Chapter Seven #2
“No.” He shook his head. “Unfortunately, my father didn’t wish to raise an infant so he gave her to someone in the family—or so he says—to raise as their own.
” A frown tugged at the corners of his mouth.
“I wasn’t aware of that as a child of ten, but I discovered what had happened while in the military.
” When his gaze slammed to hers, a shiver fell down her spine, for it was quite intense. “I would like to find her.”
“I don’t blame you.” She struggled with her emotions, and the story only added to the weight she already carried as well as strengthened the invisible thread that linked them.
A somberness went through his expression. “Over the years, I’ve felt that something has been missing from my life, and finally I realized it’s my sister.” His Adam’s apple bobbed with a hard swallow. “I want to find Lucy, need that connection so I don’t feel alone.”
A squeeze went around her heart, for that wish resonated with her. “I can understand that. Losing a family member—especially when it’s a child—regardless of how they’re related to you, is difficult and you never forget them.”
“No, you don’t.” He gazed oddly at her as if he was trying to puzzle her out. “And I want to do something about that.”
Rose urged her gaze away from his mouth and back to his eyes.
“I hope you are successful.” Where she could never be.
Perhaps if she could enjoy one more kiss with him, she could go about her life, and he could go…
Well, he’d go away from here, and once more she would be alone.
She bit her bottom lip to stifle a whimper.
From losing him or her need of him, she couldn’t say.
His lips curved into a smile that promised wicked things as he peered down at her. “You need to learn how to shutter your eyes.”
“Why?”
“Because you say too much without uttering a word.”
I am a silly widgeon.
“I can’t help that I’m curious about you, and frankly, you are quite easy on the eyes.” Rose shrugged. Would he take exception if she moved into his personal space and kissed him until they were both heated and distracted from the sorrow in their lives?
“Your interest will turn into desire and that will turn into passion.” If possible, he scooted closer to her and dropped his voice. “Soon, you will find yourself on your back and under a man’s body.”
A tremble danced down her spine. His presence and his words almost made her forget about the scandal that had landed her at Landry Hall to begin with. “That is not necessarily a bad thing, Captain, especially if it’s yours.” Shocking herself, she winked. “I do know my own mind.”
Except, where he was concerned, she might be considered slightly mad, and she couldn’t explain why.
He snorted. “I am no one of consequence and hardly a man you should tarry with, especially in that way, no matter if I’m about to agree with you.”
Oh, what a temptation! “It is my decision.” The scent of him coupled with the cool autumn breeze nearly saw her coming undone as she sat next to him.
“What shall we do about this, then? You have been skittish during kisses.”
“I…” Need warred with panic to clash through her belly.
Why was she so nervous? She had enjoyed physical relations with her lover years ago, had borne a child!
But with Laurence, he overwhelmed her senses until all she could think about was him.
Everything was new, as if she were experiencing it for the first time.
“Memories have a way of tamping future enjoyment, I suppose.” And again, her gaze dropped to his mouth.
“Ah, Rose, what are you doing to me?” he asked softly, but there was a devilish gleam in his dark eyes. “I am only so strong.”
Those words cut through the haze of passion. A whimper escaped her. “Right now, I would certainly welcome the chance to lean on that strength, though.” It was the most truth she’d told him thus far.
“Come with me.” The captain took her hand and when he stood, he brought her into a standing position then tugged her over to a patch of thick grass to one side of the heart of the maze. “Do you truly mean that?”
Did she? “Yes.” Though the thought of more scandal terrified her, she could no longer ignore the attraction for him. The brief contact of his hand on hers left her breathless.
“Good.” With nimble fingers, he undid the frogging on her pelisse. Seconds later, that piece of clothing slipped to the ground with a whisper.
Her body ached to feel his arms around her, and when he whipped off his jacket, spread it on the grass, he encouraged her to sit upon it. Flutters went through her belly anew.
What sort of woman does this make me?
“I want you to know that you are in control. If you bid me nay during any of it, I’ll leave off.
We’ll walk away, be nothing to each other except friends.
” When he joined her, awareness of him crawled over her skin.
Before she could do anything, say anything, Laurence settled behind her with his legs outstretched and framing hers.
The certain evidence of his arousal brushed against her bottom as his arms came around her middle, and she shook from the sensations buffeting her, for they were much different than when he’d kissed her.
Because this embrace has a destination.