Page 39 of Love with a Notorious Rake

Aidan pulled her close to his chest, as if to shield her. His cologne was even more enticing with her nose buried in his shirt. Mixed with the woodsy and bergamot scent was laundry soap and clean skin.

“The bone meal is out front, stored under the veranda,” the other man replied.

“We’d best fetch it then. Come.”

The voices trailed away, and Aidan took her hand, opened the door, and pulled her outside.

“What are you doing?” she whispered fiercely.

“I am endeavoring to find us a more private place to continue this conversation. If we run for it, we can make the back entrance to the inn before they return.”

“I can’t go into the inn with you, why—”

“I have it on good authority that Mrs. Atwood, the innkeeper’s wife, is toiling in her kitchen, while Mr. Atwood is pulling pints in his tavern room. No time to argue.” Aidan peeked around the corner of the shed. “All clear. Lift your skirts, my sweet, and run.”

Aidan bolted forward, pulling her behind. Cristyn hardly had time to draw breath, let alone lift her skirts. It was difficult to keep up with his long-legged stride. Before she knew it, they were inside. “The stairs are directly to your left. Go, I’m right behind you. Room fifteen.”

Perhaps she was wicked, for she could walk away and head to Mrs.Trubshaw’s without casting a fleeting look Aidan’s way. Instead, she was going to his room.

Cristyn grabbed fistfuls of her skirt and petticoats and ascended the stairs as quietly as she could. They both stood before his room. As he slipped the key in the lock, Cristyn glanced about the hallway to ensure they had not been seen. A thrill coursed about her spine. Wicked, indeed.

As she stepped inside his room, Cristyn was taken by the luxuriance. It must have been the best room at the inn—correction: rooms. This was a large suite. Of course, he was wealthy. The interior was decorated with dark hardwood walls with fancy trim and cornices. A mixture of green and light brown colored the curtains and bedding. The four-poster bed was huge, and she pictured Aidan lounging naked among the expensive sheets and silk bedspread. She flushed and looked away.

Aidan locked the door, then strode toward her. “Will you take a seat?”

“I will not be staying long enough to sit. Allow me to finish what I came to say, then I must take my leave before the sun sets.”

“The floor is yours.”

“I believe after tonight, if we should cross paths while in this village, we should act as strangers.” There. She’d said it in a firm tone to punctuate the point.

“May I ask you to attend McRae’s dinner party next week as my guest?”

Cristyn shook her head. “No. Absolutely not.” She paused and gazed up at him. “How can you entertain the notion of breaking bread with that horrid man?”

“For as long as I am here, I must stay in his good graces.”

“I don’t understand, but I’ve no time to discuss it. You said during our last meeting that you lust after me, while your other emotions are muddled. Until you can see clearly, I believe that is reason enough for us to act as strangers.” She stared into his lovely blue eyes. “I, however, own my feelings. I am not ashamed of them. I have fallen for you, Aidan Black. Against all common sense and propriety, and whatever professionalism exists between a nurse and her patient.”

“I adore you.” Aidan cradled her face in his hands, his thumbs stroking her flushed cheeks. “You are the reason I found the inner strength to recover. If not for you, I would be lost, wandering alone in this cold world with no purpose. Do not think these feelings are born from gratitude for your compassionate care, though I’m grateful. My emotions are muddled because I have never experienced them before, for any woman. Ever.” He nuzzled her neck, laying gentle kisses along it, then across her jawline.

His tenderly spoken words touched her heart, causing it to speed up and thump rapidly. “While I’m flattered, do not place your recovery at my feet. You alone are responsible; if I assisted in a small way, then I’m glad. And I’ve never felt this way toward a man. Ever.” Slowly, and in increments, he nibbled softly on her lips, coaxing her to respond. Cristyn could not find the inner strength to tear away from him. Instead, she tentatively nibbled on his, causing a deep-throated moan to escape him.

Aidan took the kiss deeper, exploring every part of her mouth. Daringly, she touched her tongue to his, causing another husky growl to reverberate through him. Aidan pulled her close, and had her distracted enough that she had not felt his hand slowly trailing down her torso, until he clasped her rear and brought her in against that hard part of him.

“God, what was I thinking?” he murmured in between kisses. “I never should have brought you to my room. The temptation is too great.”

“I’m not sorry,” she replied.

He pulled back and gave her a dubious look. “No?”

“I’m not some trembling virgin.”

Aidan’s shocked expression caused her to smile. “You are telling me you’re not a virgin—” he began.

Cristyn stepped out of his arms and immediately missed the heat of his hard, solid body. “Oh, I am most decidedly a virgin, but not a trembling one.” She held up her hands for his inspection. “See? Not a tremor or shake of any kind. I’ve read plenty on the subject of carnal relations. A man’s body holds no trepidation or fright for me. I’m a nurse; I’ve seen plenty of men naked. I’ve seen you completely bare.”

“Though I was not exactly at my best.”