Eleanor dredged up what she hoped was a confident smile. Which wasn't easy, considering how the butterflies in her stomach were doing a major war dance. When the evening began she had been feeling too terrified to leave the safety of the bathroom, and when she finally had emerged, Joshua had been patiently waiting for her.
Dressed in a designer black tuxedo, he'd looked more gorgeous, more perfect than any human being had a right. They had shared a bottle of champagne, some witty banter, and a newly discovered intimacy that made breathing a definite chore.
But the stunner of the night had come later, when he claimed to be captivated by her. Eleanor swore if she hadn't been holding onto his arm when he made his little announcement, she might have easily tumbled to the floor.
Three hours later, he was still at it, acting like she was the most fascinating, interesting, exciting woman in the room. And quite frankly, it scared the hell out of her.
She had spent the afternoon playing and replaying their sexy swim in the ocean and had rationally concluded that it had been all about desire. Raging hormones. A natural, physical reaction between a man who had been too long between partners and a woman who carried a secret longing for him deep in her heart.
But tonight, tonight it was different. The desire was there. Heightened, she supposed, by the forbidden taste they had already sampled, yet not fully experienced. Yet there was more. Possessiveness, protectiveness, and a genuine feeling of affection. Coming from Joshua. Toward her.
She resisted the urge to pinch herself, admitting a part of her wanted to stay asleep if this really was a dream . . . to pretend, just for this magical night, there would be a chance to explore these incredible physical and emotional feelings.
She was sure the food served at dinner was superb; yet though she had eaten a fair amount of the artfully presented delicacies on her plate, Eleanor had tasted nothing.
Among her dinner companions, who thankfully included Joshua, the conversation was witty and cultured, and incredibly she contributed a word or two without looking like a total fool. A part of her was having a wonderful time. Living the fairy tale as the enchanting Cinderella while the handsome prince danced attendance on her.
Yet another small, insecure self was watching with wary eyes, reminding her not to get too comfortable, too at ease. Because handsome princes didn't really fall in love with incredibly ordinary women. And it was only a matter of time before Joshua woke up to the fact that she was precisely thatâan ordinary woman.
Eleanor knew that Joshua's discovery of her true self would be inevitable, but tonight her more immediate concern was the rest of this high and mighty company. So far she had been lucky, yet she was too much of a pessimist to believe her luck would hold.
She was waiting for the moment of denouncement. The gasps and stares, the shouts of fraud when someone in this glittering crowd of beautiful, wealthy, sophisticated people took a closer look at her and realized that she didn't belong here.
She was an obvious outsider among people who made business decisions that affected the lives of entire communities, whose families had founded companies that formed the cornerstone of today's global economy, who had bank balances larger than the net worth of some small Third World countries.
Perhaps Joshua had not been too far off the mark when he'd quoted Shakespeare earlier. Perhaps they were a bit like Romeo and Juliet, star-crossed lovers separated by distances that were difficult and treacherous to breach.
“May I have this dance?”
She stared down at the open palm thrust just below her waist, at first too surprised to answer Joshua. She was a horrible dancer, awkward and clumsy, forever tripping over her own feet and treading on the toes of her partner. So when she opened her mouth, it was with the express intention of refusing his invitation.
Yet miraculously she found herself being gently coaxed onto the dance floor, following trustingly in Joshua's wake. He held her hand tightly and pulled her through the crowd to a secluded corner of the dance floor.
Her entire being trembled as he took her in his arms, but at the same time being held so tightly gave her a sense of enpowerment, making her believe she could do anything. Here within the circle of his strength, anything truly did seem possible.
Eleanor sighed with pure pleasure and closed her eyes, resting her cheek against the fine wool lapel of his jacket. It felt cool and comforting.
Joshua moved in time to the music with an easy grace she envied, but Eleanor soon discovered if she relaxed and let him lead they could glide easily about the room.
It was, however, impossible to completely relax. Being held in his arms, so close to all that hard masculine strength and solid muscle, made all of her senses come alive.
They slowly revolved around the edges of the dance floor. As they rounded a corner, she looked up directly into his eyes. He smiled softly and deliberately pulled her closer. An expectant thrill shot through Eleanor as her hips met his. She could feel the hard proof against her thighs that he desired her.
She was suddenly swamped by a host of sensations, all of which she found disturbingly pleasant. Fearing he would see her emotions clearly, she turned her head, but for a few forbidden moments allowed her imagination free rein.
