“It is,” he replied, “and I hope I never take it for granted.”
“Um, excuse me, brother dear,” Evie said, gesturing to the distant horizon as she approached, “but have you noticed those clouds over there? They’re heading this way, and I don’t think we should still be up here when they arrive.”
Annie and Julian glanced over at the ominous gray wall that loomed on the horizon.
“They’re still some way off, but it’s probably wise to start back,” Julian said, he and Annie rising. “You two got soaked yesterday. I don’t want to risk it again today.”
“But we’re still going to see the puppies, yes?” Clara asked.
Julian looked dubious. “Whereabouts is this house, Annie?”
“It’s not far from the church,” Annie replied. “Practically next door.”
“All right.” Julian turned to the twins, who were already sharing excited grins with each other. “Off you go. Just be careful on the way down and don’t get too far ahead.”
“Don’t get too far behind,” Evie countered, still grinning as she picked up her skirts and headed off to the path with Clara.
Annie went to follow, but Julian caught hold of her hand. “Wait, Annie, please.”
She gave him a questioning look.
“There’s something I…” He frowned, moved closer, and cupped his hand to her cheek, his gaze moving over her face before resting on her mouth. “Something I have been longing to do. That is, if you have no objection.”
He didn’t need to explain further. Annie’s breath caught and a flush of warmth arose in her cheeks. “Yes,” she said, and then shook her head. “I mean, no, Julian, I… I have no objection. Not at all.”
A smile turned into a slight frown appeared as his thumb stroked her cheek, while his fingers gently buried themselves in her curls. Hiseyes met hers for a moment, his gaze so intense, it stirred something deep inside. A flutter of desire, and not entirely unfamiliar. Julian’s gaze then shifted to her mouth, his frown deepening as he tilted his head, tipped up her chin, and touched his lips to hers. Tentative at first, cautious even, but the sensation sent tingles all the way down to Annie’s toes. A soft sound of pleasure came from her throat as she closed her eyes, gripped his coat, and leaned into him.
Immediately, his arms folded around her, the kiss becoming more bold, more demanding, yet still gentle. As Julian’s hands slid down to her waist, pulling her close, Annie’s hands crept upward, over his shoulders and around his neck, allowing her to move closer still, body to body. Her heartbeat pulsed in her ears as his mouth continued to caress hers. Something else, way down inside, also pulsed to life, demanding she press harder against him, needing, seeking. She became aware of a stirring between them, a telling thickness that strained against her belly. Julian parted with a groan and lifted his head, chest rising and falling against hers. “Annie,” he muttered, between breaths, “we have to go.”
“Yes, of course.” Annie exhaled as her hands slid down his chest. Instinct told her their desire was mutually intense and, given the time and place, in need of taming. She also realized what had stirred between them and what it meant. The intensity of it, the want of it, shocked her. Was it wrong to be so affected?
Julian stole another quick kiss and then took her hand. Neither one spoke till they reached the path. By now, the twins were almost at the bottom of the hill. Evie glanced up at them, halted, and threw her arms wide. ‘What is taking you so long?’was the unspoken message.
“Imp,” Julian said.
Annie laughed. “I fear the odds of you being blackmailed have just increased.”
“Worth it,” he replied. “Unquestionably. Right. Let’s go and look at some puppies.”
*
“Oh, they’re sosweet!” Evie said, peering into the stall at the puppies, who were busy wrestling with each other in the straw. “Are there only two of them?”
The owner, a rosy-cheeked gray-haired lady by the name of Mrs. Clayton, nodded and folded her arms over her ample bosom. “There were six at the start, but only two of ’em left now,” she said. “Just coming up on ten weeks old. Bitch and a dog. The bitch is the smaller one.”
“We wanted a boy,” Clara said. “But the little girl is very sweet as well.”
“Yes, she is,” Evie said, casting a glance at Julian. “Maybe we could take—?”
“One, Evie.” Julian gave her a stern look. “Only one. No argument.”
“They’re grand little dogs,” Mrs. Clayton said, nodding. “Good parentage.”
“No doubt.” Julian exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Annie. “All right, Evie, Clara, make up your minds. Which one is it to be?”
“Um, the boy, I suppose,” Evie said, with little enthusiasm, “but then his sister’d be left all alone.”
“Or he will, if we take the little girl,” Clara said, pouting.
