Again, Quinton drew her to him, holding her against his warm body. Her arms wrapped around his neck, reveling in the solidness of him, soaking up his being. She loved the feel of him.
“You are sure you want to do this?” he asked, his voice low and husky with longing.
Her breath caught in her chest. “Yes. More than anything.”
His mouth slanted over hers in response, igniting the yearning fire within her once again. She surrendered to it, letting herself become a part of him. Nothing about their meeting or falling in love had been proper or traditional. They both had belonged to others. Now they belonged only to each other. So why should this be any different? Why should she wait until they were married? She had waited her whole life to feel this way, to feel loved and wanted.
And now she wanted Quinton.
With deft fingers, he began to remove the pins that held her hair so neatly in place. Her thick, auburn tresses fell softly around her shoulders, hanging nearly to her waist. She shook her head. His fingers splayed through her hair, loosening it even more.
“God, I’ve wanted to do that since the day I met you,” he whispered, breathing in the clean, lavender scent of her hair.
He grinned as he carefully removed the locket that he had just given her. He placed it on the nightstand. Then he undid the hooks of her plaid gown, slowly, carefully. He eased the fabric down around her. She stepped out of the gown with his assistance and some rueful smiles at the cumbersomeness of her attire. Lisette stood before him in only her corset and chemise. Together they untied the laces of her corset, releasing the tightness that bound her body. Left in nothing but her chemise, she waited, trembling in anticipation.
Without words, Quinton removed his jacket and shirt. She reached out to touch him, fascinated by the broad planes of his bare, muscled chest. The warmth of his skin felt wonderful, and she wished she could curl into him and absorb his heat. As if reading her thoughts, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her against the cool counterpane and covering her body with his own. His warmth penetrated her, seeped within her very being.
Her mouth sought his with a feverish, hungry need. He kissed her, as she wanted him to. His tongue, hot and slick, intertwined with hers, causing potent desire to unfurl deep and low within her. Mesmerized by the masculine feel of his body, she ran her fingers along the taut muscles of his back, sensing the innate strength that lay beneath. A man’s body, so large and broad, layered with firm muscles and unexpected softness and warmth, fascinated her. His strong arms held her while his lips moved over her skin, burning a path down her throat, sending shivers of delight to the tips of her toes.
With surprising skill, Quinton helped her out of her chemise, leaving her chest bare to him. He lowered his head, placing delicate kisses over her breasts, his heated tongue laving her nipples. Lisette thought she would faint from the wonder of it all.
In a bed with this man, she could barely take it all in. As if all of her dreams were suddenly coming true, she melted into him, arching her body against him. The hard evidence of his arousal thrilled her, and frightened her a little, too. She held her breath in anticipation of the next delight he had in store for her, her hands braced against his bare shoulders.
The heat of the fire began to take the chill out of the air. Lost in the feel of each other, they had already begun to make their own heat. A heat that seemed as if it would consume them both.
“Quinton,” she whispered on a frantic breath.
“I love when you say my name.”
So of course, Lisette whispered it again and again.
He rained kisses on her face, her cheeks, her neck. His mouth returned to her breasts, sucking her nipples. Her body trembling with need, she cried out with pleasure as longing surged within her. Breaking from her, he removed his trousers and underclothes. Casting a quick glance below, she gasped at the sight of him. With a hesitant hand she reached out to touch him, amazed at the silky warmth of his male body. He groaned low and pulled her toward him once again. Naked body against naked body, they fell back into the pillows, their mouths meeting in a fervent kiss.
She opened to him and held her breath. He entered in a swift and sure motion. She gasped at the intrusion. He stilled and murmured her name. Their eyes met in the darkness. Unable to speak, she leaned forward to kiss him, to let him know she wanted him, and then he continued to move within her. Arching her back to meet him, Lisette gave in to the new sensations that swept over her body.
He grew more urgent in his movements, and she matched him stroke for stroke. She held on to him, clinging to his broad shoulders, never imagining that two people could be this close. Her breathing became shallower as she followed his movements and began to move her hips against him, wanting something she was unaware even existed. Soon she was consumed by a wave of bliss that enveloped her entire being, sending her spinning into a spiral of pleasure that left her faint and dizzy. He called her name as he shuddered at his own release, burying his face in her neck.
Completely spent, they lay in each other’s arms, warm even though the fire had died to glowing embers. In the glow of candlelight, they wrapped themselves in blankets and held each other tightly. Lisette languished in the aftermath of sensations that left her body as weak as a little kitten. Never had she done anything that had felt so right than being in Quinton Roxbury’s naked embrace. More comfortable with this type of intimacy than she had a right to be, she smiled to herself.
“Where are we anyway?” he asked in the flickering darkness.
“In my old bedroom.”
“Seriously?”
“Mmm-hmm.” She snuggled against him, her naked legs intertwined with his, her head resting on his broad chest. “I grew up in this room.”
“Why, Miss Hamilton,” he scolded her with mock indignation, “you are quite the scandal. Inviting a man into your bedroom. Tsk-tsk.”