Yet, it was just all . . . too much. The room was ablaze with candles, and there was music playing softly in the background, supplied by a talented group of musicians. The pleasant scent of roses mingled with the cool sea breeze wafting through the many sets of open French doors.
Everything within the room sparkled, from the gilt-trimmed walls, to the low-lit chandeliers and the many priceless gems adorning the necks of most of the female guests. Even outside, Eleanor could see the crystal white moonlight spilling over on the veranda, illuminating the shadows of the night most invitingly.
“Are you having a good time?” Joshua asked. He skimmed his hand lightly over her bare shoulders.
“Are you?”
“I'm with you. How can I help but enjoy myself?”
Eleanor shuddered. The steady stroke of his fingers rattled her completely, and she unthinkingly sputtered out the first thought that popped into her head. “This is the most remarkable affair I've ever attended. I'm just so relieved that I managed to get through dinner without saying something completely appalling or getting a fleck of pepper stuck in my front teeth, I haven't had the energy to focus on much else.”
His gaze sharpened, and Eleanor felt her stomach sink.
Was it humanly possible to have said anything more idiotic?
Then she saw the light of humor flare to life in his eyes, and noticed the sexy way his upper lip twitched.
“I'm glad you're having fun,” he muttered. “I'd also like to point out that I would have immediately let you know if there was something stuck in your teeth. And I sincerely hope you would have done the same for me.”
She flashed him a relieved smile. Well, at least he enjoyed her quirky sense of humor. Not everybody did.
The slow, romantic music ended and the band quickly launched into a fast-tempo tune. Eleanor shot Joshua a pleading look that fortunately he understood.
“Would you like to get a drink?” Eleanor asked.
Joshua shook his head, leaned close, and pressed his lips against her ear. “Let's take advantage of this beautiful evening and take a stroll in the moonlight,” he murmured.
Eleanor nodded her head, not trusting her voice. He ushered her toward a pair of open French doors on the opposite side of the room. As they walked across the room, several people called out greetings, but Joshua merely nodded or waved at them politely, not bothering to stop and chat with these acquaintances.
Out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor saw Warren and Rosemary clustered with a group of folks directly by the exit. Joshua must have noticed them, too, because he quickly veered away. Putting his arm firmly around her waist, he steered her to another set of open doors.
Eleanor caught only a fleeting glimpse of Warren's thoughtful expression before she and Joshua disappeared into the moonlight.
“I think we're dressed a little formally for the sandy beach,” Joshua decided. “Would you like to see some of the grounds of the estate?”
“Sure.”
They walked in silence for a few minutes, with only the bright moonlight slanting through the trees to illuminate the way. Soon the sounds of music and laughter faded, and the twinkling lights of the mansion grew small.
A gentle breeze whispered across Eleanor's face. She took a deep breath, savoring the clean scent of dew-wet grass and the pungent sweetness of blooming night lilies. Joshua took her hand as they crested a small hill, so she wouldn't slip in the wet grass.
When they reached the top, Eleanor paused to draw in a breath of surprise. Dominating the valley below was a small structure. It seemed like an otherworldly apparition, a round little house, complete with columns, a domed roof, stone veranda, and long, narrow windows. It was lit from the inside, and it shone through the still, dark night like a glittering glass lantern.
“It's a summerhouse,” Joshua informed her. “My mother saw one years ago on a trip to England at some fancy estate and always talked about constructing a similar structure here. My father had it designed and built the year before she died.”
“It's beautiful,” Eleanor said with genuine awe. “Like something from a fairy tale.”
“Wait until you see the interior. Mother spent months choosing all the items she placed inside. She even brought an artist down from New York to paint frescoes on the walls.”
Joshua led the way. As they drew near and entered, Eleanor realized that the diminutive size of the structure was really an illusion. The interior space was a single large room, airy and welcoming. It was tastefully furnished with charming gilt furniture reminiscent of the romantic Victorian age, beautiful Chinese silk drapes and a lively patterned rug, in pastel shades of pink, blue, and cream.
The room was lit by brass-and-crystal antique wall sconces, positioned in discrete locations. The walls did indeed tell a circular story, a chivalric fantasy that began in a meadow of spring flowers. A medieval knight in armor and his gaily caparisoned horse marched boldly toward the castle and then single-handedly assaulted the great stone walls to rescue the fair maiden imprisoned inside.
“This place is truly magical,” Eleanor whispered. She reached out and touched the velvet petal of a white rose, part of a generous bouquet that adorned one of the tables. It felt soft and silky, and the delicate scent clung to her fingers.
