Western Kisses – Old West Christmas Romances (Boxed Set) (42 page)

“I don’t mean to.” But that wasn’t true. Something inside her responded to Garrett—his sly humor and innate strength. She wanted him to kiss her and to hold her. He made her feel precious and desirable—something Winslow had never done.

His fingertip traced with edge of her mouth. “You don’t have to try. It’s just you. Your sweet smile. Your soft lips.”

Rosalie blushed. His simple, heartfelt words gladdened her. There was security in knowing she wasn’t alone in her feelings.

“I’m not a poet. I don’t know how to say it.” He cupped her cheek in his hand and brushed her cheekbone with his thumb.

“I think you did.” Rosalie turned her face in his hand and nuzzled his palm.

“I’d like to kiss you again.” He had to know he didn’t have to ask, but was gentleman enough to give her the choice.

Rosalie contemplated what she was agreeing to and then nodded. She didn’t know what would happen in the future, but she knew what she wanted right now. Garrett. His kisses and more.

Garrett reached for her, pulling her closer. He adjusted the blankets until there was nothing between them but the fabric of their clothing.

An ache pulsed through her, settling low in her belly. It was desire—hot and languid, eager and shy. Rosalie reached out her hand, touched her fingertips to the rough stubble on his jaw, and found it softer than she expected. Her hand moved to his hair, pushing the wayward strands off his face.

Garrett gripped her shoulder and moved his arm around her back, caressing her gently. “I’d like to touch you, Rosalie. Do you want that?”

“Yes,” she whispered. Her heart skipped a beat as her reticence fell away.

Garrett unfastened the buttons of her dress and the bodice loosened. He pulled the fabric off her shoulders and Rosalie removed her arms from the sleeves. He pushed the cloth down, over her hips, and Rosalie lifted her legs slightly as he pulled the dress completely off and tossed it aside.

He returned his attention to her face, nuzzling her before taking her lips again. This kiss wasn’t sweet and innocent. It was hot and deep and Rosalie twisted against him. His hand molded to her breast, burning her through the fabric of her chemise.

Rosalie protested as Garrett released her and clutched his shoulders.

There was no mistaking the smoldering desire in his eyes. “I’m going to undress. I want to feel your hands on me as well. Do you want that, Rosalie?”

She nodded. “Yes. I want to touch you, too.”

Garrett smiled as he got to his feet and quickly removed his clothing.

Rosalie gasped as she caught sight of his aroused manhood.

He took her hand as he rejoined her under the blankets. “Don’t worry yourself.” He smoothed his hand over her hip and around to her rear. He pulled the chemise up to her waist, exposing her drawers. His hands slipped up her bare stomach to cup her breasts, slowly circling her nipples.

Garrett’s hands on her bare flesh released an unfamiliar longing within her. Pleasurable ripples traveled from her breasts to her privates as if a hot wire connected them. Her hand clasped his arms, her short nails biting into his skin, and her legs entwined with his.

He kissed her neck, his lips grazing her skin. He nipped her shoulder and Rosalie jerked against him.

Rosalie attempted to catch her breath as one new sensation after another raced through her body. “I … I want to touch you, too. Tell me what pleases you.”

“Darlin’, I think just about anything you did would be pleasing,” he drawled.

Rosalie lifted her hand and tentatively placed her palm against his chest. His skin was smooth but sparsely covered with coarse, tangled hair. His heart thumped right under her hand, beating in tandem with her own. Her body lay inches from his and the warmth radiating off him hit her like a fever. A yearning grew within her that she didn’t know how to satisfy.

But Garrett did. His hands shifted to the waist of her drawers and pushed them down, over her buttocks and past her knees. The fabric caught on her ankles and then it was gone. His hands traveled the same path in reverse, touching and teasing the soft skin of her legs until he reached the apex of her thighs and his fingers tangled in the curled hair that hid her feminine mysteries.

“Garrett?” The quaver in her voice contained both nervousness and arousal.

“Don’t you worry. It will all be fine. I promise.”

Rosalie managed a tentative smile and gave her attention to the hard muscles under her hands. She circled his nipple with her fingertip, so different from her own, and trailed down over his abdomen, which contracted at her touch. With boldness she didn’t know she possessed, she tentatively touched his male flesh and Garrett sucked in a breath. It was hard and hot, but the stretched skin was surprisingly soft.

