Page 121 of The Enchanted Land

Gordon forestalled her reply. “I’ve taken the liberty of having Carol prepare your room.” Gordon again ignored the look Morgan flashed at him. “Come upstairs and I’ll show it to you. It was Morgan’s father’s room.”

Morgan didn’t follow them. She was furious with Gordon for planning all this without her consent. It wouldn’t be easy to stay away from Seth when she saw him every morning at breakfast.

Herfather’sroom? Hadn’t Gordon said that? Morgan nearly toppled the dining chair in her hurry to get upstairs. Her father’s room was next to hers, and there was a connecting door between them!

They were in the room and Morgan stared at the door that led to her room. She tried to catch Gordon’s eye, but failed.

“If you’ll excuse me, Mrs. Colter, I’ll get my gear from the bunkhouse.”

She held her tongue until she heard the downstairs door close. “He can’t have this room! It’s right next to mine!”

“Morgan, have you seen the other bedrooms in this house? The housekeeper your father and mine had when this house was built decorated every bedroom for women, except three—the one Adam has, my room, and this one. I can’t see Dave with a pink coverlet and chintz curtains.”

“We’ll redecorate, we’ll…”

“Don’t be silly, Morgan. The door locks from both sides.” He walked to the door and demonstrated that it was firmly locked. “It’s as if there were no door.”

“It’s not the same at all,” she murmured.

“Morgan, I know it was a shock, seeing Dave for the first time. But his resemblance to someone you dislike is not his fault. The way you treat him is not fair. He’s a very warm person when you get to know him… Well, it’s been a long day.” Gordon yawned ostentatiously. “I think I’ll go to bed. I’m sure Dave can find his own room.”

“Yes, I’m sure he can.”

Gordon did not fail to note the sarcastic tone in her voice.

Locked in her own room, she removed her gown and put it away carefully. She stepped into one of her favorite nightgowns and sat before the mirror to unpin and brush her hair. She stopped in midmotion when she heard Seth enter the room next door. She listened. Drawers opened and closed. The wardrobe door clicked. She heard his boots drop to the floor.

It’s as if he’s in this room, she thought. She looked toward the connecting door. There was silence, and then she saw the light under his door go out. She went to her own bed, blew out the lamp, and snuggled under the covers. She was feeling that peaceful relaxation just before sleep comes, when the words carried through the door to her. “Goodnight,mi querida.” Seth’s voice was a caress. The familiar endearment relaxed her even more and she fell asleep easily.

Seth stared at the room. He was glad to be out of the bunkhouse. Every time one of those men had made a crack about Morgan, he had had a difficult time controlling himself. Now there was only one thin door separating her from him. He was calm for the first time in weeks. He hadn’t liked the idea of her being alone in this house, alone with Gordon. Even if there didn’t seem to be a romantic love between them, she was his. He meant to keep her that way.

He laughed at himself. Now, Colter, that’s what caused all your trouble before—your possessive jealousy. This time he wasn’t going to ruin things. After the long kiss this afternoon, he knew she still felt something for him. It wouldn’t be long before that little door would open. He drifted off to sleep, confident.

Adam was awake especially early the next morning. He tumbled out of his bed, opened his door, and sleepily made his way to his mother’s room, just as he always did. Seth heard the stumbling steps and hastily donned his pants and intercepted Adam before he could pound on Morgan’s door.

Adam opened his eyes in surprise when Seth swept him up in his arms. His father put his finger to his lips and Adam understood. The little boy snuggled against the strong chest and closed his eyes. When Seth deposited his son in the big bed, Adam immediately turned on his stomach and went back to sleep. Seth removed his pants and climbed back into bed, leaving the hall door open. Soon both father and son were asleep.

When Morgan woke, she had a feeling something was wrong. She opened her eyes, frowning. The sun was up and there was a long ray of sunlight seeping in under the curtains. It was later than usual. She was so used to her son’s waking her up and then climbing into her bed and going back to sleep that she had learned to sleep through the disturbance. She turned to Adam. He wasn’t there!

Disregarding her robe, she ran from her room. The door to Adam’s room was open, but he wasn’t in the room. Gordon’s door was closed. She was alarmed. He couldn’t disappear, not her little Adam. Tears blurred her eyes. She looked down the stairs. He could have fallen down them in his long nightshirt. She must calm herself. Maybe Roselle or Martin had taken him to the kitchen. She listened, but there were no sounds downstairs. Her hand flew to her mouth. Then she saw the bedroom door next to her own standing slightly open.

She pushed the door open, brushing away the tears in relief as she saw the little curly head just above the covers. She offered a silent prayer of thanks. She’d been so silly. She should have known that Seth’s presence would upset everyone’s life. She shut her eyes in exhaustion.

Seth opened his eyes to see Morgan standing near him. He might move his hand and clasp her waist, but he lay still. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing deeply, her breasts thrusting forward under the thin gown. The gown fit her perfectly, hugging her body closely to the waist and then flaring out softly in a bell shape. It was a deep, rich blue with long, tight sleeves that curved out at the wrist. The neckline covered her collarbone and then plunged deeply, almost to the waist, edged by cream-colored lace. Her hair was rumpled and fell about her to the waist. Never had he seen her more desirable. He caught her hand in his and her eyes flew open.

“I—” she began.

“You don’t need an excuse to be here.” She tried to pull her hand away, but he held it easily, caressing the fingertips.

“I came to find my son. He usually comes to my room. When he didn’t, I was worried.”

Seth’s eyes were gentle. He pulled her hand to his mouth. He kissed the fingertips, raking the sensitive tips across his teeth. Her scalp tightened.

“Stop it!” His grasp on her hand was firm.

“I am limiting myself to only your fingertips. I like that blue thing, especially the lace.”

Her hand covered the lace which played hide-and-seek with the soft curve of her breasts. She looked straight at him, one eyebrow arched, challenging. “Theron bought me this gown. He bought me many beautiful things.”

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