Page 45 of Richard

Making a check of the main bedroom, he discovered a fire burning in the hearth and added more logs. Within minutes, the fire cast a cozy feel around the room, creating shadows on the plain blue walls. Turning the sheets down, he made sure the bed was not cold before going into the living room to fetch her.

Wrapping her up in the blankets, he lifted her up and was on his way into the bedroom when she opened her eyes.

“Where–”

“I think we should avail ourselves of the bed," he interpreted her inquiry.

“Oh.” She snuggled against him and closed her eyes. “You smell nice,” she whispered.

“Like lavender.”

He swore softly, “The only soap in the entire damned place.”

She smiled and sniffed again. “It suits you.”

“Don’t make me drop you.” He was happy to see that her mood was much improved.

“You won’t.”

“So, I am becoming predictable, am I?”

“I am afraid so.”

Setting her down carefully, he got rid of the towel tied around his waist and settled in next to her. His heart took a sharp dive whenshe immediately moved into his arms.

“You feel so warm.”

“Hmm,” he grunted, his arms wrapping around her body. “Go to sleep.”

“Now I am wide awake.”

“Collette, baby–”He hissed out a breath when she found that part of him so vulnerable to her touch. “Aren’t you tired?”

“No.” Her fingers were very busy and very disturbing, and she was looking at him with that irresistible look in her dark brown eyes.

“Oh Christ!” Cutting off a groan, he covered her mouth with his.

*****

Collette woke before him, and after taking the time to stare at his magnificent body, she hopped into the shower and took advantage of the piping hot water, and dressed in a pair of snug-fitting jeans and the softest, most comfortable pumpkin-colored sweater she had ever worn.

Slipping on the low-heeled ankle boots, she brushed her hair and decided to leave it loose.

The strands were vibrant and crackling with life when she was through brushing it. Putting on lip gloss, she took one look in the mirror before making her careful way from the room and closing the door behind her.

Slipping on her jacket, she ventured outside and was rewarded with the sight of the sun making its way over the horizon.

Yesterday when they arrived, dusk had already fallen, and she had been unable to see anything much. Shoving her hands intothe fur-lined pockets of her jacket, she approached the barn and went in. A cry escaped her when a shadow loomed out of one of the stalls.

“Miss, sorry to frighten you.” The man dragged off his tattered straw hat and pressed it against his scarred jacket. “I never expected anyone to be up and about this early. I am Bert, the caretaker. I am just seeing to the horses.”

“I am Collette. Sorry to interrupt.”

“No.” Bert shook his graying head of hair, a smile wreathing his mouth. “Just getting finished. The missus sent over some breakfast as well. Her specially made omelet and some fresh fruits.” He nodded to the basket he had placed on a bale of fresh hay.

“How kind of her. Please thank her for me. I will take it and get some coffee going. Would you like a cup?”

“No,” he shook his head. “I have to get back. Please tell Mr.Richard that I chopped some firewood and stacked them in the storeroom.” He doffed his hat. “A pleasure to meet you.”

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