Page 36 of Gone With the Rogue
He picked up her hand and squeezed her fingers. His were warm, and his expression was gentle. “Do you want to talk about last night?”
There was a shudder of delight at his mention of their coming together. Her breath seemed to skip. “What is there to say? It was something we both wanted to happen.”
“But I didn’t want it to be so rushed. I didn’t want it to be the place where we were. You should be treated like a lady.”
“No,” she whispered softly. “I had a husband who treated me like a lady—fearful of touching me more than necessary for fear of disturbing my sensibilities. He was determined not to show me passion and expected none from me in return, as though ladies shouldn’t indulge in such intimacies as enjoying the marriage bed with their husbands. I was happy you didn’t treat me like a flower too delicate to fondle. You made me feel passion in a way I knew was possible but had never felt.”
“I hope I always do.”
She smiled shyly as she slipped a strand of hair behind her ear. She hoped so, too. “I suppose I shouldn’t confide something so private to you.”
“You’re still not sure you can trust me, are you?”
“I believe I do.” Julia swallowed hard. “It’s just that I’ve always been at the mercy of what the men in my life want for me. I went from my uncle to my husband dictating my life. I thought that after Kitson died I’d finally be on my own. A widow. Free. Strong and capable of making decisions for myself and my son. But I’m not. My father-in-law rules my life.”
“We are closer in heart than you think, Julia. I understand your feelings. They are the same ones that urged me to leave London and work to make the life I wanted.”
“But you were allowed to do so. I am not. Society has bound a lady’s hands so that everything she has is directed by a man.”
His hand slid around her to the back of her neck and he grasped her nape. “You are free to make your own decisions with me. Tell me, do you want me to kiss you right now? Here in the back garden where passion should be held in check because of the possibility that nosy neighbors might wander over, or the housekeeper might open the back door? Do you want to take the chance on a kiss?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“So do I.”
Garrett moved close to her on the seat. He lowered his head to hers and let his lips fall softly against hers. The contact was undemanding as his lips gently grazed over hers. His kiss felt as wonderful as she’d remembered.
It was a welcoming feeling. His hand moved slowly down her back, around her waist, and up her midriff to her breast. A prickle of shivery warmth tightened her most womanly part, making her ache to be even closer to him. She deepened the kiss, slanting her lips against his and adding pressure. Her hands roved freely over his strong back and shoulders.
Their kisses were deep, and lingering. His caresses were firm and deliberate, causing spirals of delight to shoot through her. Their breaths and sighs of pleasure mingled together. Waves of desire surged inside her.
Time seemed to stand still as they kissed, until suddenly the sound of a door banging open and the shrill squeal of children laughing, yelling, and running down steps broke them apart and they rose. It sounded as if the girls were going to run straight into the garden where Julia and Garrett stood. A moment later, she realized the girls were heading to their own play area on the side of the school.
After catching her breath, Julia said, “I forgot we were so close to the school. You are not good for me, Mr. Stockton. You make me forget myself and what’s at risk. I take too many chances whenever you are around. I think you should go now.”
“When can I see you again?”
“Soon, I hope. You will let me know if Mr. Urswick makes progress?”
“You don’t have to ask that.”
“I can’t leave tomorrow. Mr. Pratt promised he’ll return. I fear what he may do if I’m not there.”
“Take care of your son, Julia, but know I want to be with you.”
Julia swallowed hard and nodded. She wanted that too, but she had to be sensible about what was at stake. She couldn’t let her desire for the rogue overrule what was best for Chatwyn.
Garrett turned to go, but suddenly spun around. Without warning, he took the steps that separated them, caught her up into his powerful arms, and gave her a hard, quick kiss.
“I will help you, Julia,” he whispered. “With whatever you need.”
He then kissed her forehead, let go of her, and walked out the back gate.
Chapter 12
Julia looked into the mirror hanging over the side table in the vestibule as she fitted the short-brimmed dark gray bonnet onto her head. “Do you know if the wind has been strong today, Mrs. Desford?”
“I don’t think there’s a stir about today, my lady,” the housekeeper informed her.
