My Forbidden Mentor (43 page)

“Hmm?” he answered idly, his darkening eyes gazing over her naked form.

“Are you tired?”

Her inquiry gained his full attention. “Not at all, why?”

“I was wondering,” she trailed off, actually embarrassed to confront her husband with her passionate needs.

“Wondering what?” he prodded, having a good idea of what she wanted by her shy reactions. After all, they hadn’t made love in almost three months. When she didn’t respond he revealed his knowledge of the situation. “What happened to being bold like you were a few moments ago?”

“Pardon me?”

“You just took what you wanted a few moments ago, forcefully I might add.”

“Forcefully?” Her eyes stayed direct with his. “You didn’t act like you were in pain,” she said, accepting his teasing nature.

“I was, but it was good pain.” He smiled so wide his eyes gleamed and his teeth shown bright. “I must say you surprised me.”

“Well I had to do something to get your attention.” Her voice dropped an octave at the same time her eyes cast a rich glow of melting hazel.

“You got it all right. It was good, by the way.” He trailed his hand from her belly up and over her hip to gently squeeze a handful of one buttock. “Incredibly good in fact,” he voiced with a catch in his breath.

His breathy comment stirred her even more. “John, make love to me.”

John reached over and gave her a tender kiss on the lips. “Turn the other way.”

She did as he asked, although it took her some time to shift the weight of her belly. As soon as she lay relaxed on her side, with her back rubbing against his broad chest, she experienced a wave of heat along her entire backside.

John had slid snug and form fitting against his wife and didn’t waste any time with preliminaries. They both wanted this connection between them, so embedding himself immediately into her honeyed passage of warmth seemed pertinent. “Is this what you want, sweetheart?” he invited with a rotation of his hips.

“Yes,” she panted.

“Is that so? Well, I have to caution you,” he paused, leaning his mouth into her ear and pushing his hips tight against her buttocks. “I feel the same need and it’s been too damn long. You may not be able to walk tomorrow.”

“I don’t care, it will be worth it.”

“Mm, indeed,” he responded with an inward groan.

Christmas time had arrived. For the Blackburn household it was a joyous holiday. Joined by Robert, Rose, Miss Beckett, and Charles, no less, it was only the six of them and they had the best time together. They enjoyed a feast for Christmas supper. Ellen had outdone herself with the help of Miss Beckett’s culinary skills. After supper they all gathered in the sitting room to exchange pleasantries.

Their small celebration lasted until midnight, when one by one each retired to guest rooms. John gathered a sleepy Melissa in his arms and carried her upstairs to their bedchamber. He’d been holding back all night with a surprise for her. Only Robert had been aware of what John had kept hidden.

Now, as Melissa undressed, John was eager to tell her the news. “Melissa?” he said while stripping out of his own clothing. He watched her climb into bed unaware of his excitement. Her eyes were heavy, fighting to stay open. “Sweetheart, I have a surprise for you.” He grinned, his hand smoothing her hair away from her face.

His handsome grinning mouth dominated her hazy view, and his deep gentle voice spoke of having something for her? Was the man always in arousal mode? Ever since their reconciliation John couldn’t stop touching her. It wasn’t that she was complaining but the man did seem insatiable these days. Unfortunately, keeping up with him had become a problem because she’d become so tired lately. Being nearly seven months pregnant, the babe required her to sleep more often.

She smiled to ease the blow. “My love, I desire to accept your surprise,” her eyes cast a glimpse toward his groin, “but I’m so tired right now. Let me rest a few hours first, all right?”

John’s grin widened. He truly must have been making up for lost time. “Sweetheart, you’re misunderstanding what I mean.”

“Hm?” she responded.

“I have some good news and I wanted to share it with you alone.”

“Good news?” That got her eyes opened again.

He studied her, realizing what achieving this goal would mean to her.

“John, if it’s good why are you stalling?” He had her curious now.

“I see you haven’t conquered the art of patience yet,” he commented.

“I never will with all your teasing and taunting,” she replied with a pout.

“I have to admit my patience was tried pretty mightily today with this news.” His grin turned devilish.

Her pout turned into a frown of utter frustration. “Damn it, John, tell me.”

“Ease up on the language, sweet. You need to set an example for our child.”

Melissa couldn’t stand it. He’d keyed up her interest, causing her to fully awaken as he proceeded to delay. She lifted onto her elbows and planted a hard kiss on his lips. “Did that get your attention?” His eyes widened in surprise. “Now tell me.”

“Yes, my lady,” he conceded. “Lord Ainsworth has agreed to let you race at Catterick.” Melissa’s mouth dropped open. “Not only was he impressed with your riding abilities, but you accomplished your side of the bargain sufficiently. You by far surpassed the amount of signatures needed. You’re in, sweetheart.”

