His Secret Temptation

“I keep asking you because I haven’t received an answer that satisfies me. You avoid men for nine or ten years, then give it up to someone you’ve known less than a week. It’s a big deal, Caroline.”

“Please don’t make too much out of this.” She caught his hand and laced her fingers through his, returning their clasped grip to her stomach.

“Caroline,” he protested on a sigh.

“Just shut up and hold me.”

He wanted to do more than that, but circumstances prevented him making love to her again. He would rectify that situation later this morning. For now he would simply enjoy her and savor the pleasure of a leisurely morning in bed.

A brisk knock sounded on their door before he could let out the long, contented breath he’d gathered. His sister’s voice called from the hall.

“Get up, you lazybones. Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve and Mom’s on her usual pre-party tear. We need to get out of the house and stay clear of the chaos. We’re all going out for coffee, and then I promised Caroline a carriage ride through the Historic District. Shame on you, Simon, for not doing that before this.”

He groaned at having yet another day’s plans made without his consent. “When have we had time?”

“After that we’re having lunch and if we’re lucky we won’t get back here until everything’s ready for tomorrow’s party.”

Caroline slipped from his grasp before he could stop her and went to let his sister into the room. He watched the black silk gown cling to her curves as she walked and thought of the black dress she had worn last night. Simon pushed himself into a sitting position and hoped he could keep his sister from insisting he get out of bed immediately.

“You are still in bed,” Hannah accused when she spied him relaxing back against the headboard. “Mom said you two like to get up early. What’s different today?”

“I’m afraid it’s my fault,” Caroline said. “I drank a little too much punch last night and Simon let me sleep late.”

Hannah rounded on Simon, her hands on her hips. “Simon, how could you not have warned her about the punch?”

He held his hands up defensively. “Mom already flayed my hide.”

Caroline watched the exchange in amused silence. She had mixed feelings about Hannah’s interruption. She knew if they had lingered in bed much longer she might have moved Simon’s hand up to her breast or down to that incredibly sensitive spot he had roused so profoundly last night. On the other hand, her newly awakened sexuality had woven through it some rather powerful emotions as well. She was awfully close to being in love with this man and wasn’t sure that was a safe path to tread.

“Shoo, Hannah,” Caroline said. “We’ll get dressed and be down shortly.”

She shut the door on Simon’s sister and put her back against it. He looked so gorgeously disheveled she was tempted to return to the bed and ravish him.

“Hannah’s right,” she told him, avoiding the come-hither look in his bright blue eyes and the proof of his continuing arousal. “You are a lazybones. I’m going to get dressed and go for a carriage ride. Want to come?”

“Why not, since there’s obviously nothing else to do.”

Hannah seemed to have inherited her mother’s love of planning. She gathered Sarah, Caroline and Simon in the foyer and marched them out into the crisp Savannah morning. Hannah insisted they hike the mile to what she claimed was her favorite coffee shop on Congress. Simon wanted to take the car, but relented when his sister whipped out her you-have-to-do-what-the-pregnant-woman-wants card.

As they headed down the driveway, a taxi drove through the decorative gate. When it stopped, Dane got out and paid the driver.

“Are you just getting home?” Simon demanded, sounding every inch a perturbed parent.

Dane frowned. “Yes, Mom, not that it’s any of your business.”

“Have you been with Jasmine this whole time?” Hannah chimed in, greedy for gossip. “Can I be the one to tell Francine?”

“Shut up, Hanny Bananny,” Dane said. “I wasn’t cheating on my fiancée if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” she retorted. “It’s what conclusion Francine will jump to that I’m interested in.” She rubbed her hands together. “Maybe we can get rid of her once and for all.”

“Hannah,” Sarah exclaimed, hooking her arm and leading the pregnant blonde away. “Don’t pay any attention to her, Dane. She hasn’t had her morning coffee yet so she’s extra cranky.”

“Yes, we all love Francine,” Simon added in dry tones, drawing Caroline after the retreating pair.

Laughter filled the air as the two couples strolled along, admiring the way the morning sunlight filtered through the live oaks.

“I love it here,” Caroline commented. “It’s like stepping back in time. I’m glad General Sherman spared the city. It’s just too pretty to burn.”