“No. The cottage is only a bit farther down the road, but I thought I’d stop here and we could have supper.”
Bonnie’s stomach grumbled loudly in response and Theo laughed. “Come on, let’s get you something to eat.”
The café was storybook quaint, with charming little wooden tables like spools of thread and a counter lined with glass jars full of old-fashioned sweets. Despite the noise from her empty belly, Bonnie didn’t have much of an appetite. The twinge of nervousness she’d felt at the train station had abated over the long drive, but now that she knew they were almost at the cottage, that they were perhaps only minutes away from the place she’d be spending the night with Theo …
“Everything all right?” he asked, reading her mind as usual. Was she that transparent, or was he just that good at interpreting her thoughts?
“Yeah.” She smiled at him and soaked a heel of bread in her soup, tomato basil, not very adventurous, but one of her favorites. “I think I’m just a little sleepy.”
“I’ll have you in bed soon enough,” Theo said, then froze, sandwich halfway to his mouth. He set his sandwich back on his plate and cleared his throat. “That didn’t come out right.”
Was he blushing? Bonnie grinned. For some perverse reason, realizing he was nervous too made her less nervous. Appetite suddenly restored, she hurried to finish her soup.
Not long after, they drove past a wooden gate painted a bright bold purple. Theo maneuvered the car down the narrow gravel path slowly, and as they rounded a bend, Bonnie sucked in a breath. He’d called it a cottage, but the structure was much larger than what she’d imagined. Three stories, the walls made of the same gray stone as the café they’d eaten at, the roof was slate, with a row of adorable dormer windows. And rising up behind the house was what seemed, in Bonnie’s Midwestern imagination, the looming shadow of mountains.
The setting sun was slowly slipping past the tree-lined ridge, painting the sky in bold streaks of color. Orange and gold and rose, lavender and midnight blue.
Theo sat, quietly watching the sunset with her. Once the sun drifted below the craggy horizon, and the twilight sky began to fade, he asked, “What do you think?”
“It’s perfect.” The words fell from her lips with breathless sincerity. If she had closed her eyes and described her dream home to a sketch artist, this would be darn close to the end result.
Already half in love, Bonnie fell the rest of the way the moment Theo opened the front door. Simple, yet elegant, grand but somehow still cozy, she stepped over the threshold and her heart said home.
Theo dropped their bags by the stairs leading up to the second floor. “Mrs. Lindsey?” he called. “You about?”
“In the kitchen,” an aged yet pleasant voice called from the back of the house.
Taking her hand, Theo led Bonnie down the hall.
The kitchen, Bonnie was surprised to discover, included modern appliances nestled within antique woodwork. A long wooden island stretched across the length of the room. An older woman stood at the counter, slicing a brick of cheese, silver hair a halo of tight curls.
Her eyes lit up when she caught sight of Theo, and she set down the knife, maneuvering her short but ample frame around the island. “Your Grace, so good to see you.”
Theo smiled and wrapped the woman in a hug. “You too, Mrs. Lindsey.” He gestured to Bonnie. “Please meet my guest, Miss Bonnie Blythe.”
“Miss.” The housekeeper nodded, bobbing a curtsy. “A pleasure.”
Bonnie felt a little tongue-tied. The whole “Your Grace” thing still threw her. And what now? Was she supposed to nod, or maybe curtsy back? She settled for a smile. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Lindsey.”
“I’m sure you’re peckish after that long drive. I was just about to set out a tin of biscuits.” The housekeeper bustled over to a large pantry.
“Very thoughtful of you,” Theo told the woman.
With a sweet tug of affection, Bonnie noted he didn’t mention they’d already stopped for supper in town. “Yes, thank you,” she added.
Theo moved to a glass-fronted cabinet and pulled two wineglasses off the shelf. “Please.” He glanced over at her. “Make yourself at home.”
“Where’s the restroom?” she asked.
“Around the corner by the stairs, down the hall. Third door on your left.” He pulled a corkscrew from a drawer. “Don’t get lost.”
