She cocked her head at the sounds coming from a nearby field. “I am told you have an interest in sheep, Mr Crawford.”
“Miss Nightingale, you don’t know the half of it. Sheep are my life, in many ways.”
“I would venture to comment that such a thing must be a solitary and sad state of affairs, but the enthusiasm in your voice tells me otherwise.”
Their steps took them through a gate in the wall. “You will learn,” was all he said. “And here we are.”
Jessie stared at the delightful cottage, gleaming windows reflecting the morning sun, a few late chrysanthemums bordering the spotless front path, and a thatched roof curving over the glass that clearly brought light into upstairs rooms.
“Oh how charming,” she exclaimed, her eyes roaming over the lovely facade. “I can scarcely believe I’m to live here…”
Piers took the key from his pocket and passed it to her. “Here you are. You should unlock your new residence.”
It was heavy, but she held it tightly, slipping it into the keyhole where it turned smoothly. She unlatched the door and stepped inside, greeted by the scent of beeswax and some long-gone cigar, mixed with leather and wood smoke.
She breathed in as Piers entered behind her and she heard the lock click. They were finally alone.
“It’s…” she struggled for words.
Strong arms came around her. “As perfect as you are, Jessie.”
The air went out of her lungs for several seconds, and she struggled to gasp as he held her snugly against him.
Turning, she reached up and let her hands rest on his shoulders as he kicked the door closed behind them, isolating them from the rest of the world. “I can’t believe this,” she whispered. “I truly cannot believe this.”
“Neither can I. I’ve thought of nothing but you, ached for no one but you.” His face neared hers. “Did I not say that we would see each other again?”
His hands closed on her back, thrusting their bodies together as he kissed her, his mouth eager, hungry, his tongue meeting hers in a fierce duel that had her moaning with pleasure within moments.
She slid her fingers beneath his jacket, feeling his heat, sensing his heart thundering within his chest even as hers echoed the self-same rhythm.
Breaking apart, Piers made a sound that took Jessie’s breath away, then fumbled with her gown, finally loosening it as pins scattered and pinged to the floor.
His hands found her breasts and she whimpered with pleasure. “Piers, how…”
“I want you,” he groaned. “We can talk later. I want younow.”