Garrett groaned. “Oh, Rosalie. Don’t stop.”

She ran her fingertip to the base where his erection met his body and was surprised when she encountered his soft sack. Her fingers wrapped loosely around the shaft, and she stroked him up to the tip.

Garrett’s hand covered hers. “You have no idea how good that feels, but I don’t want this to be over too soon.”

Rosalie didn’t understand his meaning. Before she asked, his hands delved between her legs and all coherent thought left her as he touched a place that sent sparks shooting right through her.

Garrett eased Rosalie onto her back and covered her with his body, levering himself on his arms. He settled between her legs and a frisson of excitement coursed through her. Leaning in, he nipped her bottom lip and settled his mouth on hers. His tongue explored along the seam of her lips, seeking entry.

Rosalie parted her lips and Garrett’s tongue plunged inside. The intimacy stunned her, but after the initial shock, she moved her tongue against his and was rewarded by a low rumble in his chest. The powerful sensations he evoked dazzled her. Never in her wildest imaginings had she suspected such stormy passion existed. He probed the moist heat between her thighs and Rosalie instinctively raised her knees.

His hot breath sent tingles down her spine. “Please tell me you want this, Rosalie.”

“Yes … show me. Please!” Her eyes locked with his.

Garrett needed no further urging and fit himself to her, entering slowly.

Rosalie winced and her desire evaporated. The discomfort was an unwelcome surprise.

“Don’t worry yourself. It’ll pass in a moment.” He buried himself completely and waited. When Rosalie squirmed against him, he withdrew and slid in deep again.

Rosalie moaned as the blaze reignited within her. The frenzied friction of their bodies propelled her into a wild abyss where only sensation existed. A keening cry erupted from her as heated spasms consumed her and she lost control. She barely heard Garrett’s hoarse exclamation as he stiffened above her.

As she came back to herself, Garrett rolled onto his side and wrapped his arms around her. Contentment seeped into her bones—into her very soul.

~*~

The day dawned clear. The bad weather had broken for now. Rosalie followed their established routine, cooking breakfast while Garrett tended to the animals. When he returned, Garrett warmed himself in front of the fire before taking his seat and downing his coffee.

Garrett made appreciative sounds as he ate. “The temperature has risen quite a bit. It’s a good sign.”

“Can we go to town? I’m anxious about Audra.”

“I think we can. We should go right after breakfast in case we have to make a hasty trip back. Sometimes the weather can be unpredictable.”

Audra had never been far from Rosalie’s thoughts and she’d prayed for Audra’s safety and the baby’s health. A part of her was loathe to leave the cabin. She didn’t want to break the bubble of intimacy that had developed over the last few days between Garrett and herself. She was afraid—fearful that if they left the homestead, everything would change.

“Garrett?” She wanted to voice her uncertainties.

He looked up. “Yes?”

Rosalie bit her lip.

Garrett reached across the table, taking her hands in his. “What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing.” Questions whirled through her but she didn’t ask. Until she sorted out her feelings, there seemed little point in bothering Garrett with her concerns.

Rosalie cleared away the meal while Garrett went to prepare the wagon.

Rosalie bundled herself as well as possible and stepped onto the porch just as Garrett came around. He jumped off the plank seat and assisted her up.

He climbed back into place and picked up the reins. “Are you warm enough?”

“I hope so. The wind seems to cut right through no matter what.” Rosalie flexed her hands inside her muff.

They set off at a brisk pace. The snow was deep in spots but much of it had been blown into drifts against the trees. Snowflake crystals glittered like diamonds where the sun reached.

By the time they reached town, Rosalie thought she might be frozen to the seat. Though she’d wanted to come, she wondered if perhaps it had been a poor idea. The return trip to the homestead was bound to be brutal.

Garrett slowed the wagon. “Let me drop you at the midwife’s. I’ll walk back from the livery.”

“No, no. That isn’t necessary.” Rosalie blew into her muff, trying to warm her hands.

“Rosalie, you look frozen clean through.”

“I’d rather stay with you.” She didn’t want to part his company. Somehow, her heart believed if she kept him in sight, all would be well.