“I can’t believe it. We did it. When did you find out?”

“Only yesterday.”

“That must have been torture. You know how much I’ve wanted this, you of anybody.” Her words ceased and sadness claimed the sparkle in her eyes.

“What is it?”

“My mother and father. They always encouraged my dreams and they’re not here to share it with me.”

“Melissa.” John paused to remember the time when he had wished his mother had been alive to share in the celebration of his first thoroughbred turning champion. “They would have been proud of you, as am I. You have to believe that they are with you in spirit, that they are aware of your accomplishments.”

“Yes, I suppose so,” she paused. “I’m so thankful you’re here. My life would be lost without you.”

“You’re a strong, independent woman, Melissa. Your determination alone will get you far, even without my influence.” He leaned over and placed a tender caress of his lips upon her forehead. “Come now, this is a reason to celebrate, not sulk,” and he kissed her soundly on the lips.

During the next couple of months John and Melissa spent a lot of time together. Most of the time they stayed indoors for the air had chilled significantly. They prepared mentally for the upcoming races in June, figuring Melissa could work on her physical conditioning once the babe was born and the weather had warmed.

On the evening of March twelfth, Melissa retired early, saying her back ached and she needed to rest. John became suspicious because the whole day Melissa hadn’t been herself. Her energy level had dropped and at times she appeared in pain.

John watched her while she slept, wondering if the baby was coming. He was about to turn and leave when in her sleep Melissa’s hands went to her stomach. Her brows creased and her breathing turned shallow. She must be in labor. John paced once, twice, three times the length of their bedchamber. Melissa moaned and John stopped pacing, immediately summoning Charles.

Dr. Bennett arrived a short time later, and Miss Beckett right after him. Dr. Bennett examined Melissa and confirmed that indeed it was time. He shoveled out orders for supplies he needed while preparing himself by thoroughly washing his hands.

John stood in the doorway of their bedchamber baffled. Everyone was rushing around taking part in the preparation while he stood there helpless, which was how he was feeling, helpless. He tried to see how his wife was holding up but there were so many people around her blocking her from his view.

All at once the doctor ordered everyone out except Miss Beckett. John felt disregarded when his own bedchamber door shut in his face. Overwhelmed by the fact that Melissa was going through this alone he began pacing. He paced for what seemed like hours when he heard Melissa wail. John headed for the door, bursting through it, not caring what the doctor said as he strode with purpose toward the bed.

Miss Beckett was trying to calm Melissa, as was Dr. Bennett, but Melissa fought progress with ear pitching screams. “I want my husband.”

The moment she saw him her arms reached out to him. Miss Beckett rose from the chair so John could sit next to his wife. His heart beat fast and sweat beaded on his brow as her screams had terrified him. He leaned over and embraced her. “Shh, I’m here,” he whispered into her ear.

Melissa’s arms tightened their grip around his back. Sobbing, she pleaded with him, “Don’t leave me. I’m scared, John, I’m so scared.”

“I’m not going to leave. I’m staying right here,” John told her. Hearing the doctor clearing his throat he looked up in his direction.

“You seem to relax her, so here’s what I want you to do, John. Take her hands in yours and let her squeeze,” Dr. Bennett suggested, at the same time noticing Melissa’s reluctance to let go of John. “Melissa, you need to breath, dear. John is staying, so take hold of his hands.”

Melissa did as the doctor asked but kept her focus constant on her husband. He smiled and soothed and told her he loved her. Miss Beckett stood behind John and watched the miracle happen between these three people. Less than an hour later a fine healthy little girl was born, Anna Clarisse Blackburn.

For the next few days Melissa lay resting in bed, her daughter in a cradle at her side. John would retire early so he could spend time with his family but would also rise early to work. He kept himself busy for Melissa’s sake, instinctually knowing she needed time to recuperate.

By week’s end John knew Melissa would be getting restless being cooped up in bed so he decided to leave the track early one day. He thought she might enjoy a picnic by the stream behind their manor.

He cracked open their bedchamber door and saw she was awake. As the door opened further he witnessed a sight he’d long dreamt of seeing and it took his breath away.

Melissa was sitting up in bed with their daughter feeding at her breast. Sucking hungrily, the babe fed from her mother so naturally. Melissa watched their daughter as John did. He stepped toward mother and daughter, not rousing them until almost reaching the bed.

Melissa looked up. “You’re home early. What a nice surprise.”

