Page 114 of Charlotte's Reckoning
As their bodies moved in perfect harmony, his lips traced the bend of her neck and throat, and her hands roamed his broad shoulders and trailed down his spine. She arched against him, fingers digging into his muscular backside as he thrust faster, craving more of his intoxicating presence inside her.
His words of praise brushed her skin, driving her to new heights of pleasure. Then his mouth claimed hers once more, their kisses more urgent, as their passion reached a fever pitch. Charlotte cried out, arms and legs enveloping him as she soared to a stunning climax. Seth tensed then shuddered, as he found release, and she felt the warm rush of his essence inside her.
As it had each time they’d been together, a familiar knot of anxiety tightened in her chest because she lacked the necessary protective supplies. It did little good to close the barn door after the horses had escaped, however. Other than making plans to get what she needed in town as soon as possible, she put those worries aside.
When he withdrew and stretched out beside her, he kept them connected in a tangle of limbs and linens.
“Sleep,” he whispered, his lips brushing her temple.
She tried. Wonderfully sated with him by her side, should have been enough for her to drift off. But with more challenges to face come morning, Charlotte couldn’t silence her mind. So, she lay drinking in their closeness while watching the shadows cast by the bedside lamp slowly move across the wall.
“The judge is going to rule in your favor.”
Charlotte startled at the sudden rumble of his voice in the silence. She pushed up on an elbow and looked down at him. “I thought you were asleep.”
“I have too much on my mind.”
“Me, too,” she sighed, settling once more. “I never asked. Did you catch the bank robbers and recover the money—some of which is mine?”
“I did. I always get my man—or woman,” he said, his arms flexing to give her a little squeeze.
“When the judge awards you the Red Eye and all of Sneed’s funds, I don’t want you going back.”
Silence encompassed the room for several heartbeats before she admitted, “I’m not sure I want to. I’m considering selling and living a quiet life anywhere but in that cabin.”
His lips brushed the top of her head. “Think hard about living that life with me.”
As her mind raced with the possibilities, both good and bad, the bad mostly for him, she heard his breathing slow and deepen.
Wasn’t that like a man to light a stick of emotional dynamite and then fall asleep?
***
“Charlotte?”
Quietly spoken, her name dragged her from a very pleasant dream. Not yet ready to wake—hadn’t they just fallen asleep?—she rolled over, trying to find a way back to it.
“Darlin’, I need to tell you something before I leave.”
The last word penetrated her somnolent brain, and her eyes popped open. Seth sat on the edge of the bed fully dressed. She rubbed her forehead, a slight headache forming.
“I feel like I just closed my eyes. What time is it?”
“Early. You can sleep a while longer. Court isn’t until 9 a.m., but I wanted to let you know Mr. Bennett will bring you.”
She sat up, holding the sheet to her bare chest when it slipped. “Where will you be?”
“I have a few things to follow up on before court.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t have time to explain. But, if they pan out, they’ll strengthen your case.”
He tipped up her chin, and his lips brushed hers gently. The kiss, soft and sweet, rekindled her desire despite her lack of sleep. Wanting more, she tangled her fingers in his hair to keep him close.
“Don’t tempt me,” he murmured huskily. “I have to go.”
“Oh, all right,” she sighed, snuggling down under the covers of his comfortable bed. Suddenly, she remembered something and sat up. “I have nothing to wear to court.”