Garrett drove them to the livery, where they left the wagon and horses. They walked briskly back across the few blocks of businesses toward the midwife’s home.

The stagecoach passed them and stopped on the next block. The driver secured the horses and the passengers began to exit the coach as they approached. Rosalie’s mouth opened in shock as she watched Winslow step down out of the stagecoach. Her hand tightened on Garrett’s arm.

“What is it?” he asked, sensing her alarm.

“Winslow. Winslow’s here.” Her words echoed inside her head and she looked away and back, but Winslow was still there. He could be here for no other reason than to see her. Her jaw tightened in anger. Her parents must have shared her destination.

“What? That can’t be.” Garrett sounded as confused as she felt.

Rosalie blinked, hoping Garrett was right, but despite her wishes, Winslow was still standing right on the sidewalk.

Winslow turned and smiled when he caught sight of her. “Rosalie!” He hurried over. “My word, I didn’t think it would be so easy to find you out here.”

“My cousin had a baby.”
Why oh why had she insisted on leaving the homestead?

“Well, I suppose congratulations are in order.” His accent sounded foreign to her after weeks away from Boston.

“Why are you here?” Rosalie demanded.

Winslow scowled. “Rosalie, it’s been a miserable trip. I was held up in Denver these last few days waiting for stagecoach service to resume. As it was, I had to pay triple the fare to get the first coach out.”

“But why?”
Hadn’t he received her note?
She’d meant what she said and now her decision was more final than ever. No matter what happened between her and Garrett, she would never return to Winslow.

“It’s quite chilly out here. Perhaps we could discuss this inside? I imagine the hotel must have a dining room?”

“Winslow, I don’t think I care to speak with you.” Rosalie allowed no hint of friendliness in her tone.

“I’ve come a very long way. Please do me the courtesy—”

Garrett broke in. “If the lady doesn’t want to speak to you, she doesn’t have to.”

“Who, may I ask, are you?” Winslow’s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Garrett and found him wanting.

“I’m the man who’s telling you that what Rosalie says goes.” Garrett fixed Winslow with a hard stare.

Winslow didn’t seem to sense Garrett’s simmering temper. “I’ll thank you to keep your interference to yourself.”

“I’m also the law around here.” Garrett opened his coat, revealing the metal star pinned inside.

Winslow clenched his jaw. “Rosalie, I’ve come a very long way. Please hear me out. If you want me to leave after I’ve had my say, I’ll purchase a ticket on the next stage out.”

Rosalie nodded. She wanted Winslow gone. If it took a few minutes of her time, it would be more than worth it.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Garrett asked.

“It’s not necessary.” She tried to reassure Garret with a tight smile.

Winslow offered his arm but Rosalie didn’t take it. She swept past him and down the sidewalk toward the hotel. She entered the dining room without even bothering to check that Winslow followed. She chose a table and sat, folding her hands on the tabletop.

Winslow took the seat opposite her and reached across the table for Rosalie’s hands, but she jerked them back into her lap. “Rosalie, please come back to Boston. Your parents are terribly upset. I am as well.”

Rosalie paused, expecting him to articulate a better reason. “Winslow, you know very well why I left.”

“Yes, I’m sorry. It wasn’t well done of me. I should have considered your feelings more.” He attempted a sheepish grin.

Rosalie merely waited.

“I realize now how I hurt you. I’m willing to,” he leaned in and lowered his voice,” acquiesce to your demands.”

“My demands?” Rosalie’s eyebrow rose.

“About the situation.”

Rosalie tapped her foot under the table. “Winslow, I have no idea what you are referring to. I made no demands.”

“I will give up …” he coughed. “I will put aside my other arrangement.”

“What does that mean? What about the child?” Winslow was more callous than she thought if he intended to abandon his own child.

Winslow colored. “Rosalie, please keep your voice down. It isn’t necessary to go into details.”

Exasperation exploded out of Rosalie. “Don’t you see? It doesn’t matter. It’s already been done.”

Winslow scoffed. “Of course it matters. I’m willing to show you how much you mean to me.”

Rosalie shook her head. “It’s too late.”

“No, it isn’t. No one knows you tried to break our engagement. It’s all been quiet. Your parents put it about that you were off to visit relatives and returning soon.”