She stood, or jolted upright more like, and stepped toward him. “I came to tell you…”
Oh God, where to begin? It suddenly seemed like there was so much for her to say, regarding her past, her feelings for him, and Cynthia’s pregnancy.
When all he did was raise an eyebrow and wait, she blurted the one thing that filled her heart to overflowing. “I love you.”
20
James stared at Mina. He’d had his fair share of wine tonight and wasn’t sure if his ears deceived him or if he’d heard her correctly. When Atkins had mentioned her presence, elation rushed through him even though wariness quickly followed as he’d wondered why she’d come. And then he’d seen her and it had been as if they’d never quarreled at all. His only thought was of crossing the distance between them and pulling her into his arms. Until she’d spoken, freezing him with her words.
His heart pounded against his ribs in painful desperation. He needed to be certain he’d not misheard her. “What did you say?”
She took another step toward him. “I love you, James, and I’m sorry if I hurt you or made you angry, but I’m not good with explanations so I made a hash of it when I tried to tell you before.”
“Tell me what?” he somehow managed to ask while resisting the urge to stride forward and kiss her.
“Everything,” she whispered. “It’s just that there’s so much to say I scarcely know where to begin.”
He swallowed and forced himself to admit the reason why he’d been angry with her. “You told me you love Mr. Hewitt.”
“Because I do. I always will, James, but not in the way I love you.”
Lord help him but her words undid his finely held control. He wasn’t sure he understood her, though he desperately wanted to. But for now, in this moment, knowing she returned his affection, he did not care.
So he closed the remaining distance between them and pulled her into his arms. “My love for you torments me, Mina. I need you by my side, across the breakfast table from me, in my bed and… Lord help me how I’ve missed you.”
His mouth met hers with endless regret and yearning. Intent on not holding back, he kissed her with all that he was, with the pain of each second they’d spent apart, and with a renewed spark of hope. He held her close and breathed her in while moving his lips over hers. The familiar fragrance of citrus and honey infused his senses, filling him with the vibrancy of her essence. Her fingers raked through his hair, scraping his scalp and bringing him closer until the kiss deepened.
James wound his arms tighter around her, securing her against him so he could feel her heartbeats drumming in time with his own. She tasted exquisite – like happiness bursting above the world in a bright display of sparkling color. And she loved him. Lord help him how he’d longed to win her affection, to have her trust him with her heart, and welcome his love in return.
He turned with her and lowered himself to the sofa behind him while drawing her onto his lap. A sigh of pleasure escaped her and James was lost to the mindless hunger that had relentlessly built inside him with each passing day they’d spent apart. No other woman had ever affected him so. Not even Clara. Only Mina wielded such power and while he was with her, the world could burn for all he cared.
For now, he just needed to love her. Even if it was awkward on the sofa in the parlor, and neither had the patience to divest of their clothes, it was as perfect as getting caught in a downpour on a hot day. With her skirts hitched up and his placket undone, she welcomed him with fervor, and laughed against his mouth when his movements nearly sent them both tumbling onto the floor. His hand gripped her thigh, his fingers curling against her flesh in order to hold her securely in place.
“I love you,” he told her fiercely while gazing down into her ocean blue eyes.
Her lips parted on an ardent sigh that nearly sent him over the edge. “I love you too.”
Dipping his head, he crushed her mouth with his while worshiping her with his body. How foolish he’d been to think he could ever forget her. His heart raced faster as passion careened through his veins. This was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. She was his – would always be his – and as she found her release, he let himself soar as well, content in the knowledge that the bond they now shared was strong enough to withstand anything.
Weightless, with every limb reduced to jelly, Wilhelmina savored the weight of James’s body. He would probably feel obliged to move soon, but for now, she welcomed the feel of him. His body surrounded hers, still filled hers, while the musky scent of their lovemaking served as the sweetest reminder of what had transpired moments earlier.
She’d not come here for this, but as soon as he’d kissed her, making love had become as inevitable as a sunrise. Her fingers trailed loosely through his hair. A smile pulled at her lips. “You must think me an absolute wanton, letting you have me like this on your parlor sofa of all places.”
A chuckle resonated from deep within him, vibrating through her. He raised his head and met her gaze. Wolfish intent darkened his eyes while a wicked grin played upon his lips. “My dearest, Mina. I plan to have you a great many other ways in the future.”
His comment reminded her that there was so much she needed to say. “You cannot promise me that until I’ve shared all my secrets with you.”
He didn’t look convinced, but her words did prompt him to withdraw from her. Offering a smile, he pulled her skirts back down and set about putting himself to rights. Once done, he stood and crossed to the sideboard. She felt his absence immediately, but knew it could not be helped.
“Would you care for a drink?”
“Please.”
He filled two glasses and, taking a seat beside her on the sofa, handed one to her. She sipped the brandy and relished the burn. “This isn’t easy.”
“Would it help if I were to tell you that I won’t walk away from you, no matter what?”
She turned to him sharply. “You cannot assure me of that until you know all there is.”
