Page 14 of Until I’m Safe in Your Arms

“I did see it on my first day here. I love gardens, so walked all over this one.” Emma wanted to be truthful, but she didn’t want to pass up any opportunity with Alex. “I didn’t actually get to swing in it, though. I was with Augusta and she did not wish to linger.” Smiling up at him, she prayed with all her might that if they sat on the swing together, he would kiss her again. “I would like to give it a try this time, if I may.”

“As you wish, my dear.”

The look in his eyes was so warm Emma thought she would melt on the spot. Why must she wear so many layers in the heat? She allowed her shawl to slip from her shoulders until it was hanging down her back. It made no difference in any case. As long as she was in Alex’s company, she’d be as hot as if she stood in a furnace.

As soon as they reached the flowered arbor, Emma ducked into its shadowy depths. Its coolness came as a welcomed surprise and the perfume of the overhanging blooms made her head spin with the heavy scent. Alex held the swing and she sank onto it gratefully. Between the heat without, the sudden coolness within, the intense sweetness of the flowers, and Alex’s presence, her head had begun to spin. She glanced up at him and patted the seat by her. “Will you sit beside me?”

“In a moment, perhaps.” He strode to the edge of the bower and peered down the path they’d just taken. His head moved back and forth as he scanned the garden, then apparently satisfied with what he saw, Alex turned back to her. “Good. It seems we are very much alone.”

Emma’s eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat as he dropped gracefully to one knee and took her hand.

“We have known one another for only a matter of days, Emma, but I believe you to be the loveliest woman of my acquaintance. Sweet, kind, beautiful…” He grinned. “And the tiniest bit naughty, making you the perfect woman for me.”

Gazing into his deep blue eyes staring so intently at her, Emma could scarcely breathe beyond little hitching gasps. Was this real? Was she about to hear the question she’d longed to answer ever since seeing him…was it only three days ago? Her hands trembled in his grip. Dear God, don’t let her faint.

“Miss Washer…Emma, will you do me the greatest honor in the world and consent to be my wife?”

Seized by an emotion so great it stripped her of the power of speech, Emma could only grip his hand tightly and nod enthusiastically.

Alex waited, cocking his head as he gazed at her. “Is that a yes, sweetheart?”

“Yes!” It came out as an explosive gasp, but at last it was out. “Yes, yes, yes, Alex, I will marry you.” She wanted to get up and shout, twirl around beneath the arbor. Safe at last. With total abandon, she threw her arms around him and whispered in his ear, “Thank you.”

“My pleasure, darling.” He rose, bringing her to her feet as well. “Now that we’re allowed to kiss any time we want, would you like that lesson I promised you Friday night?”

“Yes.” Her voice was husky from a newfound, deep-seated desire to feel his lips on hers once more. She slid her arms up around his neck. “Yes, please, Alex.”

With a wolfish grin, he lowered his mouth to hers and the world melted away. Insistent lips pressed hers and she pushed back, not knowing what she was doing, but willing to try anything at this point. His strong arms squeezed her to his hard chest until her breasts were all but flattened against him. The ache in them grew, feeding the throbbing sensation between her legs. That hadn’t happened the last time they kissed. Was this one of the lessons she needed to learn?

Her attention sprang back to her lips as Alex slid his tongue along the seam, pressing gently, seeking entry. Very well. They were about to be married. It was time she learned more about how a gentleman kissed his wife. Hesitantly, Emma relaxed her mouth a little, then more, then… Her lips parted swiftly as Alex’s tongue slid into her mouth.

The sensation was so foreign she couldn’t tell if she liked it or not. At least she’d been expecting it this time and didn’t balk as she had before. Concentrating on Alex’s movements, Emma stood perfectly still, eyes closed, seeing what he was doing with her mind’s eye. He plundered here and there, now tickling the roof of her mouth—which elicited a squeal from her—now thrusting in and out with a fiercely pounding beat that enflamed the throbbing at her core. She groaned, maddened that she didn’t know what to do other than simply stand there and let him have his way with her. He certainly didn’t seem to mind.

In fact, he’d begun to groan as well, each thrust of his tongue lingering inside a little longer. With so many new sensations bombarding everywhere on her body, Emma’s legs began to grow weak. She hitched herself closer to Alex, trying to find a way to rest against him. Suddenly, his hand cupped her buttocks, and before she could protest, he lifted her up and laid her back on the swing, not breaking the kiss all the while. Head whirling, Emma could do nothing save lay back panting, enjoying everything he was doing though she understood none of it.

With a swift movement, Alex sprawled himself on the swing beside her, breaking the kiss at last. “First lesson is complete.” He raised a brow. “Did you enjoy it?”

Scarcely able to speak, Emma nodded and finally squeaked out, “Very much.”

“Time for lesson two?”

Dazed, she nodded, unable to imagine what he might do next.

“Good.” He leaned over, his mouth beside her ear sending warmth cascading down her spine. “I’m going to touch you.”

What did he mean? “But you’ve been touching me.”

“Skin to skin.” Alex slid his hand down her décolletage and wormed his way beneath her corset until his finger rested at the very tip of her breast. “Like that.”

Fire leaped into her face. No one had ever touched her like that. It was scandalous, it was depraved, it was…wonderful. Alex fondled her nipple, circling it, flicking the tip until each stroke sent a wave of pleasure throughout her body. “Do you like that?”

“Yes. Oh, yes.” She pulled him closer, amazed at everything happening to her.

“So sweet.” He burrowed his face into her neck, withdrew his hand, then reached down and worked it underneath her skirts.

“Oh, oh, Alex.” His hand met the silk stocking that covered her ankle, slid up her calf, beneath her pantalettes to her bare knee, then her hip. Each place he touched stoked a fire deep within her. Good lord, was he heading for her most intimate place? Was that where the mystery of the marriage bed ended? Her heart sped up, beating like a drum in her chest.

“Trust me, sweetheart.” He nuzzled her neck again, and Emma was so caught up in his caresses she couldn’t say no had she wanted to. His hand slid up further to her—