She was tempted. If he only knew how hard she was fighting the urge to run up and down the stairs like a puppy exploring a new place, poking her head into each room.
Mrs. Lindsey wiped her hands on her apron. “I’ll show you, dear.”
Bonnie paused at the stairs to grab the overnight kit out of her bag before hurrying to catch up with the housekeeper. “This house is lovely,” she said, taking in each detail, from the wainscoting in the hall to the detailed trim around each doorframe.
“I’ve always thought so,” Mrs. Lindsey agreed.
“How long have you worked here?” Bonnie asked, hoping she wasn’t breaking some rule of etiquette or something. Ah well, she could blame it on being a boorish American.
“Oh, since well before His Grace was born,” Mrs. Lindsey answered. “My mister as well.”
“Your husband works here too?”
“Mm.” She nodded. “He’s the groundskeeper.”
“You both live here, then?”
“In the cottage up the hill.” The housekeeper stopped near a window and pointed.
Bonnie followed the direction of her finger, to where a cozy building sat nestled beneath a large willow tree. Lights glowed in the windows and smoke curled from a chimney in the thatched roof. Like everything else in the Lakelands, it looked like something out of a fairy tale.
“And that’s the loo,” Mrs. Lindsey added, pointing to a door down the hall. “There’s fresh soap and I’ve just laundered the linens, so you should be set. But if you need anything else, you know where to find me.” The housekeeper nodded her chin toward the cottage.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll say good night to his grace and be on my way.” She ducked a quick curtsy and was gone.
Even the bathroom in this house was a treasure. A little jewel box of a space, with lushly patterned wallpaper adorning the walls and a vintage pedestal sink, above which hung a large ornate beveled mirror. Bonnie rinsed her face and brushed her teeth, digging in her kit for floss. Then she took a good look at herself, running her fingers through her hair, only succeeding in making the curls messier than before. Stop stalling and get out there.
Exiting the bathroom, she slipped off her sandals, bare feet slapping quietly over the honey-colored pine floors as she retraced her steps. Bonnie recalled the mental checklist she’d made of all the things she wanted to do with Theo the next time they were together. To date, she hadn’t made much progress on that list, and it was time to get busy.
Literally.
* * *
After he’d seen Mrs. Lindsey out with a promise to meet with her husband in the morning, Theo poured two glasses of wine and set them on the low table in the sitting room situated off the kitchen, then kicked off his shoes and tossed them by the doors leading out to the back patio. He’d missed this place. Why didn’t he come out here more often? The moment he pulled past the gate and began the crawl up the winding path to the house, he felt lighter, more relaxed. More … himself. As if he was able to be someone here he wasn’t allowed to be anywhere else.
He heard the door to the downstairs loo open and called out, “In here.”
She padded through the kitchen in her bare feet. Theo loved that—loved she already seemed so comfortable here. He’d watched her face carefully when he led her inside earlier and had caught the rush of emotion sweep across her features. It was then he knew she felt it too. This house spoke to her, the same way it did him. He was so glad he’d brought her here.
Once more, he wondered how he’d ever be able to give this place up, even for a few weeks at a time.
“What are you thinking about?” Bonnie asked.
Theo ran a hand through his hair. “I have a confession.”
“Oh?” Her auburn brows drew together in concern. “Is something wrong?”
“No, not exactly.” He took her hand and led her to the sofa. They sat, and he handed her a wineglass. “I wasn’t entirely forthcoming about my reasons for coming here,” he began, fiddling with the stem of his own glass. “It’s not just to go on holiday. Remember when I mentioned my family’s, uh, financial issues?”
“You said it’s your job to keep the ‘bloody ship from sinking.’”
“Quite.” He couldn’t help the grin at her mimicking of his accent. “Well, this cottage could be a life preserver. We’re looking into renting out the property.”
“Ah.” Bonnie swallowed. “Is there a lot you have to do? Will I be in the way?”
