Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
He warred with himself. He longed to shake her and demand she tell him what the problem was so he could solve it. And he wanted to be selfish even longer and keep her against him where every inch of her belonged. By him. Touching him.
Bryn locked his knees to keep from taking her to the bed, knowing she’d be more comfortable but not wanting her to question why he was holding her. He tossed his hat toward the table, not caring where it fell. He settled his feet to a more comfortable position and readjusted his hold on her, not ready to let her go.
For now? Or forever?
Yeah, he wasn’t going to think about that for a while. Obviously it would be for now because forever wasn’t an option. Not with her and not with him.
Head down so his nose sat buried in her thick chestnut strands, he breathed deep, taking in all he could of her unique scent. How a woman could smell so much like violets and mint in the middle of winter, he didn’t know. Didn’t care either, just that when it was on Rosamunde, he couldn’t get enough.
“Talk to me, baby.” He stroked his hand up and down the small of her back.
He realized also as they stood there that she was freaking petite next to him. He’d gotten his father’s height for sure and boxing had filled him out. She came to his shoulders…barely.
She shook her head.
“Come on, it’s just us in here. You don’t have to skate if you don’t want to. I won’t force you to get on the ice.”
Rosamunde pulled back enough that he could see her red eyes, and it killed him to think she’d had to endure any type of pain. Behind her back, he pulled off one glove before touching his hand to her face, smoothing it along the roundness of her cheek.
“Talk to me.”
“It’s nothing.” She gave a firm shake and tried to put some distance between them.
Not happening, baby.
He cupped her cheek and held her still. “Talk.”
“Gonna spank me if I don’t?”
Heat surged through him and he ground his jaw. The air between them charged and sparked.
Bryn leaned toward her, holding that green gaze that reminded him of Ireland. “Perhaps I will if you do. I think that will be a reward for you, baby.”
Yeah, he was right. Her pulse kicked up and he almost gave in and laid possession to her mouth when she dipped her tongue out to touch her lower lip. Dilated eyes gave away more than her words. Far more.
Longing filled her gaze as she ran it over his features. A sad smile tilted up her lips as she shook her head once more before tucking herself into him. She knew where she belonged. Head on his chest, his arms around her holding her, keeping her safe and secure.
“I was struck for a moment about what I’m never going to have.” She sagged into him, trusting him, even if she didn’t realize it at the moment, to hold her up. The loss was monumental when she drew away. “I’m fine. I want to see you skate.”
“You coming?”
She moved around him and opened the door. “Oh no. I don’t know how to swim, I’m not about to go out on a frozen lake.” Stepping outside, she left him alone in there. He readjusted his erection then tended the fire more so it would be warm in case the kids needed to take a break.
He stood behind her and watched as she pasted a smile onto her face while she folded her hands at her waist.
He allowed the door to click behind him as he inched closer to the woman before him. In his hands he held some of the bedding. The last thing he wanted was for her to be cold or get sick.
“Have a seat on the bench.” He pressed a blanket into her hands. “I’ll let it go this time but you’re going to need to learn if you’re fitting in with this family.”
Bryn waited as she obeyed him, eyes widening at his statement. Yeah, it shocked him that it had come out of his mouth but he wasn’t taking it back. More and more he knew she was the correct person to fit in this family at his side. His plans for America were no longer as high of a priority. Placing the extra blankets next to her, he allowed himself one more indulgent inhalation of her scent before heading out onto the ice, forgoing the skates.
Keely moved around him with grace and poise, something he’d never learned on those blades.
“Is she okay?” She moved backward, eyes focused on his face.
“Yes.” He wouldn’t accept anything less. “Just a lot for her.”
“I like her, Bryn.”
He nodded. “I know, so do I.” Her grin had him adding to that statement. “Don’t, Keely. I’m still going.”