"You've been out of it for two days," Jerrick told him.
He struggled to sit up, not feeling comfortable at laying about in front of them. Once upright, he scooted back until he sat with his back against the wall. Relieved to not have to voice how thirsty he was, he accepted the glass of water Charlie pushed into his hand. He gulped down two additional glasses, each time his hands shaking just enough to annoy him. "I'll be ready to go back to work tomorrow."
"You will do no such thing," Charlie told him with a scowl. "You'll need a couple days to recuperate."
It was then he looked around and noticed he was not in the bunkhouse. The room was unfamiliar, yet he understood it to be in the house. They must have moved him. "I feel fine." He attempted a stern look, but knew it fell flat.
"Two days won't hurt," Joe said. "It's been raining, so we can't do much more right now than see after the horses and such. It's perfect timing, if you ask me. The grass will be plentiful for the cattle. One last good feeding before the buyer arrives in a couple weeks."
Rafe didn't pay any mind to the rest of their conversation, his concentration instead on his body, moving his legs and arms, breathing deeply. Other than a slight headache and neck stiffness, he felt good. "I need to wash up, if y'all don't mind?" He went to stand only to fall back onto the bed when Charlie pressed on his shoulder.
"Go slow. I'll leave since I'm sure you need privacy. There'll be a bath ready for you in the kitchen. I need to go see about my garden since it seems you are well enough to do on your own."
She left and he looked up at Jerrick and Joe. "I'm fine. Unless you plan to hold my dick while I piss, I suggest you leave."
It was comical to watch the looks of disgust. Joe left, his boots clunking on the hardwood floor. Jerrick lingered. "I'll be within earshot. Make sure you make it to the kitchen, then I'll go get some work done." His friend walked out.
Feeling more human after the day that consisted of sitting in the main room and the afternoon on the porch, Rafe was ravenous by dinnertime. After the meal, he helped Charlie clean up and then sat with her and Joe as they drank coffee.
The rain continued to fall, which made for a cozy setting after Joe excused himself to go to his room on the other end of the house.
Rafe studied Charlie. She looked tired, dark shadows under her eyes but yet no less beautiful. "You've been doing too much." He placed his hand over hers. "I'm sorry I added to your burden."
"Don't be silly. It’s not like you could help it." Her eyes met his and his chest tightened at how much he wanted her. Desire ran through him like a hot poker prompting him to clear his throat and look away.
"I'll get my things and go back to the bunkhouse." He leaned over the table and pressed a light kiss onto her lips. "Thank you for everything."
She cupped his jaw and let out a sigh. "Won't you stay at least tonight? We can sit by the fire."
Did Charlie have any idea what she asked of him? It was already monumentally impossible to think of anything else but her. Burying himself into her body until nothing else existed. Was it love?
No, he didn't think so. Although he had never been so infatuated with a woman. Yes, he'd had lovers who lingered in his mind long after he'd moved on, but something felt different. With Charlie, he battled every minute, between moving slowly and ravaging her.
"I'll stay." At his reply, she brightened, her lips curving into a wide smile. "Good. I need someone's company. I miss Mary Ellen so."
"Is that what I am? A replacement for a lady friend to while the hours with? I can't sew or pin up your hair. I may be a poor stand in."
The tingle of her laughter filled the room and he wished to bottle it and carry the sound of it with him.
In front of the fire, she sat with her feet curled under her, snuggled against his side. Both watched the flames in a comfortable silence after discussing random things in the familiar dance of two people getting to know each other.
Rafe tipped her face up to him and took her mouth. His hunger for her could not be abated. The longer he remained there, the more he had to fight to keep from stretching her out and laying over her. She returned his kiss, her hands tugging at his shirt. He tilted his head to better kiss her, moving his tongue from one side of her lips to the other, tasting her. She moaned softly when he caressed her side, the sound almost his undoing.
Chests heaving, they pulled apart. "I could do this all night," Rafe said, and couldn't help kissing her mouth again. "But it's best we don't. I can't promise not to drag you to the nearest bed."