“No.” He shook his head. “No, of course not. I have a few things I need to go over, some items to review with the groundskeeper, but nothing too serious.” He glanced up at her, feeling loads lighter after his admission and suddenly playful. “Still plenty of time for the surprise I promised you.” He winked.
“That’s right,” she said, swirling her wine around in her glass. “I almost forgot about my surprise. What was it again? LMB?”
“LMP.”
“And what does that stand for?” She blinked innocently.
“I’m not falling for your sly tricks,” he warned.
“Can’t fault a girl for trying.” She flashed him a cheeky grin and sipped her wine. “I have a list of other things I was thinking about trying,” she added, watching him over the rim of her glass, eyes hot as sin.
Theo gulped his wine. “I recall you mentioning a fondness for lists.”
She set her glass on the table and scooted closer to him. His heart rate sped up, chest rising and falling rapidly as his breathing became shallow, the short quick intake of breath leaving him dizzy. And all she’d done was sit next to him.
Christ, he had it bad. His cock, already at half-mast most of the day, reported for duty, springing to full attention. He shifted on the couch, setting his wineglass down next to hers. When he leaned back, she moved closer still, her arm brushing against his, their thighs touching. He stared at the hint of bare skin showing below her skirt.
The freckle on her knee sent a rush of memories flooding through him: pressing her onto the hotel floor, her skirt hiked up to her waist, kissing that freckle, licking the soft smooth skin of her thigh, tasting her … He’d lived on those memories for months, replaying those moments over and over again. But no more.
It was time to make some new memories. Right now, right here, in this moment. Theo reached out, letting his hand slide across the top of her knee. Her muscles quivered. His fingertips flirted with the hem of her skirt. “I want to touch you,” he confessed, voice low and urgent. “I need to touch you.”
She nodded, spreading her knees, opening her legs for him.
Theo groaned and slid a hand under her skirt, his other hand reaching up, fingers threading through her hair as he pulled her mouth to his. He kissed her, tongue going deep, as his hand moved higher up her leg. He brushed against her knickers, felt the wet heat of her on his palm before he slipped one finger under the elastic band and stroked her.
“God, you feel good,” he ground against her mouth, finger plunging inside her.
She gasped, body clenching around him. His balls clenched in response. Gritting his teeth, he slipped another finger inside. She was so tight, so wet. He ached to have his cock inside her. He curved his fingers, moving them in a slow circle, learning the intimate shape of her.
Mimicking the motion of his hand, her hips rotated, bringing his fingers deeper. He picked up the pace, and so did she, body bucking against him, soft staccato moans tearing from her throat, building in intensity. His mouth kept moving over hers, devouring those sexy little sounds.
She kissed him back with fierce intensity, her hands gripping his shoulders, sliding down his back, over his hips, coming to rest on his belt. Hell yes, oh please yes. “Touch me,” he whispered. “Please, put your hands on me.”
“So polite,” she said, a teasing lilt coloring her voice. “How can I refuse?” He held his breath as her fingers worked his belt, and then the buttons on his fly, until finally she was rubbing her hand along his length, through the fabric of his shorts, but still, it felt bloody fucking good. He jerked against her, pushing his cock deeper into her hand. She stroked him, over and over, traced the shape of him beneath the cotton with her fingers, played with him until he was ready to lose his damn mind.
He grabbed her knickers and yanked, ripping them off her. “Christ, sorry.” He held up the torn garment.
She laughed. “Don’t be, they’re in the way.” And then she was pulling his shorts over his hips, and he was helping her. Sliding his pants down, kicking them off, his shorts quickly following.
He stripped off his shirt, then made quick work of her skirt and top. Slowing down, his fingers traced the delicate lines of her bra, brushed against the clasp. “May I?”
She nodded. Theo undid her bra, and it slipped from her shoulders, falling to the floor. He reached for her, settling her on top of him, her gorgeous little tits bobbing right in his face. “Hello.” He grinned, reaching up to cup her, squeezing her breasts together. He bent his head and ran his tongue over both hard, pink peaks.
“Oh,” she moaned, “oh, I like that.” She arched, head tossed back, chest thrusting forward, filling his mouth with her.
