Read Online The Reinvention Of Rudd Carter. A Western Action Adventure Novel by R.L. Davis - Free Book Online

please know that I am yours. I would follow you anywhere, go anywhere, do anything with you.”
    “I feel exactly the same. This is our paradise, ours to share alone.” He retrieved a blanket from his horse, and together they spread it on the ground. Then he took her by the hand and led her to the edge of the lake where they stood together transfixed in the moment.
    Reaching down, Elizabeth touched the water. “It’s quite warm. Warm enough to swim,” she said.
    “I know. I swim here every summer. I have for years.”
    “Alone, I hope?” she teased.
    “Of course. You’re the first girl I’ve brought here.” He laughed feeling light-hearted and happy. Carefree and high-spirited, she wasn’t like anyone he had ever known.
    Taking his hand, she said, “I’d like to wade in the shallow part of the lake before we eat. Do you mind?”
    Removing their riding boots and stockings, they rolled their riding breeches up to their knees, held hands, and walked into the lake. For a few minutes, they moved around in the water, enjoying the warmth on their feet and ankles. Suddenly, they were in each other’s arms, locked in a deep embrace. The warm water helped enhance feelings that Rudd had never experienced before. Elizabeth responded by pushing herself against him. They stood molded against each other, undulating slowly in a primal dance, neither one apparently wanting to break the passion surging between them. Abruptly, Rudd stepped back, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to go this far. I love you, but I want you to know that I respect you. Please don’t be angry with me. I’ll be more careful in the future. I apologize.”
    “I’m not angry about anything,” she said breathlessly, “but I am disappointed that what we were doing ended so quickly. And please,” she teased, “in the future, dear Rudd, don’t try to be so careful with me!” She laughed, stepped forward, and hugged him. “I have never felt anything so intense in my whole life as having your body pressed so close to mine. I can’t wait to experience it again, so don’t be so careful.” Giggling, she said, “But now I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”
    They sat on the blanket and tried to eat their lunch, but neither had much of an appetite for food. Rudd, in a pensive mood, though responsive to Elizabeth’s lips softly probing his ears, and her fingers stroking the inside of his wrists and hands, knew this afternoon had opened a door that neither of them could resist for very long. Overwhelmed with longing, his strong desire for her frightened him.
    When they rode back to the stables and dismounted, she embraced him and whispered, “I love you more than you could ever imagine. I want to return to our lake and swim with you tomorrow.”
    He started to speak, but she put her finger to his mouth. “Don’t. I know how much you want to be there with me.” She laughed in that delightful way, kissed him on the cheek, and walked away. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring proper swimming attire.”
    The next day they stayed indoors because of rainy weather. They contented themselves with secret glances and stolen touches. When at dinner with their parents, they played the part of two cousins who were enjoying their time together. All the while, their families were pleased that the two of them were getting along so well.
    Finally the weather broke, making it possible for them to ride once again to their lake.
    Meeting at the stables early in the morning for the first time in two days, Elizabeth greeted Rudd with a kiss on the cheek. “At last we’re alone together again. I’ve been going crazy not being able to touch you or tell you I love you.”
    They rode into the forest, occasionally reaching across to touch one another. When they came to the clearing by the lake, she quickly dismounted and tied her horse. “I’ll help you set up lunch later if you’ll swim with me now.”
    He came to her and put his arms around her. “I’d be more