“Thank you, sir. I… But…” He built up thecourage to ask the question that had been on the tip of his tonguesince he met the mate. “Why are you helping me?”
“Every good man deserves a hand up. I gotmine when I was about your age.”
Every man. Mr. Seever didn’t view himdifferently, didn’t view him as less because he was colored. “Ireally appreciate that, sir. I’ll have to discuss it with, Allisonfirst, but I’m sure I’ll accept.”
Mr. Seever nodded. “I’ll go up and tellAllison she can come back to the deck.”
George watched Allison slink the stairs, chin dipping to her chest.Standing on the deck, she raised her head, but did not meet his eyes.
“I’m sorry, George,” she said in a painedwhisper. She wrapped her arms against her stomach, her lids fallingclosed. She drew a ragged breath and then opened her eyes again. “Iknow I hurt you. I’ve hurt so many people…” her voice faded likewisps of smoke.
His anger was tempered with concern. He hatedto see Allison torn up like this. She’d been through enough torturein her life she didn’t need to endure the reoccurring agony ofguilt. “Don’t feel bad about Grier and Coswell. You were justdefending yourself. They deserved it.”
“But you didn’t deserve the pain I causedyou. I should have told you the truth.” Her hand went to the gashon his forearm. “You’re injured.”
“It is just a scratch. It looks worse than itis.”
“We should get you to Mrs. Brown and have herlook at it. You could need stitches.”
“Later.” He wrapped his hands aroundAllison’s middle and reeled her to him. “I don’t want to lose youagain. Why did you leave me?” His question came out as more of ademand.
Allison winced but did not try to wiggle out of his grasp. “Ididn’t want to involve you in my problems with Coswell.” Her voicebarely rose above the wind. “As it is I still got you hurt.”
“I knew the risk. Your problems are myproblems, Allison.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I promise Iwon’t do anything like that again.”
“You better not.” He paused a beat beforeeach word.
Allison chewed on her bottom lip. “I didn’texpect you to come after me. Standing in the ticket line, all I could think about was how my lifewould be different if I was with you.”
“Different in a good way I hope,” Georgeteased, trying to brighten the dreary conversation. “I don’t wantto let you out of my sight.”
Allison tilted her head back and smiled up athim. Her lips were tempting, but he wouldn’t kiss her in front ofthe crew, however, he did have aquestion he wanted to ask. “Allison,” he said in a husky voice, “Ilove you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” Her eyes sparkled like the sun’s reflection on the water.
George’s heart soared. She said yes!He couldn’t get her to the farm fast enough so he’d be able toreally show her how much he loved her. He wanted his own place, butright now the farm would have to do for the hours of passion he hadin mind.
* * * *
George swept Allison into his arms andcarried her over the threshold ofthe farmhouse.
Emma stared at them speechless.
“What do you think you are doing?” Frederickdeep voice rumbled into the kitchen.
George smiled down at Allison and then up atFrederick. “I’m taking Allison to my room. We’re getting marriedtomorrow.”
“Married?” Emma said, her jaw dropping.
“Mmm-hmm.” Allison chastely kissing George’slips.
“So I figure one night earlier won’t hurt,”George explained.
Frederick’s eyes moistened. “I didn’t expectmy little brother … it is all happening so fast.”
Emma walked over to him and squeezed his arm.“It is all right. You can let him go. Let them be happytogether.”
“Of course,” Frederick said.“Congratulations.” His face brightened once the shock faded. “I dowant you two to be happy.”
“We will be,” George promised. “Thankyou.”
He whisked Allison into his bedroom andgently set her on the mattress. He wanted to make love to his womanand he wanted her to be ready when he did.
The lust in her eyes burned stronger thanever. His large hands explored her body caressing her through her clothing. She didn’t shy away fromhis touch.
She trusted him. She wanted him.
The thought aroused him further. He felt hiscock lengthen in his trousers. Although it was uncomfortable hewasn’t ready to strip.
He took his time seducing her. Thislovemaking session would last for hours. He might even breakFrederick’s record. He feathered kisses on her neck making astraight line to her bosom. She let out a soft moan and wigglednext to him.
This wasn’t going to be the fast, hard sexshe had instigated with him. No, he was going to woo her body. Slowand passionate this would be one night they’d never forget.
“More,” Allison begged. “Please, George.”
His tongue traced the seam of her lips andshe opened for him. His entered her mouth, fully tasting hersweetness for the first time. He ran his tongue from one cheek tothe other, fully claiming her as his.
Tentatively, Allison pushed back and thentheir tongues danced. Being inside her warm mouth made him eager toalso enter her lower lips. But he knew he’d have to ease his wayin.
He wrapped a hand around her head and theother pressed against her back. He lay back on the bed, pulling herdown with him. As soon as they were settled, with her deliciousweight covering him and her mound pressed against the length, hespoke in a gravelly tone. “Remember the wagon ride?”
Her breath caught and her muscles stiffened.A second later, he felt her mouth smile against his. “Ride me,” hesaid again. The heat built between them.
She curled her hands into his shoulders andbegan to ride him, tilting her hips so her womanhood danced on thetip of his cock.
“Oh,” Allison moaned. “George, I-I’m…”
George grinned listening to her gaspingbreaths grow louder, proud he’d gotten her that excited. He’d donesomething right. Allison’s gyrating excited him, too. He thrust hiships up, pressing harder into her tender flesh and nearly lostcontrol.
She moaned into
