Because of Rebecca - By Leanne Tyler Page 0,78

her breasts to the flat plane of her stomach. He gently placed his hand on her mound and parted her folds with his finger. He found a wet haven and his finger slipped to her core easily enough.

“Oh my,” she gasped, her muscles tightening around him. Slowly he withdrew and moved his finger back and forth until she writhed against him and the bed.

She reached for him and he moved back to cover her. He kissed her as he parted her legs and positioned himself to enter her. He thrust slow and withdrew. He thrust again and felt the tightness of her barrier. He withdrew and thrust with a little more force, pushing past it.

“Jared,” she cried, clinging to him. Her body quivered and he stilled. He kissed her gently and squeezed her breast and he felt her wetness increase.

“It’s all right, darling. The worst is over,” he assured, withdrawing. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Good.” He kissed her eyes, the tip of her nose and her parted lips. This time when he entered her, she arched her hips up to meet him as he thrust again and again. She wrapped her legs around him and he thrust deeper.

“Jared. Jared.” Her calling out his name was bliss to his ears and he withdrew and thrust again and again until she cried out in release. He thrust one last time and joined her in the ecstasy of their making.

He collapsed beside her, and pulled her back against him, holding her close. Neither spoke until their breathing stabilized. “Are you all right?”

“Hmmm,” she murmured, taking his hand in hers. “That was like nothing I ever imagined was possible.”

He kissed the back of her neck. “We can do it again whenever you like.”

She turned to face him. “I like.”

He smiled and brought her palm up to his mouth to kiss it. “I’m glad to know you find love making enjoyable.”

“I do.” She kissed him, running her fingers through his blond hair and he rolled her onto her back.

He playfully bit at her lip. “What would you like to do now?”

“This.” She kissed him and ran her hands over his back, enjoying the feel of him. She pushed against him and they rolled until he was lying on his back. His hardened arousal against her leg drew her attention lower than she ever imagined she’d explore. She trailed kisses down his chest, stopping at his stomach.

Touching his arousal seemed almost taboo, but she took a deep breath and traced a circle around the tip. He jerked and he sucked in his breath. She pulled her hand away. “Did I hurt you?”

“No.” He threw back his head and a deep rumble of laughter erupted.

“Then why—?”

“Because I want you.”

“Oh.” She crawled back to his arms and they kissed, making love again and again before finally curling up together. Yawning, Jared reached and pulled the sheet up around them before they slept.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Rebecca woke smiling the next morning. She stretched, feeling sore in a few places, especially her backside from being jostled by Rufus’ horse on that mad chase ride. Sighing, she rolled over and saw Jared’s housekeeper on the opposite side of the room.

“I hope I didn’t wake you, Mrs. Hollingsworth,” Mary said, sitting down a pitcher of water at the washstand. “Mr. Hollingsworth asked me to bring this up to you first thing.”

“He’s not here?” Rebecca sat up, the sheet slipping from her. She quickly grabbed it and pulled it up to her neck.

“I’m afraid there was an emergency that called him out to the Paxton’s, but he said he’d be back as fast as he could and for you to stay in bed until he returned.”

“He did?” Rebecca’s cheeks heated. She propped a few pillows behind her and pulled her knees up to chest. “Has something happened to Isabella or the baby?”

“No ma’am. They’ve been right as rain since the birth,” Mary offered. “It actually had to do with Rory and that Mr. Delaney fellow. I’m not sure what transpired, but it must have been urgent if Mr. Hollingsworth left you before you woke. Can I bring you a tray while you wait?” Her eyes twinkled as she spoke. “I noticed the food wasn’t touched last night. You must be starving.”

Rebecca’s stomach rumbled in protest and her cheeks further heated. “A bite to eat would be nice, but are you sure I can’t dress and come downstairs?”

“No ma’am. Mr. Hollingsworth was adamant that you stay put until he returned. He