Giggling, she kissed him with reckless abandon. Yes, she was scandalous. And for once in her life, she didn’t care at all that she was.
“I’m glad you did invite me up here.” He kissed her mouth, his hand gently caressing her back, stroking her long hair.
“Me, too.”
“This is not how I expected this evening to end when I came to the shop.”
“What did you expect?” she asked.
“I simply wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and give you the locket. And of course, tell you that I was no longer engaged to be married. I hoped you would be happy to hear that.”
Lisette had a grin from ear to ear. “I was very happy to hear that.”
“Yes, but I didn’t know that you had broken your engagement. Henry has been a part of your life for so long and you’ve only known me for a few weeks. I wasn’t sure what you wanted.”
His voice was so honest and his uncertainty touched her deeply. He always seemed so self-assured that it was almost impossible to imagine Quinton nervous about seeing her. Lisette rose and rested her head on her arm. “What I wanted was you, Quinton.”
He kissed her lips, caressing her face with his fingers. “Good God, I love you, Lisette.”
“And I love you.”
“I knew it would be like this with you.”
“Like what?” she questioned, placing a kiss on his chest.
“Perfect.”
“Really?” she asked, filled with female pride at pleasing him. “I had no idea what I was doing.”
“Trust me.” He patted her derriere. “You did just fine.”
She slid her naked body over his, covering him. “Like this?”
“Yes. Like that. See? You’re a natural.” His mouth sought hers in a passionate kiss.
An unstoppable heat, swift and strong, grew between them. Liquid currents of desire coursed through Lisette’s veins as her tongue swept into his mouth. She didn’t think it was possible to feel this aroused again, to want him so desperately so soon after they had just had each other. But she did want him and she let him know it by h
er kisses, which became more ardent. She soon found herself astride him. Thrilled by this change of position and the power it afforded her, she began to move with undulating waves of her hips, causing Quinton to moan with delight.
With a sudden turn, he shifted his weight over her, his muscular body now covering hers. He thrust deep within her and once again they lost themselves in each other. This time was different, though. Lisette knew what to expect and could anticipate what she wanted and move her body to get it. Clinging to him, she cried out as that incredible burst of blissfulness washed over her. A few moments later, he growled her name as he found his own pleasure.
Afterward they lay in each other’s arms, just holding each other.
“If this is an example of married life,” Lisette said, still breathing heavily, “I am going to be a very contented wife.”
“I plan on making sure that you are,” Quinton promised with a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Every single night.”
“Then you had better marry me very soon, Mr. Roxbury.”
“That was my thought exactly, Miss Hamilton.” He kissed her cheek. “There will be talk about us, you know. No matter how I tried to smooth things over with Lady Emmeline and her father. Are you prepared to face that with me?”
“With you, yes.” She nodded, quite sure she could weather any storm to be with Quinton. “Are you?”
“Absolutely. The gossip will die down eventually, as it always does. I will postpone any political overtures for a bit longer, though, and wait until the time is right. As long as you are with me, Lisette, nothing else really matters.”
“I love you, Quinton.”
“And I love you.”
Lisette rested her head on his chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat, wondering how she had come to love this man so much. Never had she been a part of anything so completely lovely.
Quinton whispered, “As much as I wish I could hold you like this all night long, I should probably take you home now, Lisette. It’s very late. Your family must be worried about you.”
“Oh, my heavens!” Lisette bolted upright to a sitting position. “I forgot it was Christmas Eve!”
“Come then,” Quinton said, ever practical. “Let’s get you home.”
“It’s almost midnight,” she worried. “What shall I say to everyone when they ask where I’ve been all night?”
“We’ll think of something.”
With great reluctance they rose from the warm bed and began to dress hurriedly in the cold of the room, amid playful laughter together. Quinton helped her with the buttons on her dress, but he seemed to unbutton them more than fasten them. It was a wonder they ever finished dressing, the way that they kept stopping to kiss each other. Then he clasped the locket around her neck once again. Lisette was just straightening up the bedclothes when they heard a heavy knock on the bedroom door. They both froze and stared at each other with wide eyes.
“Who would be knocking on your bedroom door at this hour?” he whispered low.
“I don’t know!” she whispered back frantically, still standing by the bed, afraid to move. She could not imagine who it could be!
Whoever it was knocked again, louder this time. “Who is it?” Quinton called out, moving closer to the door.
“Roxbury?” the voice on the other side called back. “It’s me, Eddington. Lisette’s in there with you?”
“It’s Jeffrey?” Lisette cried out in confusion, mortified to be caught in such a compromising position, since it was quite obvious what she and Quinton had been doing in that room all evening.
Quinton flung the bedroom door open. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Lord Jeffrey Eddington stood in his hat and coat with his arms folded across his chest, a scowl on his face. “I could ask you the same question, but instead I’ll wish you a Merry Christmas and you can thank me later for not killing you right now.”
Lisette rushed to Quinton’s side. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder protectively, pulling her close against him. Grateful, she leaned into him for support.
“What is it, Jeffrey?” she asked, her heart pounding. Something had to be dreadfully wrong for him to seek her out this way.
