His rhythm increased and her body spiraled out of control, grasping at him even as she lay helpless to control anything, giving herself up to his expert ministrations. Just when she thought she would go mad with her need, the thunder boomed once again and he grasped her waist, pushing into her with a force that filled her with such exquisite pleasure, her world shattered.
His own shout barely penetrated the happiness that filled her as she grasped his hand with both of hers, tightened her legs about him, and rode the wave of bliss. She floated on a cloud of purest satisfaction, smiling in the darkness that was so like her dreams and yet not. Finally, she opened her eyes to look at him and sucked in her breath. Naked love shone in his eyes, their green intensity piercing the darkness.
Then just as suddenly, he blinked and what she thought she saw was gone. His mouth lifted in a satisfied grin. “Best storm we’ve ever had.”
She managed a small smile, still stunned by what she’d seen.
He pulled her up to a sitting position against him, his hands cradling her backside, which sent off a new volley of sparks, redirecting her thoughts. She looped her arms around his neck. “I like this.”
“So do I.” He walked with her to the chair he’d kicked aside, sending tiny volts of pleasure through her. Then he sat. “You can uncross your legs.”
She did as he suggested, and he sat back on the chair with her on his lap. She tested their new position, rocking her hips forward a little, then hissed at the pleasure it caused. Her gaze flew to his.
He grinned. “Since I obviously have no control with you. You can have control this time.”
She’d never been in such a unique position. Burying her hands in his hair, she kissed the side of his neck, pleased at the slight jump she felt inside. Oh, the pleasure they could find.
And they did.
Chapter Five
Three weeks lateras they rode from Silver Meadows to Brambling Cottage, Noah only half-listened to Juliet. He needed to pay more attention, but he kept thinking of the surprise he had planned. He had no doubt she’d be pleased.
He’d spent the last weeks truly wooing her. They talked about Orinda’s life and her own adjustments. They’d taken walks through the forest enjoying the colors of the leaves as they blanketed the ground, and rejoiced when she made her first pie. They’d made love and woken in the morning together, taking turns making hot chocolate to ward off the coolness of the cottage until the fires in the fireplaces warmed it once again. They’d even helped each other dress.
His only concern was there were still a few pages in the diary that remained blank. He wasn’t sure why Orinda di—
“Oh look. It’s a hawk.” Juliet slowed her horse and pointed to the sky.
He shaded his eyes from the autumn sun to see the large black bird that floated in the air high above them. “No, that’s a raven. There are many that live at Ravenridge. I’m surprised you haven’t see one before now.”
She inclined her head as she examined the bird. Now that she was out of mourning, her pale pink bonnet reflected the color in her cheeks from the cold. “It looks smaller than I remember. It must be very high. I believe there is a young lady at the schoolwho is fascinated by birds. I’ll have to tell her to look for the ravens.”
He couldn’t imagine being fascinated by anything but her, so he kept silent.
As they rode to the stable, he jumped down and helped her to dismount, unable to resist kissing her right there.
Her arms circled his neck as their tongues battled for dominance. It was one of the many qualities he loved about her. She may be diminutive in stature but her assertiveness in bed, or out of it for that matter, knew no bounds.
Finally, she broke the kiss and looked about her. “It would not do for us to be caught in such a compromising position.” She gave him a sly smile. “Not that many come down this road. Still, I’m thinking there’s much more we can do inside.”
He grinned, deciding he needed to introduce her to lovemaking out of doors as soon as it warmed. “I’ll be in as soon as I finish here.”
She spun and sashayed into the house, looking back to make sure he watched before she disappeared inside.
Quickly, he took care of the horses, anxious to reveal his heart. As soon as he’d finished, he strode inside and divested himself of his greatcoat, the additional wood Juliet had added to the fire warming the house nicely. Now that the moment was upon him, doubts assailed him, but he refused to listen. He knew what was in his heart.
Juliet entered from the kitchen, her pink dress making her appear younger, happier. “Cook left us mincemeat pie. It’s nice and warm.”
He couldn’t wait another moment. He strode forward and took her hands, leading her to the settee. “I wish to talk with you a moment.”
She smiled, settling onto her seat. “Of course. I do adore conversing with you.”
He sat next to her, still holding one hand. “And I with you. In fact, I have found everything I do is much more enjoyable with you.”
“I feel so as well.”
His heart raced at her words and he cupped her cheek. “I’m very pleased to hear this because I have fallen in love with you. Would you honor me by becoming my wife?”
