At Last by Jacquie D'Alessandro

Author:Jacquie D'Alessandro
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: regency, love, jacquie dalessandro, short story, romance, historical, scottish, sexy, sensual
Publisher: Jacquie D'Alessandro
Published: 2011-05-31T16:25:58.920968+00:00

Chapter 5

Sophia halted just inside the drawing room. “What’s all this?” she asked, sweeping her arm toward the round table set before the hearth where a cheery fire crackled.

Ian assessed the table with a critical eye and was pleased to note his instructions to the staff had been perfectly carried out during his absence. “A surprise. For you.”

She walked across the room then slowly circled the table. “Roses, cherries, marzipan, scones and raspberry marmalade,” she murmured, gently trailing her fingertips around the polished wood edge. “All my--“

“Favorite things. Aye.” Ian leaned against the hearth and crossed his arms over his chest--the only way he could keep from yanking her into his arms. Bloody hell, if he’d thought it difficult not to pounce upon her before, it was nearly impossible not to do so now, when no more secrets existed between them. When he’d bared his soul to her, and she’d admitted to having strong feelings for him.

Based on her reaction to their kiss on the terrace, he didn’t doubt he could seduce her, but he wanted more than a quick romp. Wanted more than her body. He wanted her heart. And wanted her to know she owned his. Although she’d owned it from the first moment he’d seen her, he’d never told her so, something he’d castigated himself for every day for the past six months. Surely if he’d told her, she wouldn’t have left him. He’d intended to, but hadn’t felt the need to rush, especially as he believed she knew, even without the words, how deeply he cared for her. Bloody hell, it had seemed as if his feelings all but glowed from him.

It was a mistake he wouldn’t repeat. Before this evening was over, Sophia would know, without a doubt, how much he cared for her--out of the bedchamber as well as in it.

So instead of sweeping her into his arms and carrying her to the nearest bed he offered her a smile and teased, “I’d wager you’re now sorry you never expressed to me a love for diamonds and emeralds.”

She laughed, a magical sound that flowed over him like warm honey. “In truth I’m not overly fond of diamonds or emeralds. I much prefer--“

“Pearls.”

“I mentioned that?”

He nodded. “Once.”

“And you remembered?”

“You sound surprised.”

“I suppose I am.”

She returned her attention to the table and picked up one of the sea shells decorating the surface. As he knew she would, she held the shell up to her ear, and his heart turned over at the delighted smile that lifted her lips. “You also remembered how I love the sound of the sea.”

“I recall every detail of our time together. Everything about you is...unforgettable.”

Color rushed into her cheeks and she quickly set the shell back in the bowl. “Ian, what I said in the carriage regarding my feelings...there are things we need to discuss--“

“I agree. And what better way to begin than with your favorite things?” He slid back one of the mahogany chairs from the table in invitation.

Her gaze lingered over the arrangement of pink roses set in a crystal vase in the center of the table.

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