The first faint light of dawn shone on the horizon as St. Ryne placed Elizabeth in the saddle and swung up behind her. Turning the tired horse back toward Larchside, he pulled her close. She leaned her cheek against him. When she heard a low laughing rumble in his throat, she looked up quizzically.
“Do you remember the last time you rode before me?”
“I’m not likely to forget, nor the ice water you set me in when we arrived.”
He grimaced. “That was an accident.” He paused, then went on in a strangled voice: “Thomas said you were planning to return to London. Dare I hope that you were coming back to me? I know I’ve acted the complete ass, but can you forgive me, Elizabeth?”
He sounded so humble and penitent, that even if she hadn’t already forgiven him, she would have done so. She looked into his eyes, her own shining. “Not unless you call me Bess,” she teased. “I find I’ve become fond of the name.”
He laughed. “I did it at first merely to tease, then I came to think of you as ‘my Bess’ and no other name would do, except maybe ‘love,’” he finished softly.
“Let’s begin anew, Justin,” she suggested urgently.
“How so, love?”
“Let’s pretend this is the homecoming ride from our wedding, and put the past behind us.”
“All right,” he said, then reined in the horse. “But first a kiss to seal our vows properly.” Pulling her tight against him, he lowered his head until their lips touched, softly at first then with increased pressure, their tongues intertwining as each pulled the other closer. The swirl of sensation threatened to drown Elizabeth, but this time, instead of allowing the sensations merely to wash through her, she answered his kiss with a tidal wave of passion.
She was light-headed but happy when at last their kiss broke. She reached up a shy finger to trace his face. “I love you, Justin. Let’s hurry home.” She paused, smiling saucily up at him. “I have still to learn what it really means to be the Viscountess St. Ryne.”
He raised an eyebrow, and a small smile tugged at the comers of his mouth. “And are you eager to do so?”
“Very eager.”
He laughed, hugging her tight, and urged the horse forward to Larchside.