“Would you like stay here for a while?”
There was an extended, charged silence. Eleanor knew very well what he was asking. She had seen the day bed hidden in an inviting alcove, covered in lace-edged, fluffy pillows. This place was a sensual feast, missing only a pair of lovers. Her and Joshua?
Did she dare?
Eleanor thought suddenly about all the things she had missed in her life. The times she had played it safe, approached life with almost religious caution, never daring to let herself dream beyond the staid and expected course of action.
Yet tonight was different. She
felt
different. It wasn't just the beautiful ball gown that made her feel special. It was everything. The dinner, the dancing, the moonlight. It was Joshua looking impossibly handsome in that tuxedo, looking at her with eyes that seemed to want her.
Tonight was a night for testing the fates, for dreaming the impossible. A chance to reach out and grab excitement, rather than let it pass by.
Eleanor raised her eyes to his. She feared too much of what she was feeling was being exposed in her eyes, but she refused to lower them.
She felt caught by the force of his gaze. His heated look seemed to be trying to break through the wall of pent-up emotions she had suppressed for so long.
She opened her mouth to speak, then swallowed, trying to ease the tightness of her throat. Her eyelids fluttered closed. She felt neatly split in two by her warring desires: to follow, as always, the safe path, or to finally take a risk.
Did she dare? She opened her eyes and gazed once more into his steel-gray eyes. A bittersweet pang struck directly at her heart. How could she not?
Nine
Eleanor didn't say a word. She merely stared at Joshua. Gradually a slight smile appeared on his handsome face. She reasoned he assumed her silence meant she wanted to stay with him. Wanted to be with him.
Eleanor nearly laughed out loud at the thought of his reaction if she had instead declared she was going to leave. What would he have done? Become speechless with shock, no doubt, since it probably had never happened before. He wasn't the sort of man women ever said no to.
Eleanor decided she didn't want to go down that road. Thinking about the women in his past wasn't a good idea. She was insecure enough without imagining herself being compared, unfavorably, to all the other females with whom he had ever been intimate.
Eleanor bowed her head and gripped the chair in front of her. Now was not the time to succumb to an attack of nerves. As the television commercial advised, never let them see you sweat.
Resolutely she lifted her head. “I was surprised to see all the lights were turned on inside the summerhouse be- . fore we even entered. Is that usual?”
“I instructed the groundskeeper to put them on the moment it got dark.” Joshua shifted closer to her. “I was really hoping I'd have an opportunity to bring you here tonight.”
He had planned all of this? Was that true?
Her eyes flashed up at him, anxiously looking for some sign of his inner emotions. Triumph briefly glinted in his eyes, but it left so quickly she was uncertain she had seen it.
He took another step toward her and Eleanor's breath caught. With a most tender expression he reached for her balled fist, straightening her fingers slowly. He did the same thing with her other fist, then sandwiched her hands between his larger ones.
He held them firmly yet tenderly. Eleanor could feel her hands begin to tremble, but she didn't pull away. He gazed down at her, his eyes piercing. Joshua seemed to be searching her face, and she wondered briefly what he expected to find.
“How about a drink? This little hideaway should be stocked with a few treasures.” He shifted, but held on tightly to her left hand, seemingly reluctant to let her go. Joshua moved to the antique sideboard, tugging her along behind him. He opened a cabinet. “Ahh, here we are. May I pour you a glass?”
“Yes, thank you.” Eleanor sent him a wavering smile and pulled her hand away. She settled herself on a delicate powder-blue chair reminiscent of the Victorian era, that looked far more comfortable than it felt.
Perched on the edge of her chair, she followed his every move intently. The tempo of her heartbeat increased. Nothing in her experience had prepared her for the feelings that were churning inside her. Fear mixed with excitement, mixed with dread, mixed with elation.
She took the snifter of amber liquid he offered her with unsteady hands and drank a large swallow. Her eyes instantly starting tearing.
“This tastes like expired cough syrup! What in the world am I drinking?”
“A very rare Napoleon brandy. Vintage 1880.”
Eleanor sniffed the drink tentatively, then recoiled. She shuddered and put down the glass. “It's no wonder that Napoleon died an unhappy, broken man. He was mortified knowing someone planned on naming this vile concoction after him. He must have spent his last days hoping that history would remember him as a great military leader instead of the poor soul associated with this horrendous drink.”
“I suppose it is an acquired taste.” Joshua smiled, his teeth even and white.