John cleared his throat. The emotions stirring inside him were surreal as he observed his wife and daughter. “I thought you might like to get some fresh air,” he proposed before glancing up to capture Melissa’s softhearted expression. The entrancement of watching his daughter had monopolized his attention. “I’m having Ellen prepare some food for a picnic.”

Melissa smiled at John’s reaction to the baby feeding. “That sounds wonderful. As soon as she’s done, we’ll go.”

John sat on the edge of the bed next to her. “How does it feel?”

Melissa gave him a knowing smile. “Natural. Stimulating in a way,” she chuckled. “Not quite as enticing as when you do it,” she complimented, making him grin.

“I would hope not, although I am curious about the taste of your milk.” His grin broadened, producing a rare dimple.

It didn’t take much to catch onto his meaning. “Another time, my love, when we’re alone.”

“Of course,” John gleamed.

That afternoon their picnic proved to be enjoyable. It was only the two of them having private time together, sitting next to a sparkling stream of water, feeding each other and John having his first drink of nature’s essence from the bosom of his wife.

Two weeks later John and Melissa were in the library one evening reading to their daughter when a knock came upon the open door. John looked up and it was Charles. “Yes, Charles?”

“Um, I need to speak with Lady Blackburn, my lord.”

Melissa handed the baby to John and rose from the couch, stepping toward Charles. He motioned her out of the library. “What is it, Charles?”

She continued following him down the entry hall toward the front door. “Duke Albert, my lady. I’m not sure how to handle this situation.”

“I’ll handle it, Charles. Thank you.” Charles trailed off as Melissa approached her father-in-law.

“Lady Blackburn, you’re looking magnificent,” he commented while scanning her flat stomach. “I see the babe’s been born.”

“Yes, about three weeks ago. You have a granddaughter.”

“Is there any possibility of seeing her?” He stopped to watch her reaction. “I guessed the babe would be born by now and that is the purpose of my visit.”

“Well, she’s in the library with John.” She gestured him to proceed down the hall to the library. “I can’t promise how it will go, Duke Albert.”

“I understand, and I assure you I will be on my best behavior for my granddaughter’s sake.”

“Very well, this way then.” She led him through the open double door of the library. John was standing with his daughter in his arms observing his array of books on the bookshelves. His back faced his wife and father so he hadn’t seen them come in. “John, our daughter has a visitor,” Melissa informed him.

“Someone must be anxious to see you since their visit was unannounced.” He turned with Anna and his smile disappeared when confronting the image of his father standing before him.

“I only came to get a peek at my grandchild, John. Will you allow me at least that?”

John shifted toward Melissa. “Melissa. What is the meaning of this?”

“John, he is her only living grandparent. At least let her meet him.”

John studied his wife, knowing deep down she was right. He focused on his father. He seemed to be making a sincere effort, numerous efforts actually. Now, months later, with the addition of his daughter, the importance of family held a stronger meaning for John. He gave in, letting his daughter meet her grandfather. Stepping over to his father, he held his daughter at arm’s length so his father could take her from him.

Melissa could feel tears rush to her eyes as she observed the tender moment between father and son, and all because of their precious baby girl who had just entered the world.

Duke Albert took his granddaughter with shaky hands. His smile widened as he looked into the tiny features of his granddaughter. “I haven’t held a babe in so long,” he said in unsteadiness. His eyes lifted to acknowledge John. “Not since I held your father. It was the happiest moment of my life.”

Stunned by his father’s comment, John turned away before his father could witness any emotional evidence of how his words had affected him.

The duke shifted his gaze back to the babe. “She is lovely. What is her name?”

Melissa watched John tread quietly over to the fireplace to stoke the embers. She reached the duke’s side. “Her name is Anna. Anna Clarisse Blackburn.”

“You named her after John’s mother. How fitting. She will be just as beautiful, I can tell.” He gave Melissa a warm smile while mumbling sweet words to the babe.

Melissa turned to come up behind John while Albert coddled his granddaughter. “Are you all right?” she whispered in his ear.

John shifted toward her, his eyes searching her face. “Yes.” He looked over his shoulder at his father and daughter, and swallowed while watching them together, imagining his father devoting the same attention when he himself was a babe. His father’s words of John’s birth being the happiest day of his life had caught him off guard. How could he have known that with the way his father had treated him all these years, especially after his mother’s death? Isolated, lonely, and unwanted was what John had felt after his mother’s passing. His father hadn’t been able to deal with the tragedy himself, so John had been forced to find his own strength within himself to move on and beyond the pain. He’d been numb, retreating from exposing himself to anything meaningful regarding his emotions toward another. Still, John had successfully kept the pain locked up so deep and tight it would have taken a powerful force to free the restraints. And that powerful source, John suddenly realized, had been his wife Melissa.