They knew each other well now, and he was familiar with her gasps and her sighs. Perhaps that was why this was no rushed mating. They took their time joining together, kissingand stroking, not hurrying. And Callum realized that they were making love.
Their climax was long and slow and wonderfully satisfactory. Callum felt it would go on forever, and he wanted it to. If he had ever had any doubts that Penelope was the only woman for him, then they were cast aside forever.
“Have there been many women?” she asked him as they lay quiet, their hands clasped together.
“You’d be amazed how attractive some girls find the shy boy.”
She laughed softly. “So that’s how you explain it?”
He turned his head and smiled. “I’m not looking for that sort of life. I am not that sort of man. I want one woman to cleave to. And children, I would like children.”
For a long time she searched his eyes, seeking to read the secrets in them. He let her. He wanted her to know how he felt. He thought she might say something, share her own longings, but instead she turned away and began to right her clothing.
“I hope you can find that woman,” she said lightly, disappointing him. And yet he could tell she meant it. She had a generous heart and she wanted him to succeed and be as happy as it was possible for him to be.
It was not her fault that she had ruined him of that chance by the simple act of being somewhere in the world.
Chapter Nineteen
Angus sighed ashe held Selina in his arms, the lichen covered stones of the ruin looming over them. They were both fully clothed, and although they had been kissing, that was as far as it had gone. Now Selina turned her head to look at him, raising her eyebrows. “Whatever is the matter? Are you imagining Cromwell slighting the castle?”
He snorted. “No, I am wondering what I will do when I go home,” he said disingenuously. “I am thinking about how lonely I will be without you.”
Selina grinned at him. “Oh, is there an alternative to you going home and being lonely?”
He grinned back. “I can kidnap you and ride north with you as my hostage. Does that appeal to you, Selina?”
She thought about it. “I think it does. I have never been kidnapped before, but I am willing to try it.”
“It would be something to tell our children.”
He felt her go still and then it was Selina who sighed. “I wish I could give you your wish, but I told you before, I’m not sure children are possible at my age, Angus.”
Angus, realizing he had said the wrong thing, hurried to reassure her. “I don’t need children, Selina. I need you, only you. I’m sorry if I made you think...”
She patted the hand that rested around her and leaned her head back on his broad shoulder. “It is all right. I understand.You must find someone younger. I would not have you pining for something that cannot be.”
Angus knew he could brush the words aside, go on with their pleasant interlude, but he had realized over the past days that he did not want to live a life without her. Returning to Bonnyrigg without Selina was not to be borne.
“Let me be clear,” he said.
She looked up at him with big, worried eyes. “About what?”
“If children are no’ possible then I am at peace with that. It is you I want, my love.”
“Me?” she squeaked.
“I have lived my life to the full, and I thought I would continue on with that until I was on my deathbed. But I found you, and I know I canna let you go. Will you have me, Selina? Will you marry me? I know it is no’ something you can do without considering Miss Armstrong and your life here in London, and you maybe think you are taking a risk. But I am dependable and loyal, and I would treat you verra well.”
The truth of his words rang out, and Selina had tears in her eyes as she answered just as seriously. “Thank you, Angus. I want... I will have to think on it, but I want to say yes.”
He smiled and leaned in to smack his lips against hers.
“There is something more I must tell you,” she said, and now she seemed nervous. “My fiancé who died... We were waiting for the wedding night to—to be together. And there has been no one since who I trusted enough to allow... Well, I am a virgin, Angus. Does that put you off? I understand if you might want a woman with more experience.”
He stared and then he laughed. “You think I would refuse you because o’ that? Selina, you are giving me a gift! I promise I will be gentle and patient. I have learned much over the years and now I know it was for a reason. It was for you.”
He held her close, promising he would love her and show her how much she meant to him.