Eleanor wondered briefly if he had ever worn braces as a child, then quickly discarded the notion. Physical perfection such as his needed no human assistance.
She sighed. A relaxing warmth settled in her stomach, softening the edges of her nerves.
Must be from the brandy,
Eleanor thought. She contemplated taking another small sip, but realized she would probably have to hold her nose to swallow it. Not quite the sophisticated, romantic image she was hoping to achieve.
“Would you like something else to drink?” Joshua inquired, almost as if sensing her indecision.
She shook her head from side to side. The last thing she needed right now was more alcohol. Spending an evening with Joshua Barton required the complete attention of all her unencumbered faculties.
Yet her sober senses seemed to have a mind of their own, for they immediately started wandering. Her eyes went directly to his sensual mouth. Unwittingly she stared at his lips, remembering how wonderful they felt pressed against her own. The mere thought of kissing him again brought on that thready pulse, rapid breathing, and weakness in her knees.
She knew he was also observing her closely, for she felt his eyes move over her body with smoldering sexual regard. With a start, Eleanor realized she could get lost in that gaze. A slow pounding started deep in her belly. Shaken, she picked up her glass and ran her thumb back and forth over the rim.
His eyes remained pinned on her, and awareness of him coursed through her. Eleanor's discomfort grew. She jumped to her feet and restlessly paced about the beautiful room, making a great show of examining some of the small, unusual items on display.
“Would you please try to relax, Eleanor? I promise not to bite. Well, at least not at first.”
His voice sounded very close. Too close. She turned and found herself captured neatly in his arms.
His lips met hers in a warm, arousing kiss. He nibbled on her lower lip for a moment, then pushed his tongue inside. She tasted the brandy he had sipped earlier. Funny, it now tasted marvelous. Smooth and rich and mellow.
He whispered her name and then kissed her again, with a deep, almost savage possession. Her lips clung to his and the heat of his mouth made her skin tingle. His tongue teased hers and she playfully answered his sensuous prelude to seduction by tracing the inside of his upper lip with her tongue.
Eleanor began to quiver with anticipation. She had never before felt such a hunger, a craving. It seemed as though she had been burning and aching for days for the taste of his lips, the feel of his hard muscular body. She whimpered softly and rose on her toes, desperately bringing herself closer.
“You're driving me wild, Eleanor,” he groaned. “I've thought of nothing but you since we kissed last night.”
His hands went to her breasts. Cupping her through the fabric, he teased the nipples into hard peaks. She arched against him excitedly, her body coming alive. He pushed down the top of her gown and somehow managed to free her left breast from the confines of her undergarments.
He ran his thumb over the nipple, stroking and teasing. Eleanor's eyes drifted shut under this expert assault of her senses. Then his mouth closed over the sensitive nipple. After a heartbeat of urgent anticipation, he sucked deeply.
She gasped loudly and her body began to tremble. Melting into his caresses, she twined her fingers through his hair. A score of emotions poured through her. The outside world ceased to exist and it was only the two of them, lost together in this sensual world.
“Joshua,” she rasped out.
“Eleanor.” He lifted his head and she could feel him smile against her skin. “Does that feel good?” He deliberately swirled his tongue around her aroused nipple. “How about that? Do you like that?”
Her throat tightened, making speech impossible. His touch was so extraordinary, so exciting. His hands seemed to be everywhere, heating everything he caressed. They traced the line of her body, the sides of her breasts, the curve of her waist, the roundness of her hips.
He shifted position and started nuzzling her neck. The light stubble of his jaw grazed her bare shoulder. His breath was warm, his heightened passion spurning her own. Through her haze of desire she felt him sliding down the zipper at the back of her gown. A wave of panic crashed over her. Abruptly, she slipped from his embrace.
“Goodness, it's bright in here. I never imagined such small fixtures could give off so much light.” Eleanor's breath was coming in long, deep gasps and it was difficult to speak. She ran a hand absently through her hair and realized most of the pins were gone.
Heavens, she must look like a wreck. Hunching her shoulder, she discreetly rearranged herself back inside the ball gown.
Joshua's expression was fierce. Somehow during their embrace his tie had been lost and the top two studs of his shirt undone. The pulse at his throat beat strong and steady. She could see the longing in his eyes, that slow, steamy gaze that made her knees feel weak.
He took a few steps toward the edge of the room, reached out, and flicked a switch on the wall. The lights dimmed, casting the room in a warm pink glow.
