groaned.
His eyes were closed and his head thrown back as she pulled the trousers down. His long johns were just one more barrier she needed to remove.
But he opened his eyes and gave her that lazy grin that sent a flash of heat down to her core. “I think we should move to the bed before I collapse from the pleasure of your touch.”
She took his hand and led him to the bed. She was tempted to once again slap the quilt, just to make sure any recent boarders had taken flight. She needn’t have worried.
Gerritt fell on the quilt and pulled her with him. Her breasts pushed against the firmness of his chest, her body curved against him. Every inch of her skin felt tender and scorched. She ached with a need she’d never experienced before. Now she understood the undertow of physical desire, of wanting someone so much you throbbed with the need.
“I want us to take our time, to enjoy every moment of pleasure we can experience this afternoon.” His mouth covered hers, their tongues danced, swiping, tangling, and eager to explore the secrets of their coupling.
His hands slid along her skin, tracing her shape with a light, gentle touch.
“You’re perfect,” he said with one hand cupping her bottom. “And you are soft and round in all the right places.”
She pushed her breasts against him, gasping at the way his touch seared her skin, yet made her hungry for more. Her breasts felt heavy, the sensitive peaks at the tips swollen and tender.
The slit between her legs ached, eager for the man next to her to explore more of her body. She wanted to remove her drawers but didn’t know how to do it delicately.
Gerritt’s hand moved from cupping her bottom to slide down to the opening in her drawers and slipped inside the garment between her legs. He spread the delicate petals of her womanhood and she felt one of his fingers push into the cleft made slick with her desire. He started to rub the small nub at the top of the opening and she gasped.
“You’re so ready for me and I want to be inside of you,” he said, moving his finger even deeper. “But I want this to last and last.”
“I want you inside of me,” she begged, surprised at the pleading tone in her voice.
He used his free hand to pull the fabric of her corset aside and expose her nipples. He adjusted her position, so that his mouth could suckle at her breasts while inserting two more fingers between her legs and increasing the speed as he plunged rhythmically in and out of her.
Prudence closed her eyes and surrendered to the volcano of heat building in her body. His fingers radiated pleasure from her core to her limbs. She bucked against him, eager for each movement that brought wave after wave of pleasure.
When he paused, she opened her eyes and licked her lips. “Please,” she begged.
“You’re even more sensual than I could have imagined,” Gerritt said, his voice husky with desire. He climbed off the bed and shed his long johns.
She stared at his engorged member, thick, rigid and swollen. And so big she had a momentary flicker of fear. She knew that her husband was smaller in many ways than Gerritt, but she would never have guessed there could be such a physical difference in that regard.
“Are you having second thoughts,” he asked as a frown creased his brow and a look of wariness shadowed his eyes, turning the forest green shade even darker.
Her gaze moved from his cock to his face and she grinned up at him. “I was just appreciating the scenery.”
His gaze brushed her body, a delighted grin spread across his face. It’s not a bad prospect from here either, Madam. Now take off your drawers,” he directed. “And your boots.”
She complied and he watched her toss her clothing aside carelessly.
“How long would it take to remove your corset?”
“You’d have to loosen the laces before I can unfasten it,” she replied, frustrated at the demands of fashion that kept women trussed up and layered in yards and yards of fabric.
“Too long this time,” he said and climbed onto the bed. He swept his hands over her breasts, squeezing gently. With no more prelude, he spread her legs, leaned forward and plunged into her depths.
He pulled back, then plunged deeper and it felt so good, so damned good, and so right. She lifted her hips to meet him with the next thrust, and then the one after that.
Their lovemaking developed a natural rhythm, as she wrapped her legs around his waist, bidding him to push deeper, move harder against her. Their bodies seemed to sense what would pleasure the other person, as he increased the rhythm and she lifted her bottom to welcome him.
Gerritt’s lips fastened on hers, their breath mingled even as they climbed closer and closer to an ultimate pleasure. As stars danced across her vision, she cried out and pleasure shimmered through her body, making her weak with the bliss of her climax.
A few breaths later, Gerritt groaned his own pleasure and spilled his seed into her. His strokes continued for a few more seconds before he collapsed at her side, his breathing heavy.
He threw one arm across his eyes and she could see drops of sweat pooled on his upper lip.
She could smell his pine scent overlaid with the thick, heady perfume of their sexual play. She curled against his body for warmth and he wrapped his arms around her to pull her closer.
Her bones seemed as if they were melted and the throbbing between her legs evidence of their rough, demanding physical union. She was satiated, aware that despite being a widow, she’d never experienced anything like this before.
