Goody Two Shoes (Invertary 2)

His other hand slowly curved around her waist. Sensations rushed through her body like the wildest storm, leaving devastation in its wake.

“Now, to other things. I’m done with the silent treatment. You need to get used to the fact that you can’t command me. We’re a team. Sometimes you’ll tell me what to do and I’ll be okay with that.” His voice was a low, murmured hum at her ear. She felt her eyes close against her will. “And sometimes I’ll tell you what to do and you’ll be okay with that too.” His lips brushed the sensitive skin below her ear. “Are you listening to me?”

Caroline could only make a grunting noise. The floor was undulating beneath her feet, and she needed to concentrate on remaining upright.

“Good. I’m glad I have your attention.” She could have sworn she heard a smile in his voice. “You are not the boss of me. Of us. And neither am I. You don’t need to be in charge. Or in control. We do this together. Got it?”

Caroline nodded.

“Good,” he said.

His hand tightened in her hair. She wrapped her fist into his cotton shirt at his waist. Josh pushed back slightly to look down at her. She blinked up at him, feeling slightly dazed.

He smiled slowly. “I’m glad we understand each other.”

Caroline licked her lips as her gaze shot between his mouth and his eyes. Josh took the hint and pressed his lips to hers. His kiss was slow and deep and thorough. It swept her away until there was nothing left for her but the smell of him, the taste of him, the feel of him. He nibbled her bottom lip, making her gasp into his mouth. Instantly his arms tightened, his head slanted and his tongue plundered. Caroline’s hands found their way to his head and wound themselves in Josh’s hair. It felt lush against her sensitive fingertips. Josh spread his legs so that they were either side of Caroline. Her whole body was pressed against him and still it wasn’t close enough. At last Josh pulled away. Caroline moaned in protest. He ran his thumb over her bottom lip.

“Not here, baby,” he rasped. “We’ve got to get through this counselling thing first.”

It took her a minute to understand his words. Counselling? With the vicar? She peered behind Josh. They were in the church vestibule. No. They were making out like horny teenagers in the church vestibule.

Josh smiled against her lips. “Take a deep breath. Don’t freak out. Lightning didn’t hit. Remember, in a little while I’ll be kissing you here officially anyway.”

Caroline took a deep, steadying breath.

“Good girl.” He nodded before taking her hand and pulling her into the church proper.

As Caroline’s head wrestled control from her body, she realised they hadn’t had a discussion like adults. No. He’d overwhelmed her with pheromones and sex appeal until she’d agreed with him.

She narrowed her eyes at him. Sneaky American.

Josh caught her look and winked at her.

Blast it. The man knew exactly what he was doing. Caroline straightened her back, promising herself that she wouldn’t fall for his manipulation again. No matter how good it felt.

With a knowing smile, Josh led them in to meet the vicar.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Helen came home from a day exploring the Scottish countryside to find the castle peaceful for a change. Thankfully the floor was now back where it should be, and she didn’t have to balance on planks to get to the kitchen. She glanced down at her new dress and smiled. It was a yellow sundress with huge blue cabbage flowers. The sales assistant had talked her into matching blue ballet flats and a pale blue denim jacket, of all things. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d worn clothes that were so bright and fresh. It made her feel younger, which was always a good thing.

When she pushed open the door to the kitchen, she stopped dead. The dining table was set for two, a small vase of pink carnations sat in the middle of it, alongside a bottle of red wine. There were even two pink candles waiting to be lit.

“Damn it to hell,” Andrew muttered from the stove.

Helen turned to see her husband struggling to drain spaghetti, without losing it down the sink. Despite herself, she smiled. “It’s easier if you dump it into a colander.”

He looked at her like she was speaking Japanese.

“A thing with lots of holes,” she explained. “Lets the water out. Keeps the pasta in.”

“Huh. I’ll do that next time.”

Helen shook her head to clear it. Did she hear the words next time? “What’s all this, then?”

“What does it look like?” He was concentrating on dishing spaghetti onto plates. “We’re having dinner.”

“Together? The two of us?”