“I thought you said Gwen wasn’t a friend.”
“It’s hard to describe. When I say friend… she’s not someone I share things with—not like you. She’s a bit like a little sister.”
“Yeah, she really looks like a sister.”
Clayton shrugged. “She and Christopher have been an incredible support to me, particularly with the situation with Richard.”
Emma’s stomach dropped slightly. “Beautiful and a saint. Great.”
“Sweetheart, she doesn’t even compare to you.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Oh, please.”
“You’ll get to know her better tonight.”
“Why?”
“I invited Christopher and Gwen over for dinner.” Clayton ran a finger down her cheek. “She’s staying with Christopher for a few days.”
“Where does she normally live?”
“With her parents in Maryland. Mary asked her to assist with a small dinner they are putting together, so she came to stay with Chris in order to do that.” Clayton cupped her cheek. “You are ten times as beautiful as Gwendolyn Butler will ever be.” He erased her retort with a kiss that melted her.
“Let me show you the bedroom.” Clayton led her through the door that connected the two rooms.
In the middle of the spacious room was a massive four-poster bed. She thought it might be bigger than a modern day king-sized bed. A lit fire bathed the walls in a romantic light, and the room was also in cream and chocolate hues, but the accents were in a turquoise. She had mentioned to him once that she loved this color scheme, but it was absolutely not typical Victorian décor.
Clayton opened the wardrobe doors. “I made sure that your things were put in here, nowhere else.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you like it?”
“I’m amazed that you remembered everything. It’s perfect.” She turned to him and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “Let me show you how much I like it.”
Emma spent the next hour showing her gratitude and the couple fell asleep in each other’s arms.
EMMA SIGHED AS a firm body cradled hers, and soft lips kissed her shoulder.
“It’s time to wake up, sweetheart.” Clayton ran his hand down her hip.
She slowly opened her eyes. “But I’m having the most delectable dream.”
“Well then, by all means, keep dreaming.” His hand slid between her legs and cupped her gently as his finger slid into her wetness. “Always so ready for me.”
Emma mewed, dropping her head back and Clayton slipped into her from behind, cupping her breast with one hand, while he worked her clit with the other.
“Clay,” she panted. “I…I…”
“Not yet, sweetness.” He buried himself in her slowly again and gripped her hip when she tried to press harder against him. “Not so fast.”
“Clayton,” she growled.
“I want this to last.”
She reached back and grabbed his thigh. “And I want you to fu—”
“Emma Justine Madden,” he admonished, cutting off her curse as he applied more pressure to her clitoris.
“More,” she begged.
“More?”
“God, yes,” she hissed.
“On your knees.”
Emma threw the covers back and tore off her nightgown before kneeling on the bed.
“I like your enthusiasm, sweetheart.”
She waved her hand in a circle. “Get on with it, man.”
Clayton laughed, but didn’t make her wait, pushing his cock inside of her and sliding his hand between her legs.
“Clay…aaaah,” she breathed out as he began to move. Gripping her hips, he slammed into her over and over, then, slowed his pace and fingered her clit, until she had to bury her face in the blankets to smother her scream.
Much to her frustration, but ultimate satisfaction, he built her up again before finally joining her in climax, and by the time they collapsed in a heap on the bed, Emma was wide-awake. “I had no idea.”
Clayton wrapped an arm around her. “Neither did I.”
“Oh, please. I’m sure you’ve done all of this before.” She laid her head on his shoulder and kissed his chest.
“No, I have not done all of this before.” He gave her bottom a gentle pinch. “But what I have done was never like that.”
Emma slid her arm over his stomach and glanced up at him. “Really?”
“Really.”
“I can’t imagine how it wouldn’t be. I mean, with a man like you.”
“Emma, you’re more than I could have ever expected. I have never and will never, love anyone as much as I love you. I have a feeling that’s what makes this so…”
“Mind-blowing?” she added, smiling.
“Yes, that’s a very good phrase.”
“Ditto.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Ditto?”
“It means, I feel the same way,” she clarified. “I love you.”
“Ditto.” He climbed off the tall bed and pulled her with him. “Now, it’s time for us to get ready for dinner. There is a bath set up in the sitting room for you.”
Emma grabbed her robe and stepped into the sitting room. She could see the steam coming up off the water and the smell of orange essence wafted through the room. She stepped into the large copper tub and was surprised to feel Clayton grasp her hand.
“Careful.” He smiled as he helped her in.
She sank into the scented water. “Mm, this is heaven.”
“Heaven?”
She smiled up at him. “Well, as close to heaven as I can get without you between my legs.” Clayton cleared his throat and Emma giggled. “You’re blushing. Have I shocked you?”
He chuckled. “I’m not blushing.”
“The bath is big enough for two, why don’t you come and see for yourself?”
“I’m not sure orange is my scent.”
She sat up and the water trickled between her breasts. “Are you sure?”
Clayton narrowed his eyes. “Slide forward.”
Emma hummed as she did as he asked. “Boobies do the trick every time.”
“I’m sorry?” He stepped in behind her and sat. The water level rose and slipped over the edge so he grabbed the towel closest to them, and laid it on the floor.
