She spoke of some of the dreams she’d had as a girl. She’d wanted security. Children.
A kind husband.
She hadn’t expected a loving husband or a handsome husband. Her only requirement had been that he be kind.
In turn, Niles told her of the land he’d always wanted to purchase along the southern coast. He owned it now and had commissioned the construction of a practical home.
“Oh, but how wonderful for you!” She’d not been impressed, it seemed, so much as happy for him. “When will you live there? You aren’t going to retire anytime soon, are you?”
In fact, he already had. He responded noncommittally, remembering to whom he was speaking.
But then she’d announced that he simply must take her there to inspect it. Her and her girls, she’d corrected.
Most of his dreams, he realized in that moment, had come true. He’d stopped dreaming extravagantly the day Lady Katherine announced her betrothal to her viscount.
Eve asked about the landscaping, the furnishings, and deigned to make a few suggestions. He could almost imagine her making his house into a home.
Both their tongues had been considerably loosened. Every empty silence filled with expectancy.
By the time they climbed the stairs to their chamber, the energy in the air sparked between them.
“Goodnight Mrs. Waverly ma’am… sir.” The innkeeper’s wife nodded at them in the corridor. They’d easily passed themselves off as husband and wife. Niles didn’t remember stating such a falsehood, perhaps Eve had.
He liked that about her. That she was willing to do what she had to for the greater good.
He held the door wide and watched her walk into their chamber. She wasn’t acting coy. She hadn’t asked him to wait downstairs while she prepared for the night.
Ah, no. Tonight would be theirs.
He just may have consumed enough spirits to quiet the pain in his ribs. He could do this.
He would do this.
With his back to her, he locked the door and allowed himself a tight wince before quickly replacing it with emotions he’d rather have her see. Appreciation. Desire. Lust.
All of which coursed through him at an alarming rate.
She stood in the middle of the room, arms wrapped around her front. She appeared shy and uncertain now that they were alone again.
He’d not give her a chance to shut him out. “God, you look beautiful.”
“Are you certain?” Hesitancy laced her voice, but anticipation lit her gaze. “I’m not unaware that you’re in pain today.”
In three long strides, he held her in his arms. “Does this seem uncertain to you?” He’d have liked to scoop her up and carry her to the bed, but even with the greatest resolve, he didn’t think it possible. Instead, he walked her backwards until they both fell onto the mattress.
Oh, hell. An unwise move on his part to be certain. He covered his shallow breaths with a few chuckles.
Because she was laughing now.
Laughing and lying beneath him.
Careful to keep most of his weight off her, he reached one hand to untie his cravat. “Are you certain?” He would have her assurance. “You’ve suffered a loss.” At her raised brows, he conceded “Not a great one, but a loss nonetheless.”
Slim arms wound around his neck, pulling him downward.
Pain.
But this was Eve, and he’d make love to her… this once.
