Looking over her head to see the river, he agreed it was a magnificent view.
“It’s just as though we’re birds,” she said.
“As long as we don’t attempt any flying,” he said, then caught his breath as she wiggled in excitement, her rear end warming the front of him.
Naturally, he encircled her with his arms to keep her safe, and after a brief hesitation, she settled back against him as he leaned against the trunk.
Grayson would like to have said it was comfortable, but it wasn’t. The front of him was on high alert and throbbing due to her glorious curves both in his arms and resting against him. The blood had left his head and gone to parts south, which he hoped to God she couldn’t feel.
Moreover, at the back of him, a tree knot was pressed painfully into his spine, and the hard branch under him was numbing the flesh of his bottom and thighs.
Yet, he would have sat there forever if it pleased her. As it was, they stayed for about ten minutes in absolute silence, just watching. It was the most peaceful minutes he could ever remember, especially with a female.
“I’m ready for tea,” she said suddenly and stretched.
If he hadn’t been holding her, she might have toppled out of the tree for the uncaring way she stretched out her legs and arms. He had to grip the branch with his thighs to steady them both.What a trusting nature she had!
“Though I think I am more in the mood for coffee,” she added.
Then Eleanor tried to twist in his arms to look at him. “I can’t recall whether you like coffee.”
“Stop moving,” he ordered, nearly losing his balance. Then he looked down into her upturned face, realized his arms were around this fascinating, lovely woman whose round bottom was snugged against his crotch.How wonderful was life!
He could kiss her again, though if they both closed their eyes, they might end up on the ground with broken limbs.
“Well?” she asked. “Do you?”
“What?” He couldn’t remember her question as her brown eyes blinked up at him.
Had he ever seen more soulful eyes?And with such a flame of passion flickering in their depths, he could hardly breathe.
When he sunk into her the first time, exploring the peaks of desire with her, he wanted those eyes open and looking directly into his.
What a thought!His body and imagination were far ahead of his relationship with Eleanor Blackwood, already wanting to copulate with her, planning the moment he entered her. He needed the cold rainwater to wash over him and bring him back to reality.
“Coffee,” she reminded him. “Do you like it?”
He frowned. She was so mesmerizing; he couldn’t remember if he did or not.
“I think it’s time to climb down. Parts of me are numb,” he confessed. Though definitely not all of him.
“Very well. I shall move forward so you can get your leg over, and then you can climb down, and I’ll come after.”
His plan exactly. If she slipped, he would steady her. If she fell, he would catch her and probably never let her go.
“Careful,” he instructed, as she inched forward.
“Goodbye, tree,” she said. Then more loudly, she called out, “Goodbye, birds. Until next time Mrs. Robin and Mr. Finch. Oh, Grayson, I saw a grouse yesterday.”
She continued to talk as he got onto the next branch and held his arms up to assist. She didn’t need his help, it was clear. Though as she slid down onto the next branch, most of her body managed to touch most of his, and his hands ended up steadying her by clamping around her waist.
In fact, Eleanor climbed down expertly, following his lead. Soon, they were standing on the still damp, spongey ground. Close, too close.
“Come along,” she said, stepping away from him, her dress still tucked up. “I’ll race you.”
Without further warning, she took off at a run toward the house.
Strange lady,he thought, chasing after her. They had a moment alone and could have easily snuck a kiss under the boughs of the oak, but she’d run off like a child.