“Boobies. Breasts. Tatas. Men will do anything for a glimpse.” Emma leaned back against his chest and ran the washcloth up and down his thigh.
His arms tightened around her waist. “Who have you shown your breasts to, Emma?”
She dropped her head back and smiled up at him. “No one, baby. Don’t worry. It’s something Sophie used to say about Jamie. If she wanted something—”
Clayton laid his hand over her mouth. “I do not want to know anything about your sister’s personal conversations with her husband.”
Emma laughed. “Oh, then I won’t tell you it was Jamie who informed me that almost any man will do anything if a woman shows him her sweater yams. And if we let them touch them, well—”
“Emma!”
She shrugged. “After what you did to me in that bedroom less than an hour ago, you cannot act the prude.”
“Have you ever heard the expression, you will be the death of me?”
Emma turned and knelt facing him. “Yep. And I’m flattered that you think I have that much power.” She leaned over and kissed him.
Clayton cupped her cheeks and pulled her closer. In one fluid movement, he wrapped an arm around her waist and stood. She let out a quiet squeal. “How did you do that?” She wrapped her legs around his hips to keep from falling and Clayton stepped out of the tub.
“You’re easy to carry.” He pushed at her hips gently. “You can lower your legs now.”
She shook her head. “No, I kind of like this position.”
“I need to grab the towels and I don’t want to drop you.”
“You won’t.”
“Emma, be serious. If I let go of your waist, you’ll slip.”
She
grinned. “Try me.”
He frowned but did let go briefly. She didn’t move. He glanced at her in suspicion and let go again, and she raised her hands above her head. “Look, mom, no hands.”
He held her again. “How did you do that?”
“Probably a combination of dance and horses.”
“I don’t see how a waltz or quadrille would allow you the leg strength to do that.”
She slid from his hips and he handed her a towel. “Oh, it wouldn’t. The kind of dancing I’m referring to is something you have never seen. Would you like me to show you a couple of moves?”
Curiosity filled his gaze. “Yes, please.”
She slipped into a pair of the new underwear she’d had made—a lacy black pair of boy shorts—and was rewarded with Clayton’s sharp intake of breath.
Clayton stood and pulled her close and then slid his hands down her hips. “I’m assuming these are from the future?”
“Well, these aren’t from the future, but the design is. It would appear you approve.”
Clayton laughed and kissed her again. “I very much approve, but perhaps I should get dressed in case we linger even longer.”
“Probably a good idea. I’m glad I’m on the right track with my underwear. There will be more in our future. Besides, you wanted me to show you something.”
“Yes, you’re right.” He released her and stepped away.
“Give me a minute to stretch.”
Once limber enough, she stood in the middle of their bedroom and executed a perfect arabesque with her signature twist. Without flinching, she lifted her torso to grab hold of the ankle that was in the air, continually keeping the straight lines of her split.
Clayton stared with his mouth open.
Emma lowered her leg and bowed. “What do you think?”
“That was magnificent!”
“I have more moves so when we’re alone, I’ll let you put the iPod on again and I’ll do a portion of one of my routines for you if you like.”
“I would like.” He smiled wickedly and pulled her close for another kiss. “Especially if you’re going to do it in just your underwear.”
“You’re a bad, bad man, my love.” She sighed. “Now, help me on with this ridiculous corset.”
Clayton helped her dress and then led her down to the parlor for pre-dinner drinks. Jamie and Sophie hadn’t arrived yet, so Clayton went to check on the dinner progress. Before he returned, the butler announced the arrival of Christopher and Gwendolyn Butler, and Emma wasn’t quite sure what to do. Should she find Clayton, or try to wing it?
The siblings entered the room and Emma was a little taken aback.
Gwendolyn was more beautiful than she remembered, and her brother looked like a masculine version of her, only much, much taller. He was gorgeous as well.
“Welcome to Washington, Mrs. Madden.” Gwendolyn enfolded her into a warm hug. “I was so worried about you after you left. The only thing Andrew would tell me was that you were safe.”
Emma smiled. “Yes, very safe. I’m sorry I worried you. Thank you so much for the renovations you did. They are magnificent.”
“You’re welcome. I had never thought to put those colors together before, but I love it. I may steal the idea for future use.”
“You’re welcome to.”
Gwen turned to her brother. “Emma, this is my brother, Christopher.”
Emma held out her hand, but rather than shaking it, he kissed her fingers. “It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Madden.”
“Please, call me Emma.”
“I prefer Mrs. Madden, personally,” Clayton said from the doorway.
“Clayton!” Gwen squealed and went over for a chaste hug. Christopher shook his hand and welcomed him home.
Clayton moved to Emma’s side and handed her a glass of red wine that “Jenkins” brought into the room. He handed Gwen the other poured glass and turned to her brother. “Christopher, may I offer you a drink?”
“Whiskey if you have it.”
Clayton nodded to the butler who left to fulfill the request.
“How was your trip? How’s Richard?” Gwen sat in a chair near the fireplace.
