Page 51 of Tempting a Gentleman
Chapter Twenty-Four
Emma wrapped her frayed coverlet tighter about her, tucking a corner in the valley between her breasts. She peered over at Christopher’s sleeping form, covered with one of the cotton sheets from her bed. He slept on his side, hand tucked beneath the bright-yellow silk pillow under his head. His dark mane was disheveled—no doubt from her fingers threading and pulling on his hair. A buoyant joy placed a bounce in her step as she crept on the balls of her feet to retrieve the parchment that lay next to the abandoned picnic basket. Carefully picking up the folded paper, she tiptoed to the window. Shifting the curtains aside to let in what little moonlight was left, Emma unfolded the list of Network members that were to journey with them. Squinting at the neat, bold letters, Emma sounded out the names but could not make out the other words on the paper. Bah. If she was to become a bloomin’ PORF, she’d have to learn to read.
She jumped as Christopher placed a kiss upon her bare shoulder. “Ye did a fine job.”
“My thanks. I had hoped you would approve of those on the list.”
Emma turned to wrap her arms around his waist. He was garbed in only his breeches. Resting her cheek against him, she said, “While we journey to the New World, will ye teach me how to read?”
“If you wish me to, yes. But now that you are accompanying me, there is no need.”
Emma placed a quick kiss on his chest. “Ye’re sweet to say that, but I’ll be needin’ to know how to read and write if I’m to succeed as a PORF.”
His relaxed features transformed into a scowl. “I don’t want you to change. I love you just as you are.”
“We will both need to change after we wed and receive the mark of a PORF.” Happy to see Christopher smile at her response, Emma continued, “And the good thing is we get to do it together.”
He bent to kiss her, and she rose up to meet him halfway. Instead of a long, drugging kiss Emma hoped to receive, Christopher broke away and slipped his arm beneath her knees. He carried her over to her bed and gently laid her down. Christopher surprised her again by not joining her. Instead, he left her and went into the loft. Emma beamed a smile at the rattle of plates. He was going to bring her food. She sighed—how lucky she was to marry a thoughtful man.
Arms loaded with plates piled with food, Christopher asked, “Would you mind reviewing the list in detail with me later this eve?”
“We can’t this eve. We are to attend Bronwyn’s ball.”
With a stubborn jut of his chin, Christopher suggested, “After the ball then.”
The temptation to spend another night with Christopher was too great. She nodded and said, “I sorted out the names, but I couldn’t read yer reasoning.”
Emma took the offered plate of cheese and bread. Christopher pinched the roll of bread she’d been eyeing. He took a bite and then offered it to her. She wasn’t sure if she was angry or happy at his actions. “Are ye going to take half the cheese as well?”
He shook his head and winked at her as he left once more. Emma’s attention remained fixed on his backside as he strode away. He had a fine bottom with cheeks that filled her hands. She flopped back onto the bed and closed her eyes. Memories of him filling her had her hips wiggling. Her eyes popped back open as his warm breath brushed against the tops of her breasts. Christopher loomed over her holding out a wedge of cheese. Disappointed to see he had donned his lawn shirt, she frowned at his offering.
Arching a brow, Christopher asked, “Is the cheese not to your liking? Or were you wanting something else?”
She grabbed the cheese and lowered her gaze, and his manhood twitched in his breeches. She wasn’t the only one remembering the events of the previous night. Licking her lips, she took a bite. Christopher’s chuckle turned into a groan.
“You are pure temptation.” Christopher dodged behind the screen that formed her makeshift dressing room. “Is this fine mint-green colored gown the glorious creation you will be wearing to Bronwyn’s ball?”
He must be referring to the exquisite dress she had created for Arabelle.
“Nay. I shall be daring in a red gown with—”
Emma's words caught in her throat. Christopher reappeared, shirt tucked into his breeches, highlighting his trim waist. His hair finger-combed back into place, and a smile that could warm an entire room.
Standing before her with his hands behind his back, Christopher said, “It would be an honor if you allowed me to escort you to the ball.”
She shook her head. “Bronwyn has requested I arrive early, along with Theo and your mama.” The coverlet slipped down, exposing the tops of her nipples.
“Four Hadfield women gathered together,” Christopher croaked out before his eyes fell to her chest as she grappled with the material to cover up her breasts. He grabbed his lawn shirt and pulled it over his head.
Emma scooted back to make room for him on the bed. “I’m not a Hadfield yet.”
“Yet. But after last night…” He pulled her into his arms. “You’re mine forever.”
She had wished and dreamed of a devoted husband like her dad. Christopher was as caring and protective of his family as the man who had raised her.
Her dad. Blast! He had mentioned he’d check in on her in the morn.
The Neale household staff would have already noticed he’d not returned last night. Arghh… she was going to get an earful.
