He should leave her alone in the kitchen. “Come into the parlor,” he said to the children, “and I will tell you a story.”
The little girl beamed. “I love stories.”
“A story about the Mississippi?” Seth asked.
“Haven’t you heard enough of those?” he teased.
“No, sir! When I am big enough I want to work on the river like you.”
“Like I used to,” Matt said. His children wouldn’t have all the opportunities he did, but working as a waiter on a steamer wouldn’t be too bad. “If you don’t change your mind when you’re grown I’ll see if I can get you a job.”
“Really?” Seth asked.
Matt ruffled his curly black hair. “Yes. Now time for a story.” He kept pausing in the middle of the story, distracted by April’s humming. She was as sweet as a songbird.
What kind of living quarters was she used to? His house resembled slave quarters more than a plantation manor house. He’d like to know her story. Her scrutinizing eyes always stopped his heart. She seemed looking for fault in him. Aside from his messy house what else bothered her?
Chapter 6
April peeked around the corner from the kitchen. The table was covered with a mountain of clothes. Mr. Seever must not have done laundry for weeks! Where had he been taking his meals? There wasn’t a place for them to eat. Frankly she didn’t like the idea of eating off a table recently covered in dirty shirts and trousers.
How would Mr. Seever react if she asked him to clear off the table? From experience with past employers that never went well. Maybe if she just hinted at the problem.
“Mr. Seever,” April said, “I’m afraid I don’t have time to make supper and clean off the table. Where would you like to eat?”
Mr. Seever looked at the pile of clothes on table. “Oh. I’m sure this is the messiest house you’ve ever seen.”
Yes, but I’m not going to say anything.
“Children,” Mr. Seever said. “Help me clear off the table.” He pointed to the corner of the room. “We’ll just pile it up over there for now.”
Seth picked up and armful of socks and put it over in the corner. Soon half the table was visible.
April smiled. That went better than expected. “Do you have a tablecloth, sir?”
“Yes, but I don’t think we need it. We don’t have any company.”
She shrugged. “I much prefer to dine with a tablecloth, but it is up to you.”
He shifted his weight and seemed to be debating. “All right. I’ll go get it.” He disappeared and returned a few minutes later with a simple white cotton tablecloth. It wasn’t anything special, but by the way he held it tight to his chest and fingered it lovingly she could tell it was important to him.
“Caroline made this,” he said, “as soon as we moved into this house. She sewed the tablecloth and then the calico curtains.”
He spread open the cloth, draping it over the table. Deep creases ran through the fabric from being folded so long.
“It is a lovely tablecloth, sir.”
“It is just a simple white cloth with a rose in each corner.”
April eyed the roses for the first time. The detailed needlepoint brought the flowers to life, almost looking real. Roses for love.
“That’s all we needed. I never wanted anything more.” He swallowed and tipped his head back.
Praying, remembering, or holding back tears, April didn’t know. Seeing him this hurt, this vulnerable tore at her heart. She wanted to run to him, soothe him with her cornmeal covered hands.
Instead she returned her attention to the cornbread. She needed to get it into the oven soon. There wasn’t enough time to make biscuits for tonight. The simple fare of cornbread and canned beans would have to do.
April showed Seth and Hannah how to properly set a table with the fork to the left of the plate and the knife and spoon on the right and then returned to the kitchen. She wrapped a cloth around her hand and peeked in the oven at a skillet of cornbread. She pulled it out and stuck a knife into the middle. It came out clean. Satisfied, she carried it to the table and then returned for the bowl of beans and the pat of butter.
Mr. Seever and the children sat down. The rectangular table had six chairs. There was still room for his family to grow. She pushed the thought from her mind. Why should she care if he wanted to have more children?
“Aren’t you hungry, Miss April?” he asked.
She blinked, realizing she’d been staring at the cornbread on the table. “Not really, sir.” Her stomach felt queasy. So much had happened today it overwhelmed her. Perhaps she could get her stomach to calm. “Do you have any tea?”
