Call of the Sea (20 page)

She stared at the closed door in utter confusion, buried her disappointment.
Night, Daniel.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Rain pelted the metal roof and wind whistled through the gaps in the clapboard siding as Daniel sat at the rickety table in front of the shed’s only window, head in his hands and fingers tangled in his hair. The same position he’d been in for the past hour.
How do I tell Ellie?

His body needed to change, and soon. The time had come to pay the tithe to his selkie curse. He’d fabricated the trip to Truro so she wouldn’t wonder about his necessary absence, but the more he considered the options, the more he realized the smartest course would be to actually go, make his change to seal form there, and come back after the new moon.
Four weeks and my debt’s paid for another year.

The honey-scented steam from the mug of tea he’d prepared to drive the chill from his bones wafted up to his nose. He wrapped his hands around the cup, letting its warmth soothe him.

Lightning flashed, followed almost immediately by a loud rumble of thunder. Daniel checked the window. Inky blackness smeared blurry by wind-spattered raindrops greeted him.

I can tell Ellie everything when I return.
As long as he told her before the wedding, he’d still be keeping his promise to her mother.

A knock sounded at the shed door, jerking his head upright.

Who the hell would be out in this weather?

Daniel pushed back from the table and got to his feet. Curiosity piqued, he swung open the door.

Light spilled out the entryway to reveal Ellie, clad in a dripping wet nightgown, shivering, arms wrapped tightly around herself. Strands of wet hair hung in her wide blue eyes. Her teeth chattered.

His breath hitched. “What are you doing, El?”

“I’m not entirely sure, frankly.” She glanced down at her bare toes, wiggled them before swinging her gaze back up to him. “Can I come in?”

Daniel held the door open for her. “Of course.”

Ellie sucked her lower lip between her teeth, glanced back at the cottage. “Thanks.” She stepped into the shed.

“Is everything all right?” Concern laced his tone. He shut the door and twisted to face her.

She stood in the center of the tiny space, cheeks stained pink, and a growing pool of water at her feet. Her hands fretted with each other at her waist. The thin wet nightgown clung to her curves, leaving nothing of her shape to his imagination, as if he needed the help.

Daniel groaned and snatched a blanket from the bedpost, shoving it toward her. “Here, put this around your shoulders before you catch your death.”
And drive me insane.

His fingers itched to touch, explore the bounty laid out before him. He swallowed hard.

Ellie wrapped the blanket around her shoulders and snuggled into it.

Daniel lunged for a chair, pulling it away from the rickety table. He brushed a hand over the seat to free it of any accumulated grime and offered it to Ellie. “Please, sit.”

She sank into the chair. Her doe-eyed gaze swept the modest space. “I’ve not been in here since Papa let you take it over. This is nice. Cozy.”

Daniel shoved his hands in his pockets.
What is she doing here?
“Thanks.” He noticed the cooled mug sitting on the table. He cringed at his lack of social graces. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“No, no.” Ellie floated up from the seat. She closed the space between them. The look in her eyes, swirling pools of sapphire, hypnotized him. “I’m not thirsty.”

Under her spell, Daniel gaped as the blanket fell away. Her calloused fingertip traced his lower lip and her eyes filled with wonder.

Daniel’s hands surrounded her waist before he realized he’d moved. Her scent, a heady mix of lilac and peppermint spice, wafted up to him. His desire surged. “Ellie?”

The question hung in the air between them for endless seconds. In silent reply, she lifted on her toes and pressed her soft warm mouth against his.

Daniel moaned against her lips, the muscles in his arms flexing with the effort it took not to seize hold of her and crush her against him.

Ellie hesitantly parted her lips, her hot tongue teasing the corners of his mouth. Tentative hands explored the hard planes of his chest, sending shudders of pleasure through his limbs.

He shifted, adjusting to the tightening of his breeches, and opened his mouth to her, allowing her to set their pace.

Her tongue tickled the corners of his mouth before resuming its dance with his. She moved closer, pressing her length against his, her fingers tangled in his hair.

The delicious sensations her timid hands elicited made Daniel breathless. With effort, he tore his lips from hers, searched her flushed face. “What are you doing to me, El?”