She traced a pattern down Gerritt’s chest, across his hard belly to stop just shy of his cock. It lay against his balls, smaller and slick with wetness. She wanted to grasp it, slide her hand up and down the smooth, slick surface. Taste it.
The last thought shocked her with its boldness. Maybe she’d been influenced by Alma’s bawdy talk when they’d been sh
ooting.
Yet studying Gerritt and remembering how his touch ignited every inch of her body, she wondered what he would taste like. Would he welcome such ministrations or would it disgust him?
“If you keep looking at me like that, I have no doubt I’ll soon be demanding a repeat performance.” He gazed at her with such warmth, she snuggled even closer.
“I’m curious,” she replied. “I’ve never actually seen a man stark naked before. It’s quite a treat.”
“Hmmmm,” he murmured. His eyes were closed. “Look all you want, but I warn you, if you should touch me—you won’t be enjoying the repast Alma packed in that basket.”
She put her hand to her mouth, quieting a giggle, afraid he might have figured out what she was thinking. Then she summoned her courage and decided to ask him. After all, he had a scientific mind.
“I was wondering,” she began. Then reconsidered for a moment. What if he thought she was too bold, too sensual for his tastes? After all, women were not supposed to enjoy sexual congress, but expected to concede to their husband’s demands in order to bear children.
The indescribable pleasure she’d just experienced with Gerritt was a revelation. And though he might think her a lewd, lascivious woman with unbridled appetites, she intended to satisfy her curiosity.
She gazed at his cock again, which appeared to be larger than just a few moments ago.
She mustered her courage. If she couldn’t ask Gerritt such questions, who could she ask?
“You might think I’m being inappropriate and unladylike...” She paused for moment, still gathering her courage. “And vulgar, but I have a question.”
He opened his eyes. “Inappropriate, unladylike and vulgar. My interest is certainly piqued.”
She laughed. “It’s good to know how to get your attention.”
He traced a finger down one breast and his eyes narrowed. “I think you’ve pretty much discovered the best way to do that.”
She slapped him playfully. “I want to ask a serious question.”
He leaned his head on one hand. “Then ask away, my darling?”
She was grateful she was turned away from him so he couldn’t see how red her cheeks must be from embarrassment. “Do you promise you won’t judge me? That you won’t think I’m too brazen?”
“I like the word brazen. It makes me think of a woman who’s brave, daring and audacious. Brazen describes you perfectly.”
She giggled. “It’s a serious question.”
“A serious scientific inquiry? I’ll do my best to answer you.” He gave her bottom a pinch and she pushed his hand away, but she wasn’t annoyed.
“I was wondering if a man, would, if a woman should, I mean.” She couldn’t seem to find the right words to ask such an intimate question. “Oh, never mind.”
“You have a question and it sounds like it’s an embarrassing one. Please, at his point, I’d like to believe we can be honest with each other.”
She stared at him for a few moments. “Would a man—object, if...” The heat of a blush burnished her cheeks.
“Just ask the question, Prudence. Men object to far fewer things than women do. We’re much coarser and more animal like.”
She pondered that for a moment. It made sense. She’d always been warned that women had to exert control over their physical needs and desires, because men were not capable of managing their own sexual appetites.
Although at this moment, lying in this bed sated from an enthusiastic bout of lovemaking, she wasn’t exactly a shining example of feminine self-control.
She simply had to know. “Would a man object if a woman wanted to taste him?”
He looked confused. “Taste him?”
She had to finish this, despite her embarrassment.
“If a woman was to put her mouth on a mans, well, his, his....” She pointed between his legs. “Would it be too disgusting for him to endure?”
There, she’d managed to ask the question. She avoided making eye contact with Gerritt.
He barked a laugh and she knew he must be horrified. He couldn’t even take her question seriously. Or he was so embarrassed that he was covering it with laughter.
“Are you teasing me?” His voice was deep and sultry, but she didn’t dare look up. Strangely, his member was getting stiff again.
He lifted her chin to force her gaze up to his face. He wore a huge grin.
“Men fantasize about such things, Prudence. Are you telling me that you’d consider doing that?”
She nodded at him and he groaned. “How do you feel about a late picnic?”
At the moment, Prudence didn’t have much of an appetite. At least, not for food.
Chapter Twelve
Packin’ a Basket
By the time Prudence spread the worn quilt on the grass near the creek, the sun was high in the sky. She enjoyed the warmth of the day clad in her chemise, corset and one petticoat, aware she was truly acting like a shameless hussy now.