“Colette’s having the baby, and I’ve been sent to find you”—he raised an eyebrow at Quinton—“and bring you home.”
“The baby!” Lisette exclaimed with excitement.
Still sporting a disapproving expression, Jeffrey continued, “The door was unlocked and the lights were still on downstairs in the shop and I . . . assumed you were up here.”
“I’m marrying her,” Quinton said for Jeffrey’s benefit.
Jeffrey gave him a pointed look. “You had better be.”
“He is,” Lisette assured him with a shy smile. “We are.”
“Congratulations. Now hurry up.” Jeffrey ordered. “I’ll meet you both downstairs, where we can think up some reasonable excuse to tell her family as to what Lisette has been doing all night because I don’t think the truth will be appropriate right now.” He moved to leave them but then suddenly paused and turned back. “And Lisette, you might want to fix your hair. That’s a dead giveaway.” He gave her a quick wink before he exited the room.
Alone again, Lisette sank into Quinton’s arms. “Oh, my God, I have never been so embarrassed in my entire life.”
“It’s all right, it’s all right.” Quinton kissed her, smoothing her hair with his hand. “Eddington won’t say anything about it. He’s a gentleman.”
“Yes, but he . . . he knows!” She buried her face in his chest.
Quinton shrugged matter-of-factly and kissed her again. “There’s nothing we can do about that now, my sweet.”
“And I can’t believe I forgot to lock the store!” she cried in self-reproach. “Heavens! Anyone could have walked in here!”
“You were a little distracted. It’s all my fault.”
“No. It’s mine.”
“That’s the least of our worries, Lisette. We’re lucky it was only Eddington who found us together. Now come on, let’s get you ready to go home.”
As Lisette stood in front of the mirror, she swept her thick hair atop her head, fastening it in place with the pins that Quinton had removed earlier with such tenderness. “Will you come home with me?” she asked him.
His golden brows drew together. “Do you think that’s such a good idea?”
“Why not?” She placed the last of the pins in her hair.
He gave her a wry look. “Well, for one, Eddington wants to kill me, your sister is having a baby, your family knew I was coming to see you here tonight, and I can only imagine that everyone will think the worst of us.”
Lisette moved to him, placing her hands on his chest. “Then I need you with me more than ever.”
He wrapped his strong arms around her and said, “In that case, I will most certainly go with you.”
30
On Christmas Day in the Morning
Thursday, December 25, 1873
When Quinton, Lisette, and Jeffrey arrived at Devon House after midnight, they were met at the door by Granger, whose face was as white as a sheet. The usually staid butler was beside himself with stress and worry.
Lisette patted the elderly man’s arm in comfort. “Lady Waverly will be just fine, Granger.”
“I know, Miss Lisette, but I can’t help but worry at times like this. The waiting is the worst,” he muttered, helping brush the snow off them. He took their coats and began ushering them toward the drawing room.
“Is the doctor here yet?” she asked him.
“The doctor is upstairs now and Lord Waverly is with her, too,” Granger explained. “Cook made some hot buttered rum and there’s plenty to eat if you want. Cook has been keeping herself occupied making tarts. The whole household is still up.”
“Thank you, Granger.” Lisette smiled at him.
The three of them made their way to join the rest of the family.
Inside the drawing room, which hosted a tall
Christmas tree by the front window, Quinton was faced with Lisette’s entire family. Her mother, whom he had not seen since Brighton, was seated beside the fire. Her two younger sisters were there, as well as Harrison Fleming, whom he’d met at Rathmore’s ball. Fleming held his baby daughter in his arms, wrapped in a blanket. Lucien’s parents, Lord and Lady Stancliff, were also there, eagerly awaiting the birth of their second grandchild.
“Well, we were wondering what happened to you!” Mrs. Hamilton said as they stood in the doorway of the parlor. “Merci, Lord Eddington, for bringing my daughter home.”
“I’m sorry I’m so late,” Lisette began to explain hurriedly. “There was much to do at the shop for it was quite busy all day. Then Mr. Roxbury and I met the most interesting little boy, Tom Alcott. He’s so sweet and bright and I’m teaching him how to read. Somehow we lost track of time and with the snow . . .” Her voice trailed off as she made a helpless little gesture with her hand.
“I apologize for keeping Miss Hamilton out so long,” Quinton added. He left it at that, figuring the less said, the better.
“Monsieur Roxbury, it is a pleasure to see you again! I see you found my daughter.” Genevieve Hamilton greeted him with a warm and knowing smile. “Joyeux Noël. It is a special evening, is it not?”
“It is good to see you, too, Mrs. Hamilton,” Quinton said, feeling slightly out of place. They had no idea just how special an evening it had been for Lisette and him. “And yes, it is a very special evening. Merry Christmas, everyone.”
Lady Stancliff, an elegant woman with dark hair who clearly resembled Lucien, welcomed him as well. “And a Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Roxbury. Please come in and join us.”
“Lisette, isn’t it exciting?” Yvette said breathlessly, rising from her seat. “Colette’s baby will be born on Christmas!”
It Happened One Christmas Page 27