“Better?” he asked, gathering her back into his arms.
Eleanor's throat constricted. She nodded her head. Once again their lips merged and without a second thought she succumbed to the urge to kiss him with all the desire that had been building inside her.
From the moment he had first spoken to her, Joshua had roused a strange restlessness in her that had long been dormant. This was her chance to finally explore that desire. She was a bit unsure, a bit nervous, yet being surrounded by his addictive male presence made Eleanor yearn for all the carnal pleasure they could share.
“Let's get more comfortable,” he whispered suggestively.
Eleanor allowed herself to be guided to the lovely day bed. They moved awkwardly, taking short steps between long kisses. The back of her knees hit the brass frame. She must have swayed, but he caught her and gently set her upon the bed.
He loomed above her. She lifted her face toward him and he claimed her lips in another series of deep, soul-melting kisses. Kneeling over her, Joshua expertly peeled off the top of her ball gown. He unhooked her bra, attempting to take it off. Instinctively she tensed, clasping her hand over his.
“Maybe I should leave it on.”
Joshua gave her a confused frown, then understanding lit his handsome features. “I think you are beautiful, Eleanor.” He ran his hand delicately along her cheek. “Sexy and lush. I want to see as well as feel you. All of you.”
His hand went again to her bra, but this time she didn't stop him. She held herself rigidly still as he removed it, along with the rest of her underwear, bracing herself for a negative reaction.
She had always been self-conscious about her breasts. Sure, guys were supposed to be enamored of a large chest, but those perfectly sculptured plastic surgery creations were not like the real thing. Certainly not her real things.
He took hold of her wrists and slowly spread her arms. “Perfect,” he said. “Even better than I imagined.”
Eleanor felt herself blush. It seemed wildly erotic to be sitting before him naked, displayed like some wanton lover while he remained fully clothed.
“What about your clothes?” she inquired.
“No problem.”
With a wicked grin he stood beside the bed, watching her intently while he undressed Carelessly he dropped his shirt, unfastened his belt, lowered the zipper on his fly. In one fluid motion he pushed off both his trousers and his briefs.
The sigh started from her toes. She had always found him irresistible. Not only was he physically perfect, he was quite simply the most fascinating man she had ever known. Dressed casually in shorts and a sports shirt or a perfectly tailored business suit or looking like something from the deepest regions of a fairy-tale fantasy in his formal evening clothes. Yes, fully dressed he was mesmerizing.
Utterly naked, he was mind-numbing.
Joshua moved closer, placing one knee on the edge of the bed. She promptly lost what little breath she had left. His handsome features assumed an intent expression and for a split second she feared she was going to lose all control.
He captured her hand in his and placed it flat against his chest. “Touch me, Eleanor.”
She didn't have to be told twice. Her hands glided over his body in long, sensual strokes, across his shoulders, and chest, along his arms and ribs. With his sleepy eyes and groan of delight encouraging her, she traced the muscles on his stomach, then played with the dark nipples buried among the crisp chest hair until they hardened into tight peaks.
Feeling bold, she moved her hand farther down, across his ribs and belly. She hesitated when she reached the top of his groin, then felt Joshua's quivering breath in her hair.
“Touch me,” he repeated in a deep, silky voice.
A shudder went through her. Her hand slid down to his erection. She took him in her hands, smoothing her fingers down his hard length. It felt like satin over steel. Rock-solid and pulsing with life. He thrust against her hand and she tightened her grip. A drop of moisture covered the tip of his penis and she slowly massaged it into his hardness.
“Enough,” he growled, pushing her hands away
She felt herself being lifted, then lowered on her back onto the day bed. Eleanor waited with restless anticipation for him to cover her with his body, to press her into the softness of the pillows beneath her back.
Instead, he knelt beside her and began kissing her body. Neck, shoulders, ribs. His questing lips and tongue moved lower, to her belly and beyond, making her tingle with mounting tension.
She froze, her body stiffening when she felt the first feathery kisses along her inner thigh. This was definitely not something she felt comfortable doing. Eleanor jerked herself back, but the heat flashed inside her as his mouth came to rest at the thatch of hair between her legs.
Gently he parted her, pressing his lips and tongue between the folds of her body in the most intimate of kisses.
She turned her face into the pillow and moaned. It felt so incredibly good. The need inside her sharpened, yet Eleanor squirmed, trying to evade his questing tongue. She heard his wicked chuckle and felt a blush over her entire body. Never before had she felt so open, so exposed to a man.