longed to untie her bodice and taste her breasts, but there wasn’t time. T here was never time ! He lifted his head and smiled d own at his love . “We must get back, our presence will be missed.” He said with a sigh .
Grace was still so overcome by the sensation of Owen cupping and kissing the exposed parts of her breast s , she could only nod at first . She managed a whispered, “ I f we must.”
Owen placed a tender kiss to her lips . “I am afraid we should .” Though he longed to lay her on the daybed, remove her clothing and bury himself deep inside her .
He shook his head slightly to clear his mind of such thoughts . He would be leaving for Italy in five days . H e could not treat Grace thus and leave her for three months . Owen pl a ced his lady’s hand on his arm and led her outside . They walked back down the woodland path toward the gardens, where they rejoined their party.
Once again, near midnight, Owen escorted his love home in the carriage . His ha nds immediately went to her beautiful breasts that fit his hands perfectly . He co uld not help himself . He kissed her possessively and passionately, leaving them both flushed and breathless as he bid her goodnight .
“I will see you at one o’clock tomorrow, Grace?”
“Yes, Owen, one is fine.”
Owen called at one for the next two days . They spent fifteen to twenty minutes alone on the woodland path, kissing, hugging and caressing while Jenny waited on the bench in the garden . Owen joined Grace and her father for tea both day s , an d stayed for dinner the second.
The following day, Grace seemed nervous as she strolled by his side through Radley’s garden . Her maid took her place on the bench in the rear of the garden .
Owen led his lady love past the blue hydrangeas onto the woodland path . He watched as Grace turned to view her maid just before they reached the bend in the path. “What is it, Grace you seem distracted?”
“Owen, my maid Jenny needs two hours today . I t seems sh e quarreled with her young man and she must see him . She said she must have two hours to reach her destination, see him, and return . I do not know if it was a wise decision , but she seemed so very desperate . I allowed her to go , w hich is why I had the basket prepared , for our, ah, picnic .” Grace indicated the basket Owen carried for her . “I hope you do not mind spending two hours with me today .”
“Two hours alone with y ou, Grace, I’m in heaven ! I suggest we walk farther along the path and use the Summer House for our picnic . It will be more comfortable and w e will have more privacy that way .” Two hours in the Summer House with the woman he loved . Where there was a day bed . Had h e made a wise choice ? Bloody he ll, he’d have to use every bit of his restraint .
T wo hours completely alone with Grace…just the thought sent blood racing through his veins. Owen increased his pace . When he realized Grace struggl ed to keep up with his long stride, he slowed . “I’m sorry, Grace . I guess I’m anxious for us to get to the Summer House .” He smiled down at her . Her liquid brown eyes were darker than normal, her cheeks were flushed . Oh heaven help him, she anticipated their privacy too . Passion flamed easily between them . It was going to be difficult to restrain himself . He only hoped it didn’t prove to be impossible .
Owen spread the quilt on the floor of the Summer House . Together he and Grace laid out the co ntents of the basket . Their luncheon consisted of wine, bread, cheese, apples, meat pies and peach tarts. They set about sampling the fare spread before them . They talked of whatever came to mind as they ate.
Later, after he ate his fill, Owen reclined on his side and sipped his wine slowly as he watched Grace finish her meal . She sat with her legs tucked beneath her.
“How many children shall we have Grace?” h e asked her softly as he took in every nuance of her, committing it to memory so
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