“I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that, because I want the same thing. But I want you to be sure you’re ready for what you’re asking for right now. This is a big step, and we don’t know how everything will work out.” He needed to be certain Elise wanted to be with him. He desired her more than he ever thought possible, but he would never pressure her for more than she was able and willing to give.
“Even if things don’t work out in the end, I’ll never regret taking the chance to be with you. I love you, Reid. I’m afraid I’d regret more the chance I don’t take.”
CHAPTER27
When Reid didn’t say anything, Elise settled down beside him and brushed her fingers through his silver strands that glinted in the moonlight. He didn’t stop her, but he didn’t make a move towards her either. As they lay there, his eyes searched hers for a long time as the storm rumbled outside. Finally, leaning across the pillow between them, he gently kissed her.
Elise shimmied closer and reached over, cupping the back of his head so she could pull him in more tightly and increase the pressure of his lips on her own. Taking the hint, Reid opened his mouth over hers, and she eagerly returned the action. He slid his hand down to the small of her back, anchoring her against him. Eager to be even closer, Elise hitched up her leg, wrapping it around his. Even with all the layers of sleeping clothes and sheets between them, she could feel his arousal. Elise felt a tingling sensation growing in her lower belly, and she knew she wanted everything from him. As she instinctually moved against him, he let out a low groan.
Pulling back slightly and breaking their kiss, Reid rested his forehead against hers. Breathing heavily, he asked again, “Are you sure this is what you want? Because if we go much further, I don’t know if I’ll have it in me to stop.”
“I don’t want you to stop,” Elise reassured. “I just want to feel as close to you as I possibly can.”
“Nevertheless,” Reid said, stroking her hair, completely serious, “if at any time you change your mind, just say so, and regardless of what I just told you, I will stop.”
“I know you will, I trust you,” she whispered. Those must have been the magic words, because with a growl, he suddenly sprung into motion and kissed her passionately. They slowly removed each other’s night clothes, and when she first lay next to him, skin to skin, Elise gasped at the sensation.
“Are you alright?” he asked. She could only nod in response, reveling at his gentle touch as he ran his hands up and down her body. “I want to worship you,” he whispered before kissing into the hollow of her neck. Reid proceeded to kiss down every inch of her body until she was lost in sensation. When she thought she couldn’t bear it another second, he finally joined them together and Elise had never felt such connection before. Tears welled in her eyes, overwhelmed by the love she felt, both for him and from him. Elise knew she had made the right choice in coming to him tonight. Even with their future together uncertain, she would always cherish the memory of this moment.
* * *
Reid woke the next morning with Elise still snuggled into his side. He couldn’t believe what had transpired the night before. It was the last thing he had been expecting, but what a gift she had given him. He knew it would be even harder to leave her now, but he had no regrets as long as she didn’t.
At thirty-nine years old, Reid had been with a number of women in his life. But nothing had ever come close to what he experienced with Elise, and he knew it was because of the connection they shared. He was so completely in love with her, he almost felt the inclination to make fun of himself, as he would have anyone else in his situation before. It was ridiculous when he thought about it, the entire orientation of his life had changed. Everything now revolved around Elise—his decision making was guided by what would be best for her or if it would help her feel comfortable committing to him. But even with her new resolve to make things work, thetonmight prove too much for her. It would kill him not to spend forever with her, but at least he could hold on to the memory of last night, and know she was also fighting for a life together.
Light was just starting to peek around the corners of the curtains, and Reid knew he needed to be on his way soon. Reluctantly, he pulled his arm out from under Elise, trying his hardest not to disturb her, but she started to stir anyway. When she opened her eyes, she gave him a shy smile.
“Good morning, my love,” Reid told her, leaning over to kiss her forehead. “How are you feeling this morning?” He prayed she wouldn’t regret what had happened last night in the light of day.
“Good morning,” Elise replied. “I feel rather wonderful this morning, like I’m finally a woman,” she said cheekily, shooting him a grin before her face sobered. “I wish you didn’t have to go to London. I love you, Reid.”
He thought his heart might burst hearing those words again. “I love you too, but you know I have to go.”
“I know,” Elise sighed. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get my head together, but I can’t imagine my life without you now, and I don’t want to.”
Overcome with feeling, Reid pulled her flush against him and devoured her with a passionate kiss. Still unclothed from the night before, he reveled in the feel of her skin against his and never wanted to leave the bed. Apparently free of inhibitions this morning, Elise melted into him and let her hands travel over his body, exploring him as he had her last night. He could feel her love through her touch and knew he couldn’t live without it moving forward.
Reid forced himself to pull back. “We can’t get carried away,” he said, smoothing her hair and breathing hard. “If we do, I’ll never leave this bed. And I have much to do before I leave tomorrow.”
“I like the ‘never leaving the bed’ part of the plan,” Elise said, looking down shyly. She went silent for a moment, then said, “I know I wasted time we could have been together. I was so focused on how I could hurt you that I didn’t see any possibilities. But I’m done reacting. Things can’t work as they are presently, so the factors need to change. I don’t know how, but I’m determined to redeem myself. I can make a new place for myself in thetonif it means I can have you, and I won’t need to be alone anymore.”
Reid’s heart was full. “I am so proud of you, and I will always be by your side. How did I get so lucky as to meet you?” Leaning forward, he kissed her again, unable to help himself.
Elise finally pulled away, breathless. “Go,” she said, shoving against his chest. “Go now before I won’t let you.”
Standing, Reid pulled on his banyan and made his way over to the washstand.
“I should probably go myself before Evie catches me in here or I’ll never hear the end of it,” Elise said.
Reid laughed and was glad for the lighter mood. Tying her dressing gown around her, Elise walked towards him. Before he knew what was happening, she had him in a fiercely tight embrace. He wrapped his arms around her in return, and they stood there for a few minutes, neither wanting to let go. Finally, she loosened her hold and looked up at him.
“Thank you for last night. I’m glad I’ll have the memory of being able to love you while you are away. Will you write to me while you are in London?”
“Of course I’ll write to you,” he said, cupping her beautiful face before giving her one last kiss.
Elise left him to dress for the day and Reid hurried through his morning wash, making himself ready to ride back to Cliff House. Thankfully, the rain had ceased and with the sky brightening every minute, the ride back would be much less treacherous this morning. Reid thanked the gods above for sending that storm and forcing him to stay at the dower house; it had led to the best night of his life.
With a final goodbye at the door, Reid rode off, unsure when he would see Elise again.
