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She shivered at the thought of herself lying naked upon it, waiting to mingle and entwine with Zac.
She turned her back on the envisioned scene and focused on the remainder of the room. The colors were a gentle blend of muted greens and beige, with just a small amount of apricot thrown in for a subtle effect.
Two matching rosewood wardrobes stood side by side against one wall. Prudence opened the first, which turned out to be empty. The other held Zac's clothes. A dressing table sat between the only two windows in the room, with a silver brush set the only item on it. Like the wardrobe, it was waiting for the permanent mistress of the house to arrive to add her personal touch.
A large stone fireplace with a heavy wood mantel occupied the wall opposite the wardrobes. A beautiful painting of the wilderness hung above it and a clock sat in the middle of the mantel.
Prudence turned around and around slowly. A smile formed on her lips as she thought of the touches she would add to make this more of a home. Plain beige lace curtains on the bare windows to start, her personal items on the dressing table, a chair with a footrest for Zac's relaxation, and a carpet in hues of deep green would do much for the room.
She explored the small room off the bedroom and found it to be two, one a bathing room and the other a dressing room, privacy screen and all.
She hadn't expected such luxuries in the West, but now knowing and understanding Zac, Prudence could see how hard he had worked to provide himself and his future family with such amenities. And she realized that while keeping the best of the rough young West, he had also added things that would help it age gently.
There were a couple of hours before dusk and Prudence suddenly filled with energy. She would unpack her clothes, build a small fire in the bedroom hearth, fill a bath, bring up a tray of food, and leave a trail to seduction. She turned quickly on her heels and left the room.
Zac ran his hand through his hair again. It was still damp. He had taken a dip in the stream, though it chilled him to the bone. It made him feel clean, as did the fresh clothes he had switched into.
His thoughts had troubled him since he left Prudence on the steps. All he could think about was her naked in bed, waiting for him. He wondered if she'd find the confidence to do as she had promised. He hoped so, for then he would know she trusted him deeply. And that was important to him… very important.
The house was quiet when he entered. An instant fear gripped him as he wondered if she might have run away. But he pushed the disturbing thought quickly aside. There was no place for her to go, and he sensed she didn't wish to leave him just yet.
He climbed the steps slowly. There was no need to rush their union. He enjoyed the anticipation of what was to come; the kisses, caresses, the intimate touches and purposeful teases. Yes, he was going to enjoy her tonight, perhaps even introduce her to something new, something shocking.
He was smiling most devilishly when he opened the door quietly and peered in. The bed sheets were drawn back but the bed was empty.
He stepped into the room, his anger on the rise, and walked around the bed to where the small fire flickered and crackled.
He stopped dead in his tracks.
Prudence lay on a quilt on the floor, sleeping. A silver tray sat nearby with meats, bread, cheese, whiskey, and cider. She had planned everything, had waited for him and had wanted him. There was no doubt in his mind about it. She was stretched out on the quilt, arms resting above her head, stark naked.
The smile he wore fast faded to a frown. She was exhausted. The long, uncomfortable ride in the wagon had finally taken its toll. She hadn't once complained. Although it was obvious at times that she experienced discomfort, she had kept it to herself. An admirable trait in a woman and one he admired.
Of course, he hadn't helped the situation any. He hadn't been able to keep his hands off her. He couldn't get enough of her, night after night, under the star-studded sky, next to the warmth of the fire, her flesh alive and hot to his touch.
"Damn," he mumbled, shaking his head. He had told her often enough he was no gentleman. And since he had proven it on several occasions, he should have no qualms about joining her now on the quilt and making love to her. So what was stopping him?
His concern for her well-being. There would be other nights and days to share with her. Now she needed rest.