“The trip was superb.” He sent a meaningful look in Emma’s direction as he pulled her down beside him on the large sofa against the wall. “Richard is much better, thank you for asking.”
“And Andrew?”
“Gwendolyn,” Christopher admonished.
Clayton smiled. “Andrew is doing well, Gwen.”
Gwen sipped her wine. “Thank you.”
“How have things been here?”
Christopher took the chair next to his sister. “Frantic with the plans for Gettysburg. Security has been our main focus.”
“That makes sense. I have some ideas on that subject but will fill you in tomorrow. Tonight, I want to celebrate.” Clayton grinned.
Jamie and Sophie rushed through the door and Sophie lifted her hands to check her perfectly coiffed hair. Clayton and Christopher both rose and the introductions were made.
“James, your reputation precedes you.” Christopher waited for Sophie to sit and then took his seat again.
“Is that so?”
“Yes, we’ve heard about the successes you have been having with the cavalry at Harrisburg. There are in fact several units that would be interested in your leadership.”
“Thank you. I’m excited to be here.”
Gwen leaned forward and smiled. “Emma and Sophie, would the two of you like to join me on a tour tomorrow? With the men working, it will probably be very boring.”
Emma nodded. “Yes, that would wonderful. Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you.” Sophie reiterated.
“Dinner is served,” Walter informed them from the doorway.
“Shall we?” Clayton stood and led the small group to the dining room.
Dinner was surprisingly animated. Emma had always thought Sophie’s Civil War sounded awfully boring. Everyone was so proper and no one ever said anything funny or uncivilized. She was proven wrong this evening. She couldn’t help but adore the Butler siblings. They were warm and funny, not to mention intelligent. Christopher seemed a little too serious, but Gwen didn’t seem to let it faze her. She was quite the wit. Emma could tell Sophie felt the same way and Emma had to admit, she was looking forward to their outing the next day.
When the evening came to a close, Clayton and Emma walked the siblings to the door. Christopher assisted Gwen with her coat and scarf.
“I’ll be by at ten to pick you both up, if that is agreeable.” Gwen hugged Emma.
Emma nodded. “Yes, that’s perfect.”
With one last wave, Clayton closed the door and wrapped his arm around Emma’s waist as they made their way back to the parlor. She looked up at him. “I’m not tired in the least.”
He kissed her temple. “Neither am I.”
“Let’s get rid of the oldies, then.”
“Sir?”
Clayton raised his head at the sound of Walter’s voice. “Yes, Walter?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Ford said goodnight and wanted me to inform you they will see you for breakfast.”
Emma leaned into Clayton. “I do love my sister.”
“Thank you, Walter. We’ll be turning in as well.”
“Goodnight, sir, ma’am.”
“Goodnight, Walter.”
Emma gave him a little wave. “Good night, Walter.”
When they got back to their room, Clayton helped Emma undress. She presented her back for help with her corset. “Okay, you win. Christopher and Gwen are very nice.”
Clayton kissed her neck. “Yes, they are.”
“What was all that business with Gwen asking about Andrew? Don’t they have a relationship?”
“I believe it’s very complicated.” Clayton loosened her laces and chuckled.
“Why don’t they make it uncomplicated? I mean if Andrew loves her, why doesn’t he do something about it?”
“None of u
s know why he refuses to act on it.” Clayton turned her to face him. “But I’d rather not talk about them right now.”
Emma ran her hand down his face. “What would you like to talk about then?”
“I don’t want to talk at all.” He slid his arms around her waist and cupped her bottom.
Emma licked her lips. “Is there something else you’d like to do with your mouth?”
He leaned forward and ran his tongue over her bottom lip. “Yes…after.”
“After what?”
He lifted her so she could wrap her legs around his waist and anchored her against a wall. “After I test just how strong you are.”
She shivered, kissing him as he guided his cock inside of her.
“You all right?” he asked.
She nodded, weaving her fingers into his hair. No more words were necessary as Clayton took her against the wall, especially considering Emma came so hard and so fast, she could barely breathe. Clayton carried her to the bed, staying buried deep inside, settling her at the edge of the mattress and gripping her thighs. Emma lifted her hips slightly in an attempt to get closer.
“You want more, little minx?” he rasped, pushing in further.
She whimpered in answer, grabbing for his wrists and using them as leverage to pull him closer. Clayton settled his palms on each side of her waist and Emma locked her ankles around his waist. He slammed into her harder and harder, sliding a hand between them and fingering her clit as he moved.
“Clayton,” she rasped. “Now, baby.”
He gave her one more thrust, then she felt his cock pulse inside of her and she let herself go. He slid out of her, stretching out on the bed beside her, and wrapping her tightly in his arms. “I love you.”
She grinned, stroking his cheek. “I love you, too.”
He kissed her again and pulled the covers up around them.
“Will it always be like this?” she asked snuggling closer.
“Yes,” he answered immediately, and she giggled.
“You’re so very confident of that fact.”
“We’re perfect together, don’t you think.”
“So, so perfect,” she agreed, and tried to bite back a yawn.
“Am I boring you, sweetheart?”
The Bride Found Page 22