Charlie gasped, her mouth falling open. She swallowed visibly and fell against him. "I feel the same way."
The crackling of the fire took his attention. It helped settle him to concentrate on it while caressing her arm. "What if we get married?"
Chapter Eleven
Charlie moved in a daze the next morning. Biscuits were in the oven, a mixture of eggs and potatoes cooked on the stovetop. She waited for Rafe to appear, hoped he did so before the others.
They'd parted ways the night before after his question. Both agreeing it was best if they slept on it and could think clearer by the next day. Of course, she'd barely slept, her mind going over the situation. Yes, she was wildly attracted to Rafe Preston and could see herself falling in love with him. If anything, she was halfway there already.
But what about him? Had he asked in a moment of passion? Would he repeat the words he'd said when returning from town? This time, it would break her heart. It would change things. She'd not continue the relationship as it had been, but return to ranch hand and owner of the ranch. Professional only.
"You're thinking too much," his strong arms wrapped around her and Rafe pressed a kiss to her temple. "I haven't changed my mind."
Rafe turned her to face him and his mouth took hers with a raw hunger that had her clinging to his shoulders to keep from collapsing to the floor. Against his hard chest, she felt protected, taken care of. Safe. He pulled up and smiled down at her. "Marry me, Charlotte Kennedy."
"Good morn... Oh." Jerrick stood in the doorway, his mouth open his eyes flicking from her to Rafe. "I should go?"
Rafe did not release her. "I just asked Charlie to marry me."
A warm flush filled her and she was sure her face was reddened. Charlie pushed away from Rafe. "Please come in and sit. Breakfast is ready."
"You haven't answered my question," Rafe said taking her hand.
"What question is that?" Joe walked in and stopped in his tracks, his face almost identical to Jerrick's earlier expression, his gaze locked to their connected hands.
Charlie couldn't keep from chuckling. "Rafe just asked me to marry him."
"It's about damn time. I'm tired of pretending not to notice how you two make eyes at each other. It's downright sugary," Joe grumbled and poured a cup of coffee and sat the table.
The three men looked expectantly at Charlie. She took a deep breath and looked at Rafe. "Yes, Rafe Preston. I will marry you."
His lips curved into a sensual smile that made her knees weak and then pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. "Thank you."
Somehow, she managed to keep steady as she served the men and sat down to breakfast with them. Thankfully, Joe began to talk of what all needed to be done now that the rain had finally stopped which continued through the meal.
Jerrick and Joe left, while Rafe lingered to help her clean up. "When do you want to go into town and get married?" He seemed outwardly calm. Yet by the eager look in his eyes, he was not going to be put off for long.
"I'll go to town tomorrow and see about arrangements. Joe is going anyway. Will next week suit?"
Rafe let out a breath and brought her against him. "It will be hard to wait. Yes, that suits me fine." The feel of his body against hers was hard to resist and she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head upon his chest.
The wedding ceremony was simple, with only Jerrick, Joe, Mrs. Delworth, and the Evingtons in attendance. Charlie wore a simple beautiful pale yellow dre
ss she'd purchased premade at the seamstress shop. Lucky for her only a few alterations were needed. She held a bouquet of black-eyed Susans and daisies Mrs. Evington procured for her.
When she walked into the small church, standing next to Preacher Williams, Rafe took her breath. Striking in the bright white shirt, gold vest and black jacket, he kept his dark gaze on her as she made her way down the aisle.
It was hard to hear the preacher's words over the hum in her ears and the thumping of her heart against her chest. They exchanged vows, Rafe in a strong voice that gave her no reason to doubt his wanting to marry her and she in a softer tone, yet she made sure to keep his gaze, silently letting him know how much she cared for him.
Preacher Williams pronounced them husband and wife. Rafe took her shoulders and kissed her. It was not chaste, but all consuming and full of promise. When chuckles surrounded them, her face flamed with a happy flush.
"Time for cake," Mrs. Delworth announced and the small group walked toward her small house next to the apothecary.
