They’d almost made it to where the older girls were sitting when Matt’s arm was practically jerked out of the socket, and he was in danger of falling. He hauled back on Daisy’s leash, as she lunged again after a squirrel.
“Matt, are you all right?” The twins, Augusta, and Madeline rushed up to him.
He tightened his grip on the dog as she charged the squirrel, now on a lower branch of the tree chattering.
“Daisy!” He walked away from the tree, turning her so that she could not avoid looking at him, and used his most severe tone. “A well-behaved young lady does not attempt to dislocate her master’s shoulder.”
She gave him a sorrowful look, and he was tempted to delude himself into thinking she understood, but just at that moment, the damned rodent scampered down the tree, and she tried to take off again. This time he was ready for her.
Blinkers might be a good idea.
* * *
Grace hid in her study for the better part of the day. She was trying and failing to work on her accounts when the sound of Worthington and the children returning echoed through the house.
She’d been miserable before, during, and after breakfast. Worthington had been hurt by her coolness. Her aunt might be correct that he would lose interest. Perhaps she should try to forget her aunt’s advice and enjoy his company while he remained attracted to her, storing up all the memories to keep her warm in the future.
The door opened and Worthington stood in the entrance gazing at her. With his hair slightly tousled, he was even more handsome than usual. Grace’s heart thudded as she stared back. She’d missed him so badly and had been ill-tempered with everyone because she hadn’t had his company. Not to mention his touch.
He strode in and took her in his strong arms. “I can’t live with you being so distant.”
Grace tilted her head up, and his lips met hers. Belatedly, she remembered she had on an old morning dress and very little else. His hands caressed her face as he kissed her more deeply. She wound her arms as far around his neck as she could and desperately returned his kiss. Their tongues tangled, and Grace ceded control to him. On tiptoe, she pressed against him. One of his hands roamed down to caress her tight breast. Only three thin layers of muslin separated his curious fingers from her nakedness, and she was rapidly losing her struggle not to make love as her desire overrode her brain.
“No stays?” he murmured against her lips.
“No.” She ran her greedy hands under his jacket. “You have on too many clothes.”
“I do.” He chuckled deeply. “You, however, are perfectly dressed.”
Her bodice loosened, and he peeled down each stratum of cloth covering her breasts.
“I’ve dreamt of these and how they tasted.” He nudged her head back with his and lowered his mouth to her breasts.
Flames shot up and swirling desire captured her. All thoughts of denying herself of the pleasure of making love died when he sucked her nipple. “Ah, Matt.”
“I won’t do anything else. I promise.”
The ache between her legs overwhelmed her. Oh God, how she’d missed him. Breathing became harder, and she panted. “Please, I want you.”
Worthington raised his head and searched her eyes. “Are you sure?”
Not knowing how much longer she’d have him, Grace nodded. “Yes, yes, I’m sure.”
“Come, we’ll try something new. I’d really like to have you back in a bed again.” His hand moved between them and his erection was free. Turning her so that she faced her desk, he said, “Rest your head on your arms.”
He raised her skirts so slowly she thought he’d never finish. His hard hands heated her thighs sending sparks of anticipation shooting through her. By the time his fingers moved to her center and wetness pooled between her legs, Grace wanted to scream and tell him to take her as he continued his slow path. Worthington’s fingers stroked, causing spikes of desire to drive her mad. A high moan escaped her lips. “Matt, please. I want you.”
When he finally flipped up her skirt and nudged her legs apart, she was trembling with need.
“You’re wet.” Matt chuckled deeply. “Grace, do you have any idea how I’ve missed you?”
His teeth nibbled her ear, and she pushed back against him. “As much as I’ve missed you.”
She wanted him so much. Relief coursed through her as Matt’s shaft slowly filled and possessed her. His fingers found her most sensitive spot and rubbed. She struggled to breathe. A spark lit deep inside and his long, deep thrusts built her tension higher until her knees buckled and she convulsed around him.
Matt’s groan and the way he held her when he came gave her hope that he wouldn’t leave her soon.
He smoothed her skirts back down and carried her to the sofa. Holding her on his lap, he softly stroked her neck and feathered light kisses on her temple. She could stay like this with him forever.
