Page 69 of Love Set Apart
Emilie yawned in answer.
“There is only one bed. I will sleep on the floor.” Robert was about to retrieve his extra plaid to use for a blanket when Emilie’s hand on his arm froze him in place.
“You can sleep with me. I don’t mind.” Emilie blushed as she looked away.
It took a moment for Robert to speak and when he did the words came out with a stammer. “But we arenae married.”
“We will be.” Emilie undressed down to her shift and climbed into bed.
“Are ye sure?” Robert asked. “I willnae be able to keep my hands off of ye.”
“Robert, I love you. I know we will be by each other’s side forever, no matter what lies ahead.”
Robert hesitated, fighting with the desire of his heart and his honor as a gentleman.
Emilie nodded her head and smiled letting him know it was all right. She watched as Robert took off his kilt but kept his long shirt on. He carefully laid the kilt on the bench, lining his boots up side by side as he had done in the barracks of the palace. When he turned to face her, she was smiling at him. He was drawn to her, with careful movements, he climbed into the bed and pulled the blankets over them.
Emilie rolled onto her side, placing her head on his chest and her hand on his belly. They’d done this many times in the garden, although they’d been fully clothed each and every time. Robert cradled her in his arms while she moved closer. They had never done more than kissing and touching and he was determined to honor her, leaving any other desires aside until they were married. No matter how difficult that might be.
Emilie propped herself up on her elbow so she could look into Robert’s eyes. He was captivated by her, as always, but now he knew that he would have the pleasure of gazing at her every day for the rest of his life.
She leaned over and kissed his lips, and just like in the garden he wanted to touch every inch of her soft skin. This time there was nothing keeping them from going further than they had in the past. There was no danger of prying eyes. But he wouldn’t push her. She gently touched his lips again with her own, while brushing her hand through his hair.
Robert held very still to fight the needs she was kindling in him.
Then Emilie’s hand traveled even lower than his belly. In one swift move, Robert rolled atop her. “Are ye sure this is what ye want?” he asked, his breathing ragged and his heart pounding.
She looked at him with determination, a fire in her eyes he had never seen before. “More than anything,” she replied.
“If ye tell me to stop, I will.” He reassured her before kissing her neck in the tender spot he knew would arouse her even more than she already was.
“Don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.” He decided then and there that he would make all of her wishes come true.
17
At breakfast the next morning, Edna couldn’t help but notice the change in both Robert and Emilie. She couldn’t hide her smile but decided not to comment on theirs. “Well, what is yer decision?”
Robert glanced at Emilie before he spoke. “We’ve decided we’ll go with ye.”
Edna clapped her hands together and nearly jumped out of her seat. “Oh, I’m so excited. It will be wonderful, ye’ll see.”
“We ken it will. We’re a bit nervous, but ye’ll be there to help us,” Robert said.
“We’ll finish our breakfast and then all we need is a bridge.” Edna reached across the table to squeeze their hands.
The innkeeper arrived carrying a large platter. “Good morning. I hope you slept well.”
“We did,” Angus said. “What have we here?”
“I’ve brought some eggs, fresh this morning from our hens. Bread, cheese and some ham.” He placed the platter in the middle of the table so that they could help themselves.
“It looks wonderful,” Emilie said as she helped herself to some eggs.
“Sir, is there a bridge anywhere nearby?” Angus asked as the innkeeper began to walk away.
He turned back to the table, seeming puzzled that they would ask about something like that. “If you continue through the village, on this same road you will come to one that crosses over a small stream. It is a bit of a distance. You cannot miss it.”
“Thank ye for yer help. Ye have a lovely inn here, we’ve enjoyed our stay,” Angus said.
