Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season 2)

“No.” Rose touched Cameron’s jaw. He hadn’t shaved, and his black night beard was rough under her touch. She pulled his head to her and kissed him, parting her lips and exploring him with her tongue. She sucked on his luscious lower lip, nuzzled the top one. Kissing him was pure heaven. As their tongues coupled and twirled together, she moaned softly.

“Come here,” Cameron said.

He lifted her from her sidesaddle and onto his saddle, facing him. Sitting astride, her riding habit was rumpled about her waist and rode up her legs. She was snug against Cameron’s hard chest, as little room existed on his saddle for two people. He embraced her and sought her mouth again, kissing her with a passion that she had only known in her fantasies. He covered her face with tiny moist kisses.

“Oh, Rose,” he said, “I dream of nothing but you.”

“Yes, I know,” she whispered, “because all I dream about is you.”

Cameron’s heart thumped against her chest. Her breasts swelled and her nipples tightened.

He kissed her ear and her neck, raking his hands through her tumbling locks that had come loose during her ride. “I can barely breathe when I’m with you. You make my heart race.” He nibbled on her neck. “If only I could have you.”

She shuddered against him. “You can, Cameron.”

He pulled away from her. “What about Xavier, Rose?”

“I…I don’t want him the way I want you.”

“But he’s a perfect match for you.”

“Yes, and I’m…fond of him, but I don’t desire him.”

“You desire me?”

“Yes, oh yes.” Rose sighed, kissing his face and neck, lacing her fingers through his coal black hair. “I…think about you all the time. I have since we first met.” She giggled. “Oh, this is embarrassing.”

“Don’t be embarrassed. I think about you all the time too.” He caressed her back in soothing circles. “But we can never be together.”

“Why not?”

“You know why, sweetheart.”

“Yes.” Rose sighed. “I guess I do.” Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. “Please, Cameron, won’t you kiss me again?”

“It’s better if we stop.”

Rose sighed and swung her leg over Apollo’s saddle, dismounting expertly. She mounted Begonia as a tear fell down her cheek.

“Don’t cry, sweet.”

“I…I can’t help it. I want to be with you. It’s tearing me up inside.”

“I know,” he groaned. “But it would hurt more to make love and then leave each other, wouldn’t it?”

“If it’s going to hurt anyway, what does it matter?”

Before Cameron could answer, another rider galloped toward them. It was Cameron’s younger sister Patricia.

“Cam!” she shouted. “Thank God I found you. You need to come home quickly!”

“What is it Tricia?” he asked.

Patricia caught her breath. “It’s Kat. She’s taken sick.”

“What in bloody hell happened?” Cameron demanded.

“She came in from playing and wouldn’t take any lunch. She’s burning up, Cam. She’s asking for you.”