He frowned. “I’m afraid not. I will buy some tomorrow.”
“Well then, I think I’d just like to go to bed early if you don’t mind. It has been a long day.”
He rose from the table. “You’ll have the loft all to yourself.” He got her a lantern and some matches and then showed her to the ladder. “I suppose one look at this house would make most people lose their appetite,” he whispered. “I’m sorry.”
He’d apologized to her again. Why? “It won’t take me long to get the house in order, sir.”
He smiled. “You and I both know that’s a lie.” He pointed up the ladder. “There is a pallet up there and plenty of quilts. I hope you will be comfortable.”
“I’m sure I will be.”
“If you need anything just let me know.”
“Thank you, sir.” What I need is a break from being around you. The house seemed to shrink by the minute. There would be no ignoring him, and she could only avoid him in her loft.
She climbed the ladder to her new room. Resting on her knees, she surveyed the tight space. She ran her hand across one of the several thick quilts covering the loft’s wood floor. Had Caroline made them? She worked her way to the pallet and sat, stretching out her legs. There was just enough room for one person to sleep.
She took off her shoes and had slipped her dress off her shoulders when she heard footsteps on the ladder. Mr. Seever’s head showed in the loft. She held her breath and wrapped her arms around her breasts covering her chemise.
“I didn’t mean to startle you, ma’am. You forgot your bundle.” He handed her the gunnysack.
Heat rose in April’s cheeks. Mr. Seever’s green eyes burned. He looked like he wanted to peel her hands away so he could get a better look, and April almost wished he would.
“I’m sorry I don’t have a bed for you.”
“I’m used to a pallet.”
Mr. Seever smiled and April’s body thrummed. “Good night, ma’am,” he said and headed back down the ladder.
April sighed. It was nice of him to remember her belongings.
She changed into her nightgown and brushed her hair. With each stroke through her long tresses she concentrated on her employer. Mr. Seever was nothing like the other men she had worked for. She couldn’t let down her guard. Instead of merely cheating her out of her pay he could cheat her out of her heart.
She had yet to give herself to any man. In white high society at twenty-seven she’d definitely be considered a spinster. But Mr. Seever didn’t belong to high society…
He loved his children and clearly preferred sharing his bed with a colored woman.
Her nether region warmed and her hands tingled.
*
Mr. Seever helped Hannah and Seth out of their clothes and into their nightgowns. The children shared a room, but each had their own bed. He tucked them in and kissed them on the forehead. “Sweet dreams.”
“Good night Papa,” Seth said.
“Sweet dreams,” Hannah repeated.
He marveled at how much both of them had grown. Seth had turned eight this year. He’d given him the metal soldier for his birthday. It wouldn’t be long and he’d be a young man. He shook his head. No need to get ahead of himself. Right now they were still his little angels. Hannah’s sleepy face warmed his heart. She had long lashes like Caroline
.
How he’d missed his children. He silently watched them for a moment before going to his room. After brushing his teeth with tooth powder, he changed into his nightshirt and climbed into bed. It was warm enough he only needed a thin sheet around him.
Matt fell asleep and dreamed of April. In his dream, he climbed the ladder to her loft. She waited for him, wearing nothing but a smile. Her dark brown skin seemed golden in the lamplight. Lying on the pillow, her slender body looked delicious, her long black tresses flowing over her naked breasts. He wanted to taste every inch of her.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come,” she murmured.
“I had to put the children to bed. I came as soon as I could.”
His cock throbbed as he slid off his trousers and straddled her body. He slid his hand up her thigh over the curve of her belly. She felt hot and soft and feminine.
Her fingers brushed over his shoulders, heat seeping through the cotton. She reached under his shirt and felt his chiseled muscles. A smile played across his lips. “I want to see all of you.”
He quickly shucked his shirt, eager to please.
