His name rang through the trees.She’d told him once before how strangely noises carried in the woods.This time, her voice proclaiming her love to the world sounded like an ancient truth, echoing back at her.
Her viscount lowered himself down from his branch to hers, until he could sit beside her, shoulder to shoulder.The hardy wood didn’t creak or bend beneath their combined weight.
“Do you see?”he said.“The legend was true, as is the magic.It worked for both of us.”
Cupping her face in his hands, turning her gently toward him, he kissed her.She wanted to cry at the relief of being with him once again, when last night, she’d been certain she would never touch him or be touched by him in this lifetime.
Keeping her balance, she gripped his shoulders and leaned into the kiss with all the longing and love she’d been holding inside.
When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing hard.
“You love me?”he asked, his voice rough.
“Yes.”The word came out fierce and certain.Lise couldn’t help adding, “I am yours.”She hoped he understood what she meant, that she wanted him to claim her, right then and there.Well, not in the tree, of course, but—
“As I am yours,” Jonathan said.“Now and always.No matter what comes.”
“May we get down now?”she asked, still not sure he would go along with her fervent wish.He was a nobleman and a man of honor, after all.Regardless, they must get out of this oak, for if she was going to tempt him, it couldn’t be accomplished on this branch, no matter how robust.
He grinned, and quick as a whip, jumped.Turning, he held his hands up to her.
“We’re developing an odd habit of you jumping out of trees into my arms,” Jonathan said.“But go ahead.I’m ready.”
With a shrug, she pushed herself off the branch without fear.They didn’t end up on the forest floor this time.He caught her smoothly and set her on her feet.Immediately, she took his hand and turned away, leading him to the boulders and into the secret space at their center.The afternoon sun filtered through the canopy overhead, dappling the grassy ground with golden light.
With her heart pounding, Lise took a deep breath and faced him.
“I always knew you were a forest sprite,” he said softly, reaching out to touch her chin.
Stepping back, just out of reach, she undid the clasp of her cloak, letting it fall to the ground.And then, with her gaze holding his, she began to undress, despite her trembling fingers.
His eyes widened.
“Lise?”
“I want this,” she said firmly.“I want you.”Having dressed herself without Anna’s help, she’d chosen a fall front gown, and now proceeded to untie the bodice with the skirt attached, before untying the small panel over her breasts.
Understanding dawned in his expression, followed swiftly by an expression of desire so intense it made her insides quiver.
Swallowing her nervousness, she shrugged out of the sleeves, and let the entire ensemble drop to her feet.But she still had on her petticoat and stays.
“Too many layers, I think,” she said softly.
He gave a quick laugh that sounded if not nervous, then unsettled.“Last night, we said goodbye.”
“And now, we are together again.Because of the magic of the oak.”She untied her lightweight, short stays and then the ribbon of her high-waisted petticoat.Both were soon on the grass.
“Should I take off my chemise?”she asked.Then she looked down and realized she still wore her walking boots.Her cheeks heated.Surely, she looked like a clodhopper, rather than a delicate maiden.
“Are you wearing drawers?”he asked, his voice thick and hoarse.
“No, I hadn’t thought to go out today.So, I ...,” she trailed off as he closed the distance and whipped the linen shift over her head.
“You are perfect,” he declared.
Suddenly, she didn’t feel awkward in her half boots and stockings.With a handsome man such as Jonathan admiring her body, how could she feel anything less than beautiful?
Her uncertainty faded and she grew bolder.