The thought made her smile. If her mother-in-law could see her, the woman would go on a red-faced rant that was sure to bring on an attack of apoplexy.
That thought made her smile wider. The woman had been cruel and unforgiving to Prudence and it was tempting to send her a letter detailing all the sinful exploits she’d been indulging in since arriving in Jubilee.
Prancing around in her unmentionables was the least of her transgressions when she considered how she and Gerritt had spent the morning.
“What has Alma packed up for us today?” Gerritt stretched out on the quilt and Prudence gazed at the muscles that rippled across his chest. He wasn’t wearing his jacket, vest or shirt so he could enjoy the sunshine and warmth of the day. She feasted her eyes on the gorgeous man before answering.
“She sliced up some of her amazing bread, there’s ham and a huge chunk of cheese”. She grinned as she pulled out two stoneware bottles. “Two bottles of beer and several of those giant molasses cookies you love so much.”
“A repast fit for a king.” He accepted a slice of bread. “Cut off a chunk of that cheese for me, please.”
Prudence felt the sun heating her shoulders and the warm glow left over from their lovemaking seemed to heat her from the inside. She wished this day would never end, but of course, as soon as they finished their picnic they’d need to look at the stamp mill and then it would be time to head back down to Jubilee.
Gerritt grinned at her as she spread a linen napkin across her lap and tried to eat as daintily as possible. A challenge considering she was starving. And that she was eating lunch in her underwear. Which was quite a breach of etiquette.
“I want you to come back to my home to live.”
Prudence stopped chewing and blinked at him several times. Her heart sped up,and she hoped she wasn’t dreaming. It was what she’d wished for since he’d sent her to the boarding house.
“I hope you’re not just saying this so it will make it easier to um—well,” she really didn’t know how to talk to a lover. Doing something with Gerritt was easier than discussing it.
Gerritt laughed. “Honestly, the thought that I can’t exactly stroll down to Mrs.McCauley’s when I want to make love to you is part of the inspiration for my suggestion.” He wagged his eyebrows.
But then his lips turned down and his eyes went dark, shadowed with sadness. “To be honest, I’ve missed you. When you come to the office to work, you’re all business. I feel like we’re strangers, you calling me Professor Rhinehart, and me forced to refer to you as Mrs. Worthington.” He nearly snarled the name.
“It was the way to keep our relationship on a professional basis, which I assumed was your wish, Professor.” She pursed her lips to avoid laughing as he glowered back at her.
“I don’t want to maintain a professional relationship. I want to make love to you every night, hold you in my arms whenever I choose during the day and drive you insane with kisses that will make your toes curl up in your boots.”
A thrill of delight swept throu
gh her at his words. It was all she’d hoped for these past few weeks. This new relationship was a bit tricky to manage. She’d known Eli all her life and they spent so much time together growing up that it had seemed natural and right when he’d asked her to marry him. He’d told her that he loved her as they first kissed when she was fifteen. It had seemed so easy to love Eli, because she couldn’t ever remember a time when they weren’t together.
But Prudence was learning that friendship didn’t fuel passion, and she needed to sort out her feelings about Gerritt. Did she love him? Did she even understand what real love was when she’d been drawn into such a sensual relationship? A relationship based on lust. Her feelings for Eli had been a safe harbor. Her relationship with Gerritt was a storm-tossed sea, filled with hidden dangers, but exciting as they discovered how to become a couple together.
If today was any indication of the physical passion they shared it could be a good foundation to build upon.
She jerked her attention back to Gerritt. He chewed his food and waited for her to answer. She decided to take a little time agreeing to his request. After all, she’d been indignant when he’d virtually thrown her out of his house. She had no intention of agreeing to his proposal right away.
“What about my safety? Aren’t you still concerned I might be in danger if I move back into your home?”
Gerritt removed the stopper from the bottle of beer, took a deep drink and wiped his upper lip. She quivered as she remembered how those lips had nearly crushed her mouth with demanding kisses. Warmth whipped through her, settling in her very tender feminine parts.
“I’m more concerned about the posse of men surrounding you down at the boarding house. There’s a good chance someone will steal you away from me.” The dark glower reappeared.
“I believe I’m a victim of the green-eyed monster, because I can’t bear the idea of them paying court to you while I sit up on my porch wishing you were with me.”
Prudence took a drink of her own beer, drew her tongue over her lips and enjoyed the way Gerritt watched her. She knew it was a provocative gesture and relished seeing him shift uncomfortably. The air between them seemed charged with attraction.
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