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“Haven’t you ever researched it?”
“No, I leave that to people more qualified and interested.” His h
ead fell backward, his eyes rising to something high on the castle wall. “I used to come here when I was a child and make up scenes, pretending to save the damsel in the tower.” He pointed to the barely visible arrow slit in the right tower. “I pretended to be a great lord or a valiant knight. I think that’s when I decided I wanted to be an actor.”
“And your parents supported your decision?”
He shook his head. “Not at first, but when they discovered I was serious and had a talent for theatrics, they enrolled me in workshops, encouraging me to audition for plays.”
Her lips pursed. “It must be nice to have parents who encourage your dreams instead of shutting them down.” She wished her parents were more supportive.
“You shouldn’t be too hard on them. They’re only looking out for you.”
She rolled her eyes as she dismounted. How would he know? He had supportive parents. “Is it okay to go inside? I’d like to see what I can find.”
“What are you looking for?” he asked, dismounting to follow behind her.
“I want to discover something that will spark my imagination.” She moved toward the castle entrance, finding the stone cold beneath her fingers when she touched it. A blast of cool air greeted her as she walked inside. She closed her eyes and was swept back to a time of great beauty. The walls were covered in colorful tapestries, and the rush-covered floors were sweet-smelling and clean. There were trestle tables lined up in the center of the room, and the hearth was blazing with an enormous fire. Beautiful women glided here and there in their gowns made of silk and velvet. The men were handsome and powerful, their swords swinging at their sides.
She opened her eyes, moving farther into the great hall and still seeing in her mind’s eye the way it may have been all those centuries ago. She turned in a circle, scanning the walls and wondering if she could discover a way to the upper floors.
“Reece,” she called. “Is there a stairway?” When he didn’t answer, she spun back to the entrance to find him watching her. The picture instantly dissolved from her brain. “Why are you looking at me that way?”
“You’re fascinating to watch. Your face is so expressive. Everything you’re thinking and feeling is right there in your eyes.” He moved close to her. “It makes me feel things too.”
She moved a step backward. “Like what?”
He counter-stepped. “I want to kiss you like crazy.”
“Can’t you just kiss me in a normal way? I’m crazy enough.”
He laughed as he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. “That makes two of us.” He said no more as he lowered his head to kiss her, his lips molding to hers and his tongue tracing against the seam of her lips. She opened them slightly. He took that as an invitation to deepen his kiss. At the touch of her tongue, he jerked her closer, pressing their bodies together. His hands roamed from her waist, down her hips, and around to her buttocks. He squeezed the roundness in his hands. She moaned in response. He lifted her slightly, aligning their bodies and blatantly showing her how she affected him.
His mouth moved to her throat, kissing down until his lips were nearing the rise of her breasts. “Nicole,” he moaned into her cleavage, “please tell me to stop.”
“What if I don’t want you to do that?” Was he crazy? This felt too amazing to stop.
“Tell me anyway.”
“And if I don’t?”
He lifted his head, looking deeply into her eyes. “I want you, but not here. Not like this. You deserve better than to be slammed against a wall in a rotting castle with plaster falling down around our ears.”
She scraped her fingers through his hair. “What do you suggest?” she asked, biting her lip and staring at his mouth.
He wrapped her legs around his hips, turning them toward the entrance. “I suggest we go back to the house and have something to eat. After dinner, I’ll give you a tour of the house, including the library.”
She frowned, her ardor cooling fast. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
He stopped. “Why? What’s wrong?”
Her mouth twisted. “You run hot, and then you run cold. The change in temperature is not good for my equilibrium.”
He set her on her feet, cupping her face with his hands. “I don’t know what is happening between us, but whatever it is, I don’t want to rush into it. I want to take my time and savor every moment. Do you understand?”
She bit her lip, her eyes burning with tears of rejection. “Sure, whatever you say.” She didn’t believe a word of it.
He shook his head, kissing her and feeling the heat flaring back up between them. She clung to his shirt, thrilling him to know she wanted him too. He wasn’t imagining the passion. He reluctantly let her go. “Come along, Miss DeLancey; it’s time to settle a different type of appetite.” He held her hand as they moved to the horses, waiting until she was seated before mounting his own. They turned back to the wooded copse.