He licked and sucked and nibbled until she was moaning nonstop, an incoherent incantation of need. She straddled him, rubbing against him, the curls between her thighs brushing the tip of his cock, making him wild. So close, so bloody close. He released her breasts and kissed her neck, licked the hollow of her throat, pressed his mouth to the rapid flutter of her pulse just under her ear.
His hands dropped to her waist and slid over the lush curves of her hips. He remembered the shape of her, had memorized each dip and swell the one time before he’d been lucky enough to have his hands on her like this. And now, luck was with him again. He hoped it never left him because he never wanted to stop touching her.
“Bonnie.” Theo pulled back, gazing at her face, wanting to look in her eyes. “I need to be inside you.”
She bit her lip, flushed cheeks growing rosier. Her sudden virginal shyness a sharp contrast to the vixen she’d been moments before. But if she was nervous, he’d wait. “Okay,” she said, surprising him with an impish smile.
“Okay,” he echoed, willing his heart to slow down before it pounded a hole through his chest. He nudged her, sliding her off his lap so he could bend over and retrieve the condom he’d stashed in his pocket. “No comments about being a perv. I wanted to be prepared,” he said.
“I’m currently staring at your bare ass, so I’m probably not in a position to judge,” she admitted, giggling.
He glanced over his shoulder, and sure enough, the saucy wench was ogling his naked bum. “Who’s the perv now?” he teased, ripping the foil open. He sat back on the couch and began to roll the condom down over his cock.
Next to him, she watched intently, eyes following his every move.
It turned him on, knowing she was watching, his cock swelling in his hand, balls heavy and aching. Bloody fucking hell, he was going to explode soon. “Show’s over, woman,” he growled, pulling her back onto his lap. He was so close, he didn’t want to risk coming before she did. This way she could control things better, determine how fast, how deep, and he could focus on controlling himself.
Straddling him once more, she stared down at their bodies as he held her hips and guided her into place. When the head of his cock was snug against her, he paused. Meeting her gaze, he told her, “When you’re ready.” Christ, please be ready soon.
She nodded, thighs trembling as she lowered herself and began to slide down his length.
Oh God, oh sweet
Christ, she was tight, so fucking tight. Theo glanced down. He’d been wrong. The show was far from over. If he kept watching her sweet pussy take him slow like this, he’d lose it before he was fully inside her. He shut his eyes and ordered himself to breathe.
Five thousand years later, she’d almost worked her way all the way down his shaft when she suddenly stopped moving. His eyes snapped open. Her brow was furrowed, tongue pressed between her teeth. “All good?” he croaked.
She began to nod again, but then paused. “No,” she said, shaking her head, “I can’t.”
His heart stopped, blood freezing in his veins. “What is it, love? What can’t you do?”
“I don’t think I can, um”—she shifted on his lap—“go any farther.”
Relief flooded Theo’s body, and he laughed.
“It’s not funny!” She frowned. “I think I’m stuck.”
With Herculean effort, Theo swallowed another chuckle. His cock throbbed where she gripped him, and more than anything, he wanted to thrust, to push up into her until he was buried to the hilt. But he kissed her instead, making love to her mouth, as much a distraction for himself as a way to help her loosen up.
It worked. She shifted, and he sank deeper. “That’s it.” He kissed her neck. “Almost there.” He pressed his thighs against hers, forcing her to open more for him. Her shoulders relaxed, body melting around him, warm and wet. Electric heat curled at the base of his spine, and his control slipped.
“Fuck, you feel good,” he growled, unable to stop from bucking his hips once, hard and fast.
“Theo!” she gasped.
“Damn. Sorry.” Theo held still, searching her face. “Did I hurt you?”
“No, just surprised me.” She wiggled her hips.
And now he was the one gasping. “Easy, love.” His fingers dug into the soft skin of her hips, holding her still. He was balls-deep inside her now, as far as he could go, and every shift of her body was an erotic squeeze along his cock.
Smitten by the Brit--A Sometimes in Love Novel Page 25