Page 43 of Summer of Fire
The storm was happening both outside and within her as his mouth claimed hers. He kissed her with a glorious passion, his mouth melting her as she surrendered to him.
The air in the barn was hot and still and as their passion grew, the heat intensified. They lost themselves in each other, touching and kissing and moaning in delight. Lizzie wanted the kiss never to end, and she leaned against him, her hands running greedily over his bare shoulders. An intuitive passion guided her fingers, and she lifted the vest and bent her head to kiss his chest.
Jack groaned loudly, and he caught her face and crushed her mouth with his again as he gathered her in his arms, and she felt his heart hammer against hers. The effect she was having on him when he pulled her onto his lap was obvious, and his desire inflamed her further.
Lizzie thanked God it would be Jack who took her maidenhood and not that demon soldier who wanted only to dominate and violate her. She responded to the intensity ofJack’s kiss, and they ran their hands over each other’s bodies, losing control and moaning ever louder.
Jack stopped kissing her as suddenly as he started and put a finger to his lips. ‘Sshhh,’ he mouthed, not making a sound.
Disappointment overwhelmed Lizzie as he moved her deftly off his lap, back onto the bale, and she watched him stand and reach for his gun.
Then she heard a noise outside and her heart rattled like a drum. It wasn’t the storm and sounded more like movement in the yard.
Had the Germans tracked them down? Lizzie’s heart felt like it was in her mouth. She sat unmoving, careful not to make a noise or even to breathe. Then there was a flash of lightning as the door creaked open and she heard footsteps enter the barn.
‘I know there’s someone there,’ said a low French voice with a threatening edge. ‘Come out or I’ll come and get you.’
Jack stood silent and unmoving, his gun at the ready, and Lizzie heard the footsteps edge closer.
Her knife was in the lining of her raincoat, and she cursed inwardly that she couldn’t reach it without giving away their location. In her training, they had told her to keep it with her while she slept, but she’d foolishly disregarded that rule with Jack watching over her.
Lizzie wouldn’t make that mistake again.
CHAPTER 20
Aman wearing a cap came into view and Lizzie didn’t move. Jack lowered his gun and muttered under his breath. A smile lit up his face as he stepped forwards.
‘Jack! It is you. I hoped it might be, but thought it was wishful thinking. What are you doing lurking in the barn, my friend?’
Lizzie watched from her hiding place as they clapped each other on the back and embraced like old friends.
‘Thank God, it’s you. We’ve got ourselves into a tight spot and need to lie low for the night,’ Jack said, his smile joyful. ‘Lizzie, it’s safe. You can come out and meet my old boss and dear friend Pierre.’
‘Less of the old,’ quipped the farmer.
Lizzie straightened her dress and joined the men. ‘Bonsoir Pierre, pleased to meet you. We thought you might be the Gestapo searching for us.’
‘Ah, like that, is it? Well, just as well, I came out to find you two. Good to meet you, Lizzie.’
‘Tell me, how did you know someone was here? I wascertain no one would be out in this storm, although I see it’s passing now,’ Jack said.
‘You’re right, I should be in bed at this hour, but there have been robberies recently, so I’ve taken to doing the rounds of the property before I go to bed. There was the scent of Gauloises cigarettes in the air. Reminded me of you working here before the war.’
‘Damn it,’ said Jack. ‘I must be more careful. Live and learn, Lizzie,’ said Jack. ‘That one indulgence could have got us killed if it wasn’t a friend who found us.’
The farmer invited them to come into the house.
‘I don’t want to endanger you any more than necessary. If we were to be found, at least you could deny all knowledge of us being here.’
Pierre wouldn’t hear of it and insisted they sleep in the farmhouse. ‘Camille will kill me before the Gestapo if I don’t invite you in,’ he laughed. ‘Besides, you’re my best friend’s son. What sort of friend would I be if I left you out here all night?’
‘If you’re sure,’ Jack said, ‘I won’t deny it would be nice. We’ve been on the move all day.’
‘We can hide you better in the house than out here. A lot has happened since you were here last,’ Pierre said.
Pierre led the way with his torch and Lizzie followed and listened to the men talk. Jack’s father and Pierre had been great friends, and his wife, Camille, had introduced Jack’s father to his mother.
Pierre turned to Lizzie. ‘You might even say that this divine specimen of a man wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for Camille and her matchmaking.’ He laughed and Lizzie took to him immediately. He was clearly very fond of Jack and had a good-natured sense of humour.
