Page 42 of A Second Chance for Carys
“Thank you.” This proof of trust moved him so much he allowed himself to place a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “Go. I swear I will look after your wife.”
And her mother.
Matthew nodded and ordered the groom to saddle his horse Raven, named for his wife, forthwith. “Go get a drink and something to eat,” he told him next. “Forgive me for not joining you. I need to go see Branwen and say my goodbyes.”
It was only early afternoon. Leaving without delay would ensure he was back in time for his child’s birth. If he rode as if the demons of hell were in hot pursuit, he could be back within a fortnight. It was obvious that was what he intended to do.
After one last pat on his stallion’s rump, James made his way to the room at the back of the solar. Before leaving, he’d deposited his personal set of keys in the iron chest and now that he was back, he felt naked without it. He was steward of the place, and he’d just been entrusted with the protection of its inhabitants by Matthew. He would not fail in his duty. Having restored the bundle to its rightful place at his hip, he turned around—and walked straight into Carys, who was coming through the door.
They almost collided and ended up locked in an embrace.
He couldn’t help a smile at the irony of it. A year ago they had found themselves in that very room, two strangers unable to communicate. Now each was what the other needed and they understood one another all too well. Even better, they wanted the same thing. To be together.
“James,” she said in a breathy voice. “You’re back.”
“Yes.” Finally.
“It’s been too long.”
“Yes.” Far too long. “Did you learn to swim in the end?”
He started when the inane question left his lips. Was that all he could ask after so long apart from Carys? But she smiled as if he’d said the very thing she’d wanted to hear.
“I started to learn with Matthew, who took all three of us to the beach a few times. It was fine but then I decided to wait, because I want you to be the one to teach me.”
His heart missed a beat when he realized he wanted that too. “Yes. I will show you.”
Her smile wavered and she lifted her face up to him, as if readying herself for a confession. “I’ve missed you.”
He didn’t even blink. “Me too.”
He had missed her every day, in little touches. Every time he’d seen a robin, he had thought back to her smile at the sight of the little bird, every time Henry’s wife had taken her embroidery basket out, he’d compared her work to Carys’ flowers and leaves, and found them lacking, every time someone had asked about his scar, he’d remembered the feel of her fingers on his skin.
Every time he’d lain in bed he’d ached for her.
Had it been that bad for her? Though he knew he shouldn’t wish that agony on anyone, he found himself hoping it had. Because then it would mean she was as desperate for him as he was for her.
Right now she was looking at him with such intensity that, for a moment, he wondered if she would kiss him. Dare he take the first step if she didn’t? He so dearly wished to feel her lips on his again. A light finger landed on his cheek before he could move or say anything. The brush on his skin sent shivers down his spine.
“I see your cut is healing nicely.”
“Yes. Someone did an excellent job with the stitching,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I’m told the scar barely shows.”
“It doesn’t.” She sounded pleased that her efforts had been rewarded. “You look as handsome as ever. Now, will you please kiss me?”
Oh, the wicked woman! To give him such an order in a matter of fact manner, when she had to suspect there was nothing he wanted more. James leaned in, blood roaring in his veins. Finally, the kiss he’d been desperate for. “I’ve thought of little else than kissing you during my?—”
The door to the solar opened, interrupted his declaration. Whispers and muffled giggles heralded the arrival of a couple of lovers intent on making the most of a room they believed was empty.
James gritted his teeth. Not again! It was exactly like a year ago. They had gone full circle indeed. Who was it this time? Matthew, intent on making love to his wife one last time before going to Wales? Surely not. A wild tryst had been well and good then, but the comfort of a bed would be the best place the take a woman in her condition.
“Ah, Richard, please, be quick,” Avice’s voice, urgent amidst the rustling of clothes. Despite himself, James smiled. It would seem that the carpenter had not lost time in acting on his advice regarding the cook. During his absence, he’d gone to the woman, who’d only been too glad to surrender. Good for them. “I need to fill the pastries for tonight.”
“Mm, don’t worry, this will be quick. I, too, need to fill something.”
James winced at the man’s poor jest but, judging from the delighted chuckle that reached his ear, Avice was not put out in the least, used to her lover’s dubious sense of humor. A grunt followed, then a moan. This was excruciating. When he finally dared look at Carys, who was still pressed against him, James saw that, far from being embarrassed this time, she was fighting a smile. His shoulders sagged in relief. Apparently,when it wasn’t Matthew and Branwen she overheard, she saw the piquancy in the situation.
“Whatever shall we do?” she whispered, bringing her mouth to his ear.
