Epilogue
A year and a bit later…
“Walter, you’re being a stick-in-the-mud. Come and sit by me and take off your shoes.”
He grinned at his wife where she sat alone on the seashore, removing her half boots and stockings in preparation for the night. The sun was just setting on another perfect Brighton day. It was a special occasion—the anniversary of their first summer, more or less.
Since their marriage, Melanie had blossomed and a decidedly bold and daring streak had taken over her nature. Many of the things she’d disapproved of before had been tried. Tonight’s adventure was swimming—naked with him in the sea. He’d suggested it six months ago, but at the time it had been too cold. “I think everyone has gone home. We have the beach to ourselves.”
She threw a heart-stopping smile his way. “Everything is perfect, my love.”
His heart squeezed tight in his chest at the endearment and as she lifted her hands to the front of her gown, he smiled. It wasn’t quite dark enough to remove their clothing yet so he plunked down beside her and put his arm around her back. “Ready for sunset?”
She set her head on his shoulder. “I am indeed.”
Tonight, under the stars and a clear sky, the evening would look magical. Melanie naked—there were no words to describe how much he looked forward to those moments.
As the light disappeared, they stood and stripped off their clothing in the new dark. He caught his wife’s hand and drew her toward the waves. He ducked under at the first wave, but Melanie wasn’t so quick. She shrieked a little as it broke over her thighs, but eventually she ducked under the surface with a gasp.
Walter gathered her against him. Her slender thighs wrapped around his waist immediately and she held to him in the current. “That wasn’t so bad.”
A wave crashed over their heads and they both came up spluttering.
“Except for that,” she twisted against him and the slip of her skin against his made him moan. Melanie chuckled wickedly. “Are you becoming aroused?”
“Everything about you does that, as you are well aware.” He laughed and moved them into a patch of deeper water where the waves were not breaking. “I swear I’m a terrible influence on you sometimes.”
Melanie grinned and kissed him deeply. “Well, I only became brave after you kissed me so you should be the one to reap the benefits.”
He cupped her bottom and squeezed. “You’ll have me out of my mind soon enough.”
“Are you not going to swim?”
He cupped her breast next. “I couldn’t possibly let you go long enough for that.”
Melanie hummed softly and she reached for him. Her fingers closed over his erection and she stroked him lazily under the water until he was hard. Walter shifted his wife a little then pushed her down on his aching length.
After the cold of the sea, her heated core sent him a little mad with lust. There was no music but what they made together, and it was the sweetest melody he’d ever heard. He loved her for as long as he could, fondling her skin in the cool water, kissing her passionately. He couldn’t get enough of her. He likely never would.
Melanie wrapped her arms tightly about his neck and brought her lips to his ear. Her hot breath over his skin brought on his release so quickly, he barely slipped from her body in time.
“I love you, Walter.” Her grip tightened. “Why did you wait so long to make me your wife?”
He gasped for breath and teased her clitoris, satisfied only when she moaned deeply to his every stroke. He grinned as she shuddered violently in the grip of her release. Satisfied at last, he kissed her lightly. “The wait was worth it, my love.”
“Indeed it was,” she murmured and cuddled against him.
He held her tightly against him as he waded to shore with her legs wrapped around his waist. Adventure be damned. He would want her again and again, but back in their bed would be more comfortable for them both. He dropped her to her feet and wrapped her in a blanket so she would dry off. “I was prepared to wait my whole life to catch your notice and I’d almost lost hope until the moment you kissed me back.”
“And I’d given up on love until we danced,” Melanie whispered as she dropped the blanket and moved into his arms. “Partner with me again so I may show you how much I need you, Walter.”
“Naked dancing?” He grinned and then laughed. “A woman intent on keeping my heart happy but there’s no music to guide us yet again.”
She grinned impishly and slowly brushed her hand from his hip toward his manhood. “We never did need music to dance well together.”
He held her close and pressed a kiss to her hair. “Not even once.”
The End
Thank you so much for reading Miss Merton’s Last Hope. I hope you enjoyed this final instalment of the Miss Mayhem series! Please consider leaving a review—either positive or negative. Reviews help others find a book that’s right for them. ~
Heather
About Heather
Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission.
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Also by Heather Boyd
The Distinguished Rogues Series:
The Distinguished Rogues Boxed Set – Part 1
The Wild Randalls Series:
Miss Mayhem Series:
The Hunt Club Series:
The Hunt Club Boxed Set – Part 1
Erotic Romance: