Page 74 of An Unwilling Earl
“It can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be.”
Her aunt’s words came back to her.Fornicator. Sinful. Whore.
But she was none of those because she was married to this man. Just like her mother had been married to her father.
Charlotte cleared her throat. “I just want you to know that I’m not here to replace Cora.”
“Ah, Charlotte. I know that.”
“I know you still love her and another wife was not something you had wanted. I respect your love for her and would never presume to replace it.”
He tilted his head and studied her. “Maybe there is room for two loves in one lifetime.”
She wanted to believe that was true, but she also didn’t want to hope that someday the two of them could have a love like Jacob had had with Cora and Charlotte’s mother had had with her father.
“I’m just happy to be here,” she said, surprised that she meant it. For weeks her sole goal had been to get to America, or rather, get away from England. Her path had taken a different, unexpected turn, and she wasn’t as upset as she thought she would be about it.
“I’m pleased that you don’t regret your decision to marry me.”
“I appreciate the sacrifice you made to keep me safe.”
“It was not as much of a sacrifice as you think it was.”
She grinned because his words warmed her heart, made her feel special and wanted. It had been so long since she’d felt wanted.
He tugged on her hands, and she took a step closer, her head tilted up as his descended, and they kissed, standing before the fire, his hands covering hers.
“You were beautiful today,” he whispered.
“Thank you. And thank you for gifting me this lovely gown.”
“We’ll get you more.”
She wanted to demure but knew she couldn’t keep wearing Cora’s gowns. It was time to shed Cora, for Jacob’s sake as well.
Jacob led her to the bed, and Charlotte’s knees were knocking together, she was so nervous. He kissed the spot where her neck and shoulder met, and she shivered at the unexpected thrill that shot through her. He moved his lips to her ear where his tongue explored the soft whorls and dips. Her breath was coming fast, and she felt heavy between her legs.
She tilted her head to the side to allow him more access, a silent invitation to continue. His breath was warm and moist upon her skin as gooseflesh erupted up and down her arms.
Her spine was tingling, and an unexpected wetness seeped between her legs.
His lips moved down her neck. He pushed her gown off her shoulder, and he kissed her there, small, light kisses.
“Turn around,” he said, his voice so husky that she barely recognized it.
As if in a trance, she did as he bid. She could feel his fingers on the buttons of her gown, undoing each one. She was breathing deep, nervous, frightened, and excited.
She felt his fingers moving down her back, flicking each button until her gown was gaping. She pressed her hands against her bosom to keep it from falling off.
Gently he nudged her back around. Her back was cold, her front was hot. Jacob stepped back, his gaze raking her from head to foot. She stood there self-consciously, holding her gown to her, knowing that she was vulnerable, but feeling safe with Jacob.
“Let it go,” he said.
She let out the breath she had been holding and slowly moved her arm so her gown slipped farther down, caught on her bosom, and hung there for a moment before the weight of the fabric carried it all the way to the ground, where it pooled around her feet.
She wasn’t completely naked, but she felt like it. She stood there in her undergarments, blinking, not knowing what to do.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
