Opening the door, she eased within. Justin was standing at the window, his back to the door. Thankfully, he was fully dressed. He turned as he heard the door shut and did a double take when he saw Jillian standing there.
“Jillian! What are you doing here? Is something amiss?”
She was flustered by the sudden questions. “I wanted to give you this,” she said, thrusting forth the package.
He looked surprised by the gesture. Walking over to her, he took the small box from her outstretched hand. “What is this for?”
“It’s a Christmas present.”
He sat down on the edge of his bed and began unwrapping the gift. A lock of hair fell over his forehead as he looked down, and Jillian’s hand ached to smooth it back. She looked down at her hands as if afraid they would act of their own volition. If ever he kissed her again, she was going to make it a point to run her fingers through his hair. Her cheeks warmed, and she gave silent thanks that Justin was not privy to her inner thoughts.
Justin tore away the last of the paper and lifted a silver inkwell from the box. He turned it over in his hand, finding an inscription of his name on the front. He looked up at her, a queer expression lighting his face.
“I don’t know what to say, Jillian. It’s the most thoughtful present anyone has ever given me. You needn’t have bought me anything.”
“Oh, but I wanted to,” she said, feeling an odd fluttering in her stomach at his intent gaze.
“Thank you,” he said softly. “I have something for you, as well. I had planned to give it to you later, but now seems a more appropriate time.”
Jillian looked at him in shock as he handed her a small neatly wrapped gift. She stared at the package in her hand as if not quite sure it wouldn’t disappear.
“Are you going to open it?” he asked smiling at her befuddled state.
She gingerly pulled at the ribbon that tied the paper in place. The wrapping fell open revealing a small square box. Hands shaking, she lifted the lid, gasping as she saw what was inside. Nestled among a piece of white velvet was an emerald brooch.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
She touched the emerald, letting her fingertip run the length of the gold setting. Reverently, she picked it up, cradling it in her palm. Unshed tears brimmed in her eyes. She blinked rapidly to keep them at bay. “Thank you,” she said looking up at him with a wide smile.
She dropped her gaze again to the piece of jewelry resting in her hand. “No one has ever given me jewelry before,” she said in awe.
“No one?” Justin asked in astonishment. “Not even your husband?”
“No one has given ever given me a gift that I can remember,” she said softly.
“Then I am even more happy that I gave you this one.”
She looked up once more, surprised to find him just a scant breath away. He cupped her chin in his warm, gentle hand, rubbing his thumb across her cheek. She closed her eyes, leaning into his caress, rubbing her cheek against his hand.
His lips covered hers then. Warmth spread through her limbs, and she moaned against his mouth. His hair! She mustn’t forget his hair. She tentatively lifted her hand to that lock of hair that always fell over his eyes. It felt like silk, soft and fine. Running her fingers through his hair, she delved deeply now, massaging his scalp with the tips.
He groaned in pleasure as her hand caressed the back of his neck. He crushed her to him, holding her tightly against his chest. Tearing his lips from hers, he pulled his head away, gazing intently into her face. Her lips were swollen, her eyes glazed with passion.
Again, he lowered his head, but this time he passed her lips, pressing his mouth to the flesh just above the neckline of her gown. She gasped aloud, but threw back her head invitingly, giving him easier access. His lips burned a path up her neck and to the sensitive skin behind her ear.
“Sweet,” he murmured. “So sweet.”
His tongue darted out, laving the delicate lobe of her ear. His hands gripped and spanned her waist, then moved up underneath her breasts, his thumbs brushing the underswell. She jumped in reaction as his hand moved up to cup her breast through the fabric of her dress, and her breath came in rapid bursts.
Justin’s head snapped up as a knock sounded at the door. The moment was shattered. Jillian stepped back quickly, her eyes wide, a multitude of emotions reflected in their pools. She sucked in her swollen bottom lip and looked nervously at the door.
Justin swore under his breath.Of all the miserable times. He touched Jillian’s cheek and smiled softly at her, then turned irritably to the door.
“What!” he barked.
“I’m going riding,” Case called through the door. “Wanted to see if you would join me.”
“I’ll meet you in the stables.” He turned back to Jillian. “Wait here,” he said quietly. “After I have gone, you can leave undetected.”