Her sweet breath fanned his cheek. A smile bowed her kiss-swollen lips. “I think I’m loving you. That is, if you’ll let me.”

That was all Daniel needed to hear.

***

He swept her into his arms, drawing a gasp of surprise. A carnal growl rumbled through his chest, resonating through her limbs. “It’s what I’ve hoped for my entire life.”

Ellie’s heart raced as he carried her the short distance to the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. Excited butterflies danced in her stomach.

He laid her on the straw mattress, hovered over her, worry etching his brow. “Are you sure about this, El?”

In answer, she reached up and pulled him down to her, eager lips inches from his. Her body ached to get closer, fingers tingling to touch. “Love me, Daniel.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “Please.” Fire surged through her veins when his mouth recaptured hers. She welcomed it, opened herself to the molten heat growing between her thighs.

Daniel kissed the corners of her mouth with sensual slowness. His hand slid over her hip, up her knotted stomach.

Her breath caught when his fingers caressed the underside of her breast. Her nipple puckered tight. Ellie gripped his shoulders, eyes flying wide. Her pulse pounded in her ears.

“Relax, El, trust me,” Daniel cooed.

Ellie relaxed her grip and released a nervous chuckle. “More kissing might help.”

His eyes twinkled with mirth. “Your wish is my command, milady.”

Daniel’s mouth resumed its explorations, his tongue tickling her temple. He nipped at her jaw and kissed down the side of her neck.

The world spun. Ellie clung to him, lost in wondrous new sensations. She gasped for air.

Daniel pushed the gown from her shoulder, following the wet fabric along her skin with his lips. They branded a hot trail along her collarbone. He raked his nails down her arm.

Ellie shivered. A whimper slipped past her lips when his hands found her knees, pushing the hem of her gown higher, up her thighs and past her hipbone.

“I want to see all of you.” Daniel nudged the nightgown higher.

Sitting up, Ellie pulled the clinging material over her head. Cool air caressed her damp flesh. She heard Daniel’s sharp inhale.

“You’re even more beautiful than I’d imagined.”

Heat stained her cheeks. Ellie nuzzled down into the sheet, her arms crossing over her breasts.

“No,” Daniel admonished. “Don’t hide from me.” His fingers trailed down her arm from shoulder to elbow, coaxing Ellie to release her tight grip on her chest.

She lowered her arms to her sides, gripping the sheet on either side of her.

“Perfection,” Daniel breathed. His head dipped low, scorching mouth capturing a taut nipple. He sucked lightly, drawing a purr from her.

When his teeth nipped at the hardened nub, Ellie cried out, arching her back and pressing her breast against his lips with wanton abandon. A fiery ball of need threatened to consume her.

His tongue teased the sensitive flesh of her breast while his hands moved lower, grazing over her flat stomach, coming to rest on her mound. He moved the heel over his hand in slow teasing circles. A fingertip slipped between her slick folds.

She gasped as tiny shivers raced up from between her legs. Ellie bit down on her lower lip, desperate for more. She groped at Daniel in search of the buttons. “I want to touch you,” she croaked.

Daniel rose from the bed. He stood over her, memorizing her from head to toe. He worked at the front of his shirt, releasing the buttons one by one.

As soon as he’d moved away, Ellie wished him back in the bed beside her, missed the heat of his touch. She watched as he shrugged the shirt from his broad shoulders. It floated to the floor at his feet.

Candlelight played off the smooth lines of his chest, casting him in a golden glow. He unfastened his breeches, sliding them down his flanks, pulled his feet from the legs, and kicked the pants aside. Straightening, Daniel stood before her in naked splendor.

Her hungry gaze raked over him, appreciating every contour of his magnificent physique.
Mine. My husband.
She reached out to him, beckoning him back to her side.

Daniel joined her again, his body flanking hers. His mouth recaptured her nipple, tongue teasing it taut before he nipped at it. His palm glided up the inside of her thigh, applying subtle pressure.

Ellie moved her knees apart, gasped and bucked her hips when his finger slipped inside her intimate center.

He enticed her with his hand until she relaxed and pressed her hips against his palm.

