Fascinated, he decided to inquire later.

He watched as she let her robe fall and reached for another item of clothing he’d not yet seen. She slipped the small swath of material over her head, pushing it down until it covered her breasts, then tied what was left behind her neck. When she reached for her shirt, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back till his erection pressed snuggly against her bottom. “I would have you now but for the time,” he whispered against her ear.

“Can it wait?”

“I’m quite disciplined, Gwendolyn.” The remark came out harsher than he intended.

Gwen turned in his arms. “I meant what you have to show me.”

Greylen smiled. “Nay, it can’t wait, but I’ll have you within the hour.”

In truth, he wanted nothing more than to make love to her again, but he’d waited too long to share this moment with her. She took his shirt from behind the door and rolled the sleeves before tying the sides at her waist.

“You need shoes,” he grumbled…and a dress and proper undergarments. And I need you—beneath me, on top of me, and beside me.

“We’re going outside?” she asked, putting on her sandals.

“Aye, love, you’d have dressed differently otherwise?”

“Of course, I’d have dressed differently.”

He suspected there was much more to her answer, yet dawn approached quickly. He held out his hand and she took it, then together they left their room. As he reached for the front door, Anna called out.

“I knew you’d be going early, so I made something for you to take.”

Greylen thanked her and took the pouch. Then he led Gwen down the steps and headed toward the stables. Once inside, he went for his black, stroking his neck as he brought him from the stall. He placed Gwen’s hand beneath his, repeating the motions along the horse’s neck, when James, the stable master, approached them.

“Would ye be wantin’ me to saddle ’em, sir?”

“Nay, James. Take a few hours before you begin your duties.”

He continued to guide her hand with firm, sure strokes. Then he introduced them, though his horse had not a name. Gwen laughed, and as God was his witness, he was truly enchanted. He kissed her before moving her safely aside so he could see to the saddle. He saw from Gwen’s expression she was pleased that he praised the animal, stroking not only his neck but also his flanks. Then he secured the bag and laid a plaid over the front of the saddle.