Falling forward, she kissed him, cupping the side of his head as she stroked her tongue into his mouth. He clutched her backside as his movements began to slow. She tore her mouth from his, allowing him to cry out over and over.

Evie smiled against his cheek, the pleasure of seeing and feeling his joy as satisfying as her own release. Which she’d enjoyed while he was inside her. That almost never happened.

She pulled her hips up until he slid from her body, then moved to his side. Her heart was still trying to find its regular rhythm. He turned toward her and kissed her forehead, her cheek. “Thank you. That was an extraordinary gift.”

“You have no regrets, then?” She snuggled against him, content to revel in this moment in a way she never had before.

“Absolutely none. I hope you don’t either.”

She shook her head, her throat tight. She slipped her arm over him and held him close. She didn’t ever want to let him—or this serenity—go.

Chapter 7

Gregory stirred and became instantly aware of the warm body beside him. What a new and wholly pleasing experience. He blinked his eyes open and turned his head. She was precisely how he envisioned she would be in sleep—perfection. He gently stroked this thumb from the corner of her mouth to her temple.

They might be warm in the bed, but the chamber had chilled. He glanced at the fire, which had diminished to smoldering embers. It was still dark, but then the nights were long. Whatever the time, he decided to slip from the bed and rebuild the fire.

Before doing so, he kissed Evie’s brow, murmuring, “Be back directly.”

She sighed softly, and he smiled to himself. This was the happiest he’d been since his father had died. Perhaps the happiest he’d been in his entire life.

His body twitched as a chill passed over him. Moving quickly, he built the fire up, his mind drifting to last night when he’d arrived. Evie had been nervous. He found that somewhat flattering. He’d expected to feel anxious, but he’d only felt a joyful anticipation. And everything had exceeded his imagination.

As he made his way back to the bed, he saw that Evie’s eyes were open. “You’re awake,” he said.

“Barely. I was enjoying the view as you worked.”

He chuckled as he slid back into the bed. “I’m glad.”

She moved close to him and gasped. “You’re so cold!” Immediately, she began to rub her hands over him. Then she pressed her chest to his, giving him her heat.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple. “Thank you. For everything. It—and you—were astonishing.”

“Do you regret waiting so long?” she asked, nuzzling her head beneath his chin.