She bit down on her lip to keep from crying out as waves of pleasure rolled over her. Unable to quell her curiosity any longer, Ellie wrapped her fingers around his hard shaft.

Daniel jumped at her touch, growing firmer in her grip. A groan burst from him.

Urged on by his positive reaction to her caress, Ellie slid her hand over him, marveling at the velvet softness of his manhood.

His hands scorched a path of fire over her flesh, fanning the flames of her desire until she thought her bones would melt. He shifted his weight and suddenly he hovered above her, nudging her legs apart with a knee. His breath teased the hair at her temple. “It will only hurt for a moment.”

She registered his speech, but didn’t quite make sense of all the words.
Hurt?

Daniel claimed her lips, and with a moan of pure pleasure, thrust into her wet, dark depths, tearing her maidenhead in one swift motion.

Ellie stiffened, drawing in a quick breath.

He didn’t move, just remained buried in her womb. His hands kneaded her breasts in slow circles, distracting her from the already ebbing pain.

The stinging sensation subsided, replaced by a growing ache. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and lifted her hips.

Daniel growled against her mouth and grabbed her waist, driving himself deep inside her tight warmth. His muscles rippled as he moved over her, thrusting in an ageless cadence she matched with fervor.

Her body trembled as cascades of sensation overtook her, leaving her weak and panting. Together they rode the waves of ecstasy until Ellie was sure they would crash into the very sun. The world slipped away. Nothing existed but the pleasure born of the joining of their bodies.

Ellie clung to Daniel, breathless, every muscle in her body tensed, ready. She released a cry of pleasure as her body exploded in a sunburst of pulsating bliss. She floated back down to earth in a bubble of lethargic ecstasy.

Daniel’s warm lips kissed the pulse in her neck, the corners of her mouth, the tip of her nose.

She opened her eyes and grinned up at him. A low purr rumbled up her throat.

He rolled onto his back, pulling her along with him. His brown eyes sparkled like caramel jewels.

Ellie reached up and brushed a lock of chestnut hair from his face. “You were right.”

Daniel’s eyebrow cocked up. “I appreciate you can admit that, my love, but can you be a bit more specific? Right about what?”

“There is a lot more to marriage than kissing.”

His rich laughter warmed her down to her toes. “I take it you approve?”

Ellie nodded, cheeks hot. “Aye.” She sat upright, straddling his midsection. Her fingers traced circles around his nipples, causing him to suck in a breath. She marveled at how quickly the pink nubs reacted to her touch, tightening into hard gems. Her heartbeat quickened and a ball of heat formed in her stomach.

The corners of her lips quirked up. “But I think I may need more practice.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Daniel became aware of a warm body nestled against his chest and the feel of a female breast cupped in his palm. A sigh of contentment slipped from him. Reluctant to emerge from his fantasy just yet, he cracked an eye open.
What time is it?

Muted light stained the sky outside the shed’s front window. Daniel figured it to be just after sunrise. He lifted on an elbow, looked down at Ellie.

Dusky lashes rested against her soft cheek, and a light snore pushed past her parted lips in time with the rise and fall of her chest.

Love swelled in his chest, threatening to drown him in its intensity. Daniel traced a finger along her bare shoulder. He recalled his promise to Ellie’s mother.
What if I tell her and she turns away from me?
Could I live with that?

The answer reverberated through his skull.
NO!
He’d just been given this amazing gift; he couldn’t bear to toss it away so soon.

Careful not to wake her, Daniel extricated himself from the bed. He needed to get his skin from the beach and get back before she woke. He dressed quickly, gathering his pants and shirt from where they’d been tossed the night before. With a quick glance at Ellie to ensure she still slept, he slipped out of the shed.

Daniel raced across the yard, praying Mrs. Winters wasn’t an early riser. Once past the main house, he veered left and darted down the winding path to the beach. Safely hidden beneath the ledge, he stopped to catch his breath. He listened for the familiar creak of the cottage’s front door.

When no one came out of the house, and his heartbeat had resumed a more natural rhythm, Daniel continued down the path. He cast a wary glance at the brightening sky as he strode across the beach. Reaching the rocks, Daniel knelt down at the base of the outcropping and stuck his hand into the crevice.