Her hands roamed his shoulders again and then drifted down his back and to his waist.
Leaning into her, he pressed his arousal against her womanhood. Her nipples pressed into his chest and a bolt of desire shot through him. He kissed her full lips, his tongue tracing the seam, teasing her until she opened her mouth. She moaned, encouraging him to probe her mouth further, his tongue dancing with hers.
He broke the kiss and brushed his fingers down her neck and across her collarbone. He looked into her eyes, needing permission to continue.
Her brown eyes burned with passion. She dipped her chin. The slight nod incensed his raw hunger. Two of his fingers dipped into her moist heat and she gasped. He pulled his fingers out and licked them. Yes, she tasted heavenly.
He positioned himself at her entrance and seated himself inside her in one swift motion. They moved together as one as if they belonged together. She enveloped him like a glove, so warm and tight. He increased his pace and she moaned. He gritted his teeth, barely able to hold out much longer. She screamed his name and he spilled inside her.
Matt woke breathing hard, the image still clear in his mind. Staying away from his nanny was going to drive him crazy. He couldn’t make a move unless she gave him some indication she felt the same way.
He stroked himself, his cock already half-hard from the dream, needing to relieve his tension. After making himself come he closed his eyes.
“April,” he whispered. “You’ve moved into my house and are also welcome to move into my heart.”
Chapter 7
“Mr. Seever,” April called from the kitchen, “your brother is here.”
Boyd walked into the room wearing black and gray pinstriped trousers and a charcoal frock coat. Matt fought the urge to roll his eyes. Boyd had been putting on airs ever since he left home, fancied himself a gentleman even though they were the sons of an army sergeant. Acted like he wanted to leave his working class roots behind him, although Matt doubted he ever would.
He rose from the table to greet him. “Boyd,” he said. “This is a surprise. You’re welcome to join us for breakfast. April made plenty of flapjacks.”
Boyd stared at Hannah and Seth without the hint of a smile. The children were digging into their stacks and seemed too preoccupied with the feast to say hello.
“I already ate. Did you look over the paperwork I gave you?”
Boyd never changed. He was all business. “Yes, I did.”
“Business is brisk. I think we should expand.”
“Expand?”
“Buy another warehouse. There is one for sale.”
Matt nodded. “I saw the sign. I looked over the books, too. We don’t have the money to buy another warehouse.”
“It would be a sound investment. We just need a small loan.”
Matt sat back down. This conversation destroyed his appetite. He picked up his fork and poked at his flapjack. He didn’t like the idea of a loan. “I suppose you could ask the bank.”
“I’ve made an appointment for this morning at ten. I need you to come with me, partner.”
He held back a groan. Boyd had already decided this without him. Controlling interest in their joint venture gave him the right to make such decisions, but if they took out a loan it would be his neck and reputation on the line, too. He would have appreciated discussing this first, even if it was only a token conversation.
Matt looked down at his working clothes. The gray canvas pants and white shirt were good enough for the deck of the Queen Bee, but he was probably underdressed for a visit to the bank.
Arguing with Boyd would only be a waste of breath. He’d already made up his mind. “All right. I’ll change and meet you at the bank at ten.”
Matt saw April lingering in the doorway. He waved her into the room.
“Since when did you wear your hat indoors?” he asked his brother.
“What?” His eyes narrowed, but he took off his gray derby hat. “Oh.”
Matt cursed silently. He wished April wasn’t wearing her black dress today. It made her look like a servant, and not how he had wanted to introduce her to his brother.
“April, this is my brother Boyd. Boyd, this is my nanny April.”
April did a small curtsey. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Seever.”
“Ma’am,” Boyd replied. He quickly switched his attention back to his brother. “I have work to do. I want to run over the proposal one more time and make sure all the numbers are correct.”
“I understand. I’ll see you at the bank.”
