“James.” His name on her lips was both a moan and a plea.
This might be his only chance until their wedding night. Greed swept over him. He had to taste her. Everywhere. He flicked his tongue in the center of those curls, his effort rewarded when her hips lifted from the bed.
“James!”
“Yes, my sweet. Tell me.” He repeated her words, wanting to hear how he made her feel.
“You shouldn’t— I can’t—”
Delight filled him at her inability to speak. But he wanted her to feel even more. His fingers caressed her thigh then shifted to her hot center. He kissed her again, moving his tongue along her folds even as his finger found her hot channel and entered only to withdraw again and again.
“Oh! My!”
“Yes. Let go.”
Her body shuddered, and he moved up to catch her moan with a kiss.
He intended to stop there. The last thing he wanted was for her to be heavy with child before their wedding. He would see to his own needs later, after she’d left him, while her sweet scent still clung to his sheets.
“James, what of you?” She shifted against him, her fingers finding his stiff rod and moving along its length as if she knew just what to do. “I want to please you as well.”
“But—” He struggled to remember the reason why this wasn’t a sound notion.
“Now.” She placed a hand on his hip to urge him on top of her. Her soft heat beckoned. And he was lost.
“Charlotte. I love you.” He gathered his control, determined that she enjoy this part as much as she had the other. He nudged apart her legs with his knee and settled into place, the tip of his manhood finding her damp entrance. “You’re certain?”
“Yes. Always.” She lifted her hips.
He eased into her tightness then thrust forward, pausing when her body stiffened. “It might hurt. Just for a moment,” he managed. He forced himself to count to three before he withdrew most of the way.
“That...wasn’t quite what I expected.” She sounded confused and slightly disappointed.
“We’ve only just begun.” He moved forward again, finding a rhythm, keeping a tight rein on himself until her body relaxed and she seemed to enjoy the moment. Then he lifted onto an elbow and reached between their bodies to touch her center and found the nub there once more.
Her breathless moan spoke of his success. Her hips tilted, quickening his pace until he could wait no more.
“Yes,” she cried as her body quivered once more.
Satisfaction poured through him, and he pulled out to wrap the bed linen over his rod, emptying himself, already missing her heat.
“Why did you do that?” Charlotte whispered.
“I wouldn’t want you to be heavy with child before our wedding day arrives.” He shifted to her side and drew her into his arms, cradling her pliant body against him. “Charlotte, my love. You are such a gift.”
“Oh, James. I love you.” She leaned up to look into his eyes, a smile curving her lips. “That was an adventure I will never forget. But one I look forward to repeating.”
“As do I. Our wedding cannot come fast enough.”
“Mother keeps saying it will be here before I know it. But she’s wrong. It’s taking forever. Now she’s thinking a late May wedding would be best.”
James chuckled. “Some things are worth waiting for.” He kissed her. “You are worth waiting for.”
“As are you. Though now that I know what will happen on our wedding night, I fear the time will pass even slower.”
“Does it make you feel any better to know I feel the same?”
She considered his question. “A little. It’s just that I want to be with you every moment of every day.”
“Soon, my love. Very soon.” Then he kissed her once more, realizing May sounded as if it would indeed take an eternity but would truly be worth the wait.
Epilogue
Four Years Later
“Darling, have you seen my blue waistcoat?” James searched through his packed trunk one more time. He would’ve thought after all the trips they’d made, he would’ve become more organized when travelling.
“I believe it’s near the top,” Charlotte called from the adjoining room.
“I found it.” He put it on and fastened the buttons. “Are you almost ready?”
His breath caught as she glided into the room wearing a periwinkle blue gown that accented her curves and highlighted her beauty. Her honey-colored tresses were rolled into a loose chignon with several curls left loose to frame her face.
“I’m ready,” she declared as she finished fastening an earring. “Will I do?”
“Charlotte.” He was nearly at a loss for words. “You are so beautiful.”
She smiled and drew close to pat his cheek. “Spoken like a good husband.”
He took her bare hand and turned it to kiss the palm. “Nothing of the sort. Spoken like a besotted one who loves his wife.”
She laughed and kissed him before drawing back. “I’m so pleased you feel that way.”
“Always and forever.” He settled his hands on her waist. “Are you certain you wish to go to the ball? We could stay here instead.”
Their latest adventure had taken them to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, a beautiful place rich with history and stunning views, including the one from the villa where they were staying. Sheer cliffs, rugged shorelines, and abundant lemon groves combined with the area’s Roman history and terraced vineyards made it a destination they’d both enjoyed exploring.
“The Countess of Pemberford would never forgive us,” Charlotte said as she looped her arms around his shoulders. “But I promise we won’t stay overlong.”
“Does that mean you don’t intend to dance away the night with me?”
“I intend to dance with you, but not for long. I am rather tired this evening.” Something flashed
