“You do realize your wedding will need to wait several months?” her mother asked as she looked between them.
“I will happily wait however long you’d like now that Charlotte has said yes.” James’ grin made Charlotte smile even more.
Edward leaned close to kiss Charlotte’s cheek. “I wish you every happiness, dear sister.” He turned to James and shook his hand. “I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law. Welcome to the family. I believe this calls for a toast.”
The butler entered with a broad smile along with a tray carrying a bottle of champagne and glasses.
In short order, the cork was popped, and they each held a glass of the bubbling liquid.
“To happily ever afters,” James said, lifting his glass.
“And to many more adventures,” Charlotte added, her gaze holding on James.
“Adventures?” Lady Wynn asked with a frown. “What adventures?”
Too late, Charlotte realized her mistake, but as always, James, ever her hero, came to her rescue. “Charlotte refers to our wish to do some traveling. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Charlotte nodded, thrilled at the idea of seeing the world with James. “I look forward to doing so.” She linked her fingers with his, unable to bear being apart. “Forever and always.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
James stirred, trying to determine what had woken him.
Clink. The sound echoed again in the bedchamber of his apartment, and he threw off the covers to rush to the window, wondering what on earth could be striking the glass pane at this hour of the night.
The faint glow of a lantern was visible below. He stared at the light for a long moment before realization dawned.
“Charlotte?” It had to be her. Who else would do such a thing, other than him? In short order, he pulled on a shirt and trousers, both unfastened, feet still bare, and hurried down the stairs to unlatch the front door.
A hooded figure carrying a lantern drew near. Though the darkness hid her, somehow he recognized her instantly.
“What is it? Has something happened?” he asked.
“Yes.” She strode past him through the door and started up the stairs, leaving him to follow.
He quickly shut the door, hoping no one had witnessed her arrival, and chased after her. “What might that be?”
During the last three months, he’d spent every possible moment with her, always properly chaperoned with the exception of a stolen moment or two. His mother had invited Charlotte and Lady Wynn for tea on two occasions. To his relief, they had gotten along very well. He and Charlotte had announced their betrothal but hadn’t attended any balls or other social gatherings since she was still in mourning. The few kisses they’d managed to share hadn’t been nearly enough as far as he was concerned. Yet he knew the wait would be worth it.
“Which way is your bedchamber?” she asked
With a hand at her elbow, he turned her at the top of the stairs to the first door on the right. Obviously, she wanted to speak to him in private. Had something happened to her mother? Or Edward?
He followed her through the door and closed it, watching as she set the lantern on his bedside table and turned to face him, tossing back her hood.
“I could wait no longer.”
“For what?” he asked, filled with concern.
“To be together.” She untied the fastening of her cloak and let it fall to the floor.
The faint light of the lantern and the banked coals of the fire shed just enough light in the room to reveal her thin chemise. Her very thin chemise. Was it his imagination, or could he see the dark outline of her nipples through the pale fabric? His body tightened at the sight, real or imagined.
“Together.” He repeated the word dumbly, his mind trying to catch up with that of his soon-to-be bride’s.
She reached for the hem of her chemise and lifted it over her head to stand naked before him. “Yes, together.”
“Charlotte.” His pulse hammered in his body. Especially in one particular area.
“James. We haven’t been on an adventure in forever.” She walked closer, her scent enveloping him just before her arms did. “I think it’s time.”
“But we will be married in three more months,” he protested weakly even as he drew her against him.
“Three months is an eternity. I want to be together now.”
“My sweet.” He couldn’t have denied her anything at that moment. Not with need pulsing through him. “Three months is a long time.”
He leaned close to take her mouth with his, his common sense giving way to passion. Their tongues swept against the other, setting fire to the spark that had burned within him for months. He settled trembling hands on the curve of her waist before lowering to her hips. Then to her rounded bottom.
She gasped as she pressed kisses along his jaw, then his neck. Her hands found the opening of his shirt but quickly abandoned it and lifted it off to toss it aside. She spread her fingers in the hair of his chest as if eager to feel every inch of him.
He tried to draw a breath. To slow the pace. To think. But his need was too great, her touch too welcome. He lifted her into his arms and carried her the short distance to his bed where he lay her down.
“Do you know how often I’ve imagined you here, your hair spread across my pillow?” he asked as he shed his trousers to join her.
“Tell me.” She sounded breathless, her gaze holding his as if he were the only one who mattered.
“Every night.” He kissed her deeply before moving to the softness of her neck. “Every hour of every night.” He continued down to the swell of her breast. “I imagined doing so many things to you.”
“Truly?” she whispered. “Such as?”
He hesitated, wondering if she was prepared for what he’d dreamed of for so long. Then she shifted as if her body was anxious for his touch.
“To kiss you here.” He lowered to her breast, taking the taut
