“Wear something nice,” her grandmother added.
Edwina cursed under her breath.When would she escape the matchmaking?She’d contemplated telling everyone about Mikhail but didn’t want nosy questions.Had they fought?Did his family disapprove of her modern ways?
She’d known this separation would be difficult, but a fulfilling marriage without trust and safety was impossible.If that meant waiting while Mikhail did this vital job, then so be it.
Since her grandmother seemed to want reassurance, she dipped her head.“Yes, Grandmother.”But she visualized wearing tight jeans, a top that exposed the curves of her breasts and a leather jacket along with spiky heels.That delightful vision and her grandmother’s probable reaction kept her smiling cheerfully until the elderly woman departed.
Saturdayafternoon,Middlemarch
Edwina returned from training with Isabella, her entire body coated with sweat.They’d gone for a run first.Even though her legs had quivered from the exertion, she’d completed an entire Isabella workout afterward without complaint.
She recalled Isabella’s faint praise with satisfaction.“You’ve improved.”
Roscoe’s offer intrigued her, and although she’d discuss it with Mikhail, she thought she’d accept a part-time job.It would give her a break from her songwriting and music course and might even offer inspiration.
Edwina stripped off her clothes and dumped them in the laundry basket.She’d turned on the shower when she heard a knock at the door.The temptation to ignore the summons was strong, but it was probably her mother or grandmother, and they’d spot her rental car.Sighing, she grabbed her robe and left the bathroom, belting the garment as she hustled to the door.A peek out the window had her frowning.She didn’t recognize the vehicle.The red sedan looked like a rental.Perhaps one of the new guests had taken a wrong turn?
The knock came again, more insistent.
“Great timing,” she muttered, stomping to the door.A familiar pine scent hit her seconds before she flung open the door.She let out a girlish shriek, clapped her hand across her mouth in consternation, then she was in his arms and burrowing against his bulky warmth.
“You’re here.”She touched his face, reassuring herself he was solid.“Is it done?We won’t have trouble from the Smirnoff family?”
“It’s done,” Mikhail said, his expression soft and full of tenderness.
She tugged him inside and closed the door.“I’ve been with Isabella, doing a training session.I was about to get in the shower.”
“I’ve come straight from Dunedin Airport,” Mikhail said.“I’d be happy to share a shower.”
“Do you have clothes?”
“I’ll get my bag in a minute.First, I want to kiss you.”His big hands slid down her back as if he couldn’t stop himself from touching her.
She clutched his broad shoulders.“I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Ivan gave me your letters.I read them on the plane,” he said.“I was hoping we could manage a honeymoon in Tahiti before we fly home.”
“Yes,” she said, standing on tiptoes to kiss him.She’d make it work.
Mikhail took over the kiss.It was romantic, and everything she’d ever dreamed of.She fell into the magic and happiness, almost giddy knowing that this test of their relationship was over and they could start a life together for real.
Mikhail pulled back, his eyes glowing with his feline.“Why don’t you start your shower, and I’ll grab my bag and join you.Do you have plans for this afternoon?”
“I promised Isabella I’d babysit for her and her husband.They’re dropping their son Kian off, and he’s staying overnight.”
“No problem.We’ll have time for a snooze first?”
Anticipation spread in Edwina.“We will.I intended to take Kian for a run once it gets darker.”
“I’d enjoy that,” Mikhail said.After another toe-curling kiss, he slipped outside to get his luggage.
Edwina grinned after him, her fingers pressed to her swollen lips.She dashed to the shower and stepped under the warm water, washing away the perspiration lingering from her workout.
Mikhail appeared in the bathroom, clad only in his boxer briefs.“I left my bag in your bedroom.Is that okay?”
“Yes!I’ve missed you.”Edwina nudged open the shower door and gestured for him to enter.
“We’ll have time to catch up,” Mikhail said, shucking his underwear.“Lots of time.”
