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Jordy is dangerously dashing, his signature white tunic covered with a rust brown overcoat that matches the streaks in his eyes. His square jaw is gracing a light dusting of beard that he’s neatly trimmed and groomed. His firm grip leads me to the dance floor as the bagpipes play a quick-paced tune. He takes my hand and twirls me on the edge of a dream.
And I never wish to awaken.
When we’re both a little short of breath after several melodies, Jordy leads me off the dance floor.
“Are you thirsty, Milla?”
“Aye, some ale would be lovely. You’re quite the dancer, Jordy.”
“Well, dancing is a pleasure when you have the most beautiful woman in the room in your arms.”
I’m blushing, but I don’t try to conceal it. I feel as though I never have to hide anything about myself from Jordy, and it’s beyond comforting. He is a breath of fresh air after years of not breathing.
I see Gram as we make our way to the beverages and she nods and smiles. She’s surrounded by elders who enjoy her company and seeing her ease of speech and laughter fortifies my spirit. She’s happy, and I’m grateful. We both needed this outing.
“Here you are, Milla.” Jordy hands me a cup of ale and then pours one for himself. “Shall we step outside a moment? It’s a beautiful night, and the stars are numbering the hundreds. It is something to behold.”
“I’d love to.”
Jordy extends an elbow, and we stroll outside, the stars every bit as magical as he’d described. We find a bench well out of view of the assembly hall, but the muffled sounds of the music are still drifting through the air.
“Milla, I wish I had the proper words for your loveliness.” Jordy lifts a piece of hair from my shoulder. “Every feature you possess is perfection, right down to the last streak of golden amber running through your fiery hair.” He cups my cheek, dragging his thumb back and forth across it. “You are magnificent.”
“This dress is stunning, aye?”
Jordy smiles. “It has nothing to do with the dress.”
He places his hands on my face, smoothing his thumbs over my cheeks. The sparkles in his eyes are resting on my lips and I suck in a breath. My tummy flutters with pinches of anticipation of his mouth covering mine. The kiss starts gentle, Jordy’s mouth capturing my bottom lip, and then it deepens. He is woodsmoke and embers, leather and bread flour, all the scents that make up his day’s labor. I’m trembling, but he’s firm. He is a stone-still statue, and I am a wind-drift feather of quivers and jitters. I am exactly where I want to be, and it scares me to death.
“Do you want me to stop, my love?” Jordy whispers as he rubs the gooseflesh away from my arms.
“No, good sir,” I manage through ragged breath, my boldness shocking even myself, “I never want you to stop. Keep loving me, my lord. And may the stars shine down on us in witness.”
My words excite Jordy. He tugs the fabric down from my shoulder, his warm lips finding my neck. My body heats in secret places I barely knew existed and I squirm to relieve the sensations now ruling my body. I cry out when his tongue trails along my neck and finds my shoulder. He pulls me nearer and I flatten a hand on his chest. He reacts to my touch and kisses me again before taking both of my hands in his.
“I fear if I do not stop, we’ll never make it back to the dance,” Jordy says. “Your gram will miss you, and I don’t want to wrinkle your most beautiful dress…or your virtues. I apologize for my wanting of you. Sometimes I feel you are my every thought. Will you forgive me?”
“There is nothing to forgive. I am every bit as guilty.”
We laugh and Jordy kisses my forehead before helping me stand. He glances over my shoulder. “Look, Milla, a shooting star. Make a wish.”
“I don’t wish on stars,” I say. “Here, I have a better way.”
He watches in fascination as I reach into by bodice and pull the match and flintstone from my chemise.
I hold the match in front of Jordy’s face. “I will show you my secret magic, but the wish is yours to make. When I strike the match, say your wish. The flame will hear it.”
I strike the match and Jordy says, “I wish this night could last forever.”
Tingles tease my belly as I nod my agreement. “Like matches for wishes,” I say, and blow out the flame.
“But what about a wish for yourself, Milla?”
I touch his face. “I don’t need to make a wish. Mine already came true.”
When his lips find mine again, I melt. His kiss is everything tangible in my life, everything good and righteous. It is the kind of kiss that tricks the stars to glowing until the greedy sun is forced to extinguish their light. And if I have a say in it, I will kiss this man through eternity, and every starlit night for the rest of my life.
CHAPTER 9