They rode back to the ranch with leftover cake and a picnic basket consisting of a casserole Mrs. Evington made, rolls, and pot roast Mrs. Delworth packed for them. They didn't plan a honeymoon, too much to be done at the ranch. Instead, they headed home after both Jerrick and Joe informed them, they planned to remain in town for the next couple days.
Her stomach tumbled at the idea she'd finally be with Rafe, as his wife and lover. Partner for life. Suddenly a horrible thought reared. Oh God, what would happened when Winfrow found out?
Charlie looked to Rafe, so handsome next to her in his Sunday finery. His dark eyes met hers and she forced a smile. Tomorrow was soon enough to talk about disagreeable things. Today was their wedding day and she'd enjoy it.
When they arrived at the house, Rafe helped her down from the buggy seat and handed her the basket. "I'll see about the horse, it won't take me long," he told her, his darkened eyes roaming over her face. "Are you all right? You're a bit quiet."
She nodded. "Just nerves. You know...about our first night together." It wasn't true, she very much anticipated their wedding night. But it would not do to think or talk about Winfrow today.
Once she placed the casserole in the larder, she made her way to her spacious bedroom and undressed, taking her new dress off with care and hanging it up on a hook beside her wardrobe. She then slipped out of the rest of her clothing and donned a light nightshift. Once that was completed, she brushed out her hair and climbed into the bed, pulling her blanket up past her chest. She fidgeted waiting to hear Rafe enter.
Moments later the sound of his footsteps made her heart beat faster and she watched the doorway until he appeared.
He filled the doorframe almost completely, his gaze immediately on her and he smiled. His lips curving he scanned the room. He removed his coat, vest, and necktie, then began to unbutton his shirt.
Charlie turned to the lantern considering if he'd want the light off. Daniel and she always made love in the dark, but it seemed odd with Rafe. She wanted to see him. All of him. "Should I put out the light?"
"If you wish. I'd prefer you didn't." He pulled his shirt off and her eyes widened at the sight of a broad, well formed chest with just a light feathering of dark hair. She swallowed past the sudden dryness in her throat.
When he began to unfasten his belt, she looked away, not bold enough to see him fully bereft of clothing.
The bed dipped and she held her breath until Rafe pulled her against him his mouth instantly on hers. Soft and wielding, he took his time, not pushing her to anything right away and Charlie was thankful for it, as she began to tremble. Whether it was want or not, she could not figure out what caused it.
"Relax, Charlie. Open your eyes," Rafe's voice soothed her to the core and she did as he asked. He lay beside her, his face shadowed as the lantern was behind him. He took her hands and placed them on his chest. "Touch me."
Muscles flexed as she slid her palms over the hard planes in circular motions and then moving her hands up to his shoulders and back down again. It was wonderful to watch his chest expand under each breath. When she looked into his face, he watched her with fascination. "I never imagined to find a wife as beautiful as you." He slid closer and ran his hands down her arms, once again his mouth seeking hers.
The kiss lingered, his tongue sliding past her parted lips, his hands moving over her body bringing with each caress a deep need for more of him.
When he pulled her nightshift up, she could feel his warm skin against hers. Rafe was bare as the day he was born and soon she would be too. There was a slight hesitation until she lifted so he could remove it all the way off. Then he kissed her jawline, his lips trailed kisses from her face to her neck and he cupped her breasts with both hands. The combination of his touch and heavy breathing made her bolder. Charlie raked her fingers through his hair encouraging him until he took her breast tip into his mouth.
At once a trail of heat traveled through her and a desperation to join with him took over. "Oh!" Charlie gasped when he moved to the other breast.
His right hand moved between her legs and ever so gently he slid a finger into her. He lifted his face and met her gaze, his eyes almost black with passion. "I don't want to hurt you, Charlie. I'll be gentle. But I can't wait any longer."