Boyd headed out of the room, walking past April as if she didn’t exist. Caroline had endured such treatment from his brother. Matt had hoped he’d be warmer with April. The war was over. Had all that bloodshed not changed anything?
April bristled, her posture stiffening, but she did not say a word.
Matt heard the door slam shut. Good riddance. “Don’t let him bother you, Miss April,” he said. “Come sit and eat. Your flapjacks are delicious.”
“Oh, he didn’t bother me, sir.”
Matt pointed to the empty chair on the end of the table. Where Caroline used to sit. “Please sit down.”
April hesitated. “You-you want me to join you?”
“Yes, of course.”
She exhaled and rubbed her hands on the front of her white apron. “All right.” April took a seat and put a couple flapjacks on her empty plate. “I hope they taste good.”
“They are the best thing I’ve eaten in months. Anything I cook tastes like shoe leather.” He laughed at his own joke. It wasn’t far from the truth.
April took a bite and looked away shyly. “Thank you.”
Matt finished the four flapjacks on his plate and contemplated eating more. He didn’t want to leave April’s company. Whether she realized it or not, he enjoyed watching her eat. Every once in a while he caught her eyeing him, then she’d avert her eyes.
Time wouldn’t stand still for him to savor their first meal together however. He heard the clock on the fireplace mantle ticking, loudly, obnoxiously. Hurry, hurry it seemed to say.
He rubbed the stubble on his chin. He needed to shave. “I best get ready for work. Excuse me.”
Heading down the hallway, anxiety wormed its way through his body. He hadn’t even left the house yet and he was dreading meeting with the banker. For some reason such proper meetings tended to end badly for him.
Maybe because he wasn’t quite proper enough. His brother would have his hide if he told the banker to go to hell. He chuckled and strode into his bedroom. The room still felt empty and desolate. He passed by the dressing table near the window where Caroline used to stand every morning and fix her hair. The white porcelain bowl and pitcher had sat empty for four years. He couldn’t invade Caroline’s personal space.
He walked to the modest breakfront nearby which held a larger bowl and pitcher for washing. He
stared into the mirror of the breakfront and lathered soap in a tin cup, preparing to shave his five o’clock shadow.
An eerie feeling passed over him and he got an instant chill. The window was closed. There shouldn’t be a draft. He looked over at the dressing table and blinked. Caroline stood there, smiling at him, wearing the dark blue dress he had buried her in.
Welcome home, Matt. You have been gone too long.
Her lips didn’t move, but he heard the words loud and clear. Tears sprang to his eyes and her image wavered.
Take care of our children. Open your heart again.
He couldn’t hold the tears back any longer and brushed them away with the back of his arm. When he looked up at the dressing table again, Caroline’s ghostly presence was gone.
With a lump in his throat, he glanced down at the razor in his hand. He couldn’t hold the razor steady and forced himself to take long, slow breaths. Once he’d recovered, he shaved and then splashed more cold water on his face.
I’m still worn out from yesterday. That’s all. He opened the wardrobe and pulled out the only suit hanging up, his best. Had he worn it since Caroline’s funeral?
“Papa,” Hannah said, running to him. “You look like you’re ready for church.”
He grunted. Fancy clothes didn’t fit his style, and the black frock coat felt confining and uncomfortable. “I have some important business in town today.”
“Will you be home at noon?” April asked.
He shook his head. “Likely my brother and I will eat in town.”
Hannah frowned. “That means I won’t see you again till tonight.”
“I know, sweetie.” Matt picked Hannah up and twirled her around in his arms. “You be a good girl for Miss April.”
“I will.”
Matt walked over to the table to say goodbye to his son. The boy must be eating his tenth flapjack. “Take it easy there, boy. You eat any more and you’ll get a stomachache.”
Seth grinned. “I’m growing, Papa.”
“Yes you are.” Matt patted his son on the top of his head. He’d long outgrown hugs. “You’re the man of the house until I get back.”
Midnight Kiss (Moonlight Romance) Page 5
