Page 39 of Taking the Body
He shuddered dramatically. “If such a thing ever happens, Barnaby is instructed to knock some sense into me.” I loved when he teased. “Philip, I know this is quite a lot to take in, but please do not feel there is a rush to leave the chalet.”
“Oh, thanks, that’s nice, but you’ve been more than kind. You took me in for weeks, put up with my family descending on you like a swarm of ants with too much aftershave and hairspray, and then offered up your staff to take my mother and grandmother all over the county so they can shop and get tipsy in your wine tasting barn.”
“Your family was a joy, not like ants at all.” I waited. “Perhaps more like locusts.”
“Yeah, that’s more like it. Loud and annoying. That’s us. But you took us in and played a gracious host.”
“It was my pleasure. To be honest, this house has been silent for far too long. Your kin brought life and laughter back to these halls, and for that, I am thankful. Also, Philip, I am thankful for your presence. Please, do not think that you must rush off to sleep on Liam’s couch.”
“I can’t. He lives with Basky. I could maybe bunk with Bean. No, he’s got Criswell and his brother living with him now. The rectory? No, DJ and Pastor Gabe don’t want me banging around. Maybe Fossie would put me up for a month or two until—”
“Philip, you are talking and not listening.” I pressed my lips together. “Good, now, listen to me carefully. No, no words from those kissable lips. Just let me say this, then you may speak.”
“I might pass out if I don’t talk soon,” I warned him but mimed zipping my lips.
“I shall revive you if you do. I would consider it a joy most profoundly if you would stay here with me until you find a new place to call home. No, please, do not argue. Philip, I am most…the way my feelings for you have…I like you here in my arms when I wake up.”
“Yeah? You like me here, huh?” I poked, just to hear him say it again.
“You’re fishing now.”
“Nah, you know I don’t like to fish.”
He sighed. “You are such a contrary man. Yes, I like having you here. I adore it. I love your face resting on my pillow.”
“Oh, so it’s just my face that you love?”
“Non, my dear, it is all of you that I love.”
Damn. My chest felt like something big was busting through my ribs. “I love all of you too, even the prissy fussy bits. And I love being in your bed. A lot! And watching The Nanny with Madame and Barnaby, and how you wear them expensive clothes and use pomade in your hair. Oh, and how you always listen to my stories. I know lots of people zone out, but you never do. You pay attention. That’s special. You’re special. And sexy and funny in that French way that’s all dry like your wine.”
He rose to his feet, leaned over the table, and kissed me on the mouth. A seeking, flaming wet exploration that I fell into like an uncovered well. When the kiss ended, all I could do was sit there and stare up into his beautiful face.
“Good, then that is settled,” he whispered. “You will live here until there is a time when you wish to leave. I hope that is not for a long while.”
Yeah, I hoped so too. I glanced around the grounds and threw a fast peek at my watch. “We got about forty minutes until I got to be back at the barn. You think you might want to go upstairs and show me where to put my socks?”
“Ah, your socks. Yes, we should allot you space for your underthings.”
Underthings. Damn, he was fancy. I freaking loved that about him. Go figure.
I jumped up, finished my beer, and tugged my man up to his room for a fast check of his dresser drawers. And his big, soft mattress. And his warm, loving arms.
The End