A nod was all she could manage as all her attention remained at what he did with his hand. When he rolled over her, she let out a sigh at the wonderful feel of his weight. She held her breath expecting the usual uncomfortable sensation of intrusion, but unlike anytime with Daniel, she could barely wait for it.
Rafe took her mouth, his hands at once all over her body, coaxing, kneading, drawing out every sensation until she pulled at his hips needing him inside her.
Just as when touching her intimately, he pushed into her and it was glorious. Charlie let out a sigh of relief. Wonderful sensations pulsating as he began to move.
This was passion in its rawest form, the wonderful union between two people made perfectly for one another. Charlie could understand now what the poems were about as she flew higher and higher.
As her body responded to each caress with a heightened sense, she felt like a vessel through which beautiful music played. When she fell from the precipice, it was like no other experience. Her body exploded into fragments. In the midst of it, she heard Rafe's hoarse cry and knew he fell too.
Charlie snuggled against Rafe, her head on his chest. Both sated for the moment. He pressed a kiss to her brow. "We should get some sleep."
"Mmm hmmm," she replied her eyes already refusing to open. "We should."
They'd made love again and once again she marveled at how wonderful it could be between a man and a woman. Why had she never known? Of course it was not a subject easy to speak of, yet she wondered how many had this. What she'd discovered with Rafe? Certainly she'd not ever soared like this with Daniel. He'd rarely even took her nightshift completely off. They'd fumbled in the dark, him entering her without preamble. And yes, after a few uncomfortable moments, it had been somewhat enjoyable, but never had she splintered again and again. Never had she reached such heights.
When Rafe's soft snore sounded, she allowed slumber to pull her in.
A nudging woke her and she opened her eyes to find Rafe nuzzling her neck. His lips on her skin instantly sent her body to life and she stretched her arms before moving closer to press against him.
They made love, slow and tenderly, each still discovering the other's body. His larger one a combination of smooth skin over tight corded muscles. It astounded her to find pleasure so soon after the night before, but before long she urged him to move faster and deeper within her until once again she reached the wonderful peak from which to let go.
Rafe rolled to his back and pulled her against him. "Are you hungry?"
She nodded and considered the options in the kitchen. "We can eat the bread and fruit from the basket. It’s late morning by all the light in the room."
"I'll go see about food
and some coffee. Take your time and do what you wish. Don't overdress." He gave her a playful wink and butterflies fluttered in her belly. "Once we eat and such, we'll come back here."
When he left, Charlie went to the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright. She gasped at her hair, it was a mess. Once she brushed the tangles out, Charlie donned another nightgown and slipped downstairs to find Rafe.
He's already poured two cups of coffee and cutting the bread when she walked into the kitchen. "Sit. I'll serve."
It was a very nice sight she decided, her new handsome husband shirtless only wearing pants. His biceps bunched as he worked and a lock of hair fell over his brow. Rafe must have felt her eyes on him because he looked up at her and raised a brow.
"I'm admiring you. You are a handsome man, Rafe," Charlie told him leaning her chin on her palm.
He stopped what he did and gave her a playful look. "Did you marry me because you could not resist my good looks?"
"It helped, " she replied honestly. "I was afraid, we'd end up in my bed eventually. With or without a marriage certificate."
They ate and chatted. Mostly small talk. Charlie wanted to ask him how he wanted to handle the running of the ranch, but couldn't find a way to bring it up without seeming she was suspicious of his motives. It was interesting that the thought he married her for her land never crossed her mind. She trusted him. Something deep in her believed him to be a good and honorable man.
"I don't want my name on the title to this land," Rafe told her and swallowed from his coffee cup. "No need for any of that. Any financial issues, we'll discuss and come to an understanding together. Do you agree with that?"
Relief at him broaching the subject made her nod with enthusiasm. "I'd like that, yes. But as my husband you should have your name on the land as well. If something happens to either of us..."
"Let’s give it some time. No need to rush into that."
Charlie let out a breath. "All right. Thank you for that. Although I know eventually, you will handle everything, I appreciate you not pushing us to hurry into making changes."
The Widows Choice Page 8
