Page 63 of A Matter of Time
“We’ll make time to come and see you, and if you do the same, I might even see you more often than I did in San Francisco,” Jenna said.
“That sounds really good. And Ashley, I don’t want to miss seeing your baby when it’s born.” Angelina grinned happily. “This is so nice! I never thought I’d have a family like this. I had gotten so used to being on my own, I didn’t think I needed anyone, but now I know that’s not true and there’s nothing wrong with needing other people in your life. Right?”
“Right!” they replied in unison.
Robert and Irenehappily hosted a farewell banquet for Richard and Angelina on their final evening at Breaghacraig, and now, everyone stood on the steps of the castle, waving goodbye.
Richard and Angelina were mounted on their horses and ready to ride through the gates, but before they did, they both took one last look at the smiling faces wishing them a safe journey back home.
They both waved and exited the courtyard to start the long journey back to England.
Richard couldn’t take his eyes off Angelina. She was a beautiful woman by any standards, but somehow, the sight of her in her new gown and cloak, cheeks rosy from the cold, had completely taken his breath away. As they rode, soft snowflakes began to fall.
“It’s snowing!” Angelina cried in delight. She lifted her face to the sky, letting the light flurries land on her face and eyelashes.
Richard couldn’t help but laugh and watched adoringly.
“It never snows where I’m from. This is so beautiful! Do you think it will snow any harder?” Her face glowed with happiness.
“I hope not much harder. We will need to stop for the night and I have the perfect place in mind. The snow, no matter how beautiful, will make our journey more difficult, so let’s hope it stays like this.”
Angelina scooted her horse a little closer to Arion and Richard reached for her hand. They rode that way for many miles, both of them happy and at peace.
Chapter 30
As the sunbegan to set, they reached the little cottage Richard remembered from his meeting with Maggie and Dylan. He hoped it remained unoccupied. He was sure whoever owned it would welcome them warmly if it wasn’t, as was the local custom, but this night he wanted Angelina all to himself. Thoughts of her lying naked beneath him had occupied his mind for many, many miles and relief for his aching manhood was only moments away.
“What do you think?” he asked, pointing in the direction of the small stone cottage.
“It’s a sweet little place. Is this where we’re spending the night?” Her lashes fluttered as she smiled seductively, suggesting that she too had been having thoughts along the same lines as his.
They approached the cottage, which as Richard had hoped, was empty. He dismounted and hurried to help Angelina. She wasn’t used to riding in a gown, and he didn’t want to risk her falling. She leaned over and placed her hands on his shoulders and he put his around her waist, lifting her easily and setting her on the ground.
“Oh!” Angelina said. “The snow is so cold!”
Richard lifted her into his arms and carried her into the cottage. “Wait here. I’ll be right back. I must see to the horses and then I’ll get a fire started.” He quickly unsaddled the horses and set them free to roam. He laughed as Arion immediately lay down and rolled in the snow. Angelina’s horse apparently thought it an excellent idea, as she followed suit in short order.
Bringing the saddles into the cottage, Richard noted the supply of wood in the fireplace, ready for him to light. He closed the door and made sure the windows were tightly shuttered before setting to work on the fire, which he had burning in moments.
“You’re quite the boy scout,” Angelina teased.
Richard gave her a quizzical look. “Boy scout?”
“I’ll explain it to you some other time. I’m hungry.” She grabbed the saddlebags and pulled out some of the food Irene had provided. She daintily sat in front of the fire with Richard at her side.
How can she think about food at a time like this?The expression on his face must have given him away, because Angelina laughed.
“You should eat. You’re going to need your strength later,” she teased. She offered him a piece of bread.
Richard knew that Angelina knew exactly what she was doing to him and she was enjoying it, so he took the bread and helped himself to some cheese. He uncorked a flask of wine and drank deeply. He offered it to Angelina who took it from him as she gazed seductively into his eyes.
They were cocooned in their own private world. The fire sent a golden glow around the cottage, while the snow continued to fall outside..
“When you said I was going to need my strength, is this what you meant?” He snaked his arm around her waist, hauling her against his chest. His lips were on hers, before she could respond, the need to have her so strong that he had to physically restrain himself from tearing her gown away so he could reach her velvety soft skin.
Angelina, for her part, was right there with him. They were both pulling and tugging at clothing until finally, and thankfully, they were completely naked, free to roam their hands over each other’s bodies. Clothes were strewn all over the room as they fell onto the bed, lips and hands seeking and finding. The heated passion of their lovemaking was intense, a smoldering heat that swiftly turned to flame. Richard positioned Angelina beneath him, his hands on her breasts, and he playfully pinched her pebbled nipples. Angelina reacted to his touch in the way he’d dreamed she would. Her response was immediate, a moan of pleasure escaping her lips as she thrust her hips upwards ready for his entry, but he was enjoying this far too much to rush. She wriggled and writhed beneath him, rubbing against his hardened staff in an effort to get what she wanted.
“Not yet,” Richard whispered into her ear, nibbling at her ear lobe and then kissing and licking his way down to her beautiful, velvety pink nipples. He took one into his mouth, and Angelina whimpered in ecstasy. His large hands cupped her other breast, squeezing until her back arched towards him in sheer pleasure. She was on the edge, would only need a slight nudge to send her reeling into orgasm, but he wanted to make this last for both of them. He’d been waiting a very long time since that night at her beachside home. He wanted to savor every moment, make it last as long as possible. He continued to twist and tease her nipples, knowing he was driving her wild with desire and loving every minute of it.
