Page 151 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

The way his mouth crushed hers was intoxicating. She tasted wood smoke on his tongue and smelt leather, sandalwood, and man. His kiss was tender yet firm. In her mind she knew she ought to push him away, but the heat of his hard, lean body pressed up against hers felt exciting.

Finishing his fleeting exploration of her mouth, he tightened his hold on her. Verity slid her arms up about his waist. Lost in new sensations, she heard a low moan and realized it came from deep within her and attempted to pull free of him, suddenly aware of her ‘lack of moral fiber.’ It seemed that Jake was having none of it and kept a firm grip on her.

He interposed his knee between her legs, his thigh pressed hard up against her womanhood causing her to gasp. Her thin day gown gave little protection against the thrilling pressure. It was intoxicating, but she knew it was wrong. What is the matter with me?

It seemed as though because she’d been accused of being a loose woman, she needed to act upon it.

As her mind raced with logic, the awakening awareness of her body’s physical need surpassed all reason. It was as though his kisses drugged her, but oh how wonderful it felt to be held in this man’s arms. She wanted more, but she had no idea what ‘more’ might lead to. Verity only knew that at this moment she wanted Jake Calhoun to keep making her feel this way.

He pulled back and she mewled with disappointment. He chuckled; the deep sound reverberated through his chest and into hers.

“Verity, Miss Lasse, I have a proposal for you.”

“Oh, yes?”

He chuckled again. “Well, miss, I guess that was kind of it—”

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand?” she interrupted, bemused.

“Miss Lasse, Verity, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Stunned, she stared back him, mouth agape.

“Can you at least give me an answer?” he asked after the silence stretched. Merriment twinkling in his eye.

“I-I don’t know what to say. What about the twins? You d-don’t love me… I don’t even know if I can love you.”

“Whoa, calm down. It seems I’m the cause of this mess you’ve found yourself in and so I aim to fix it. I like you a lot, young lady, and I think after that kiss, it’s clear to me that you like me some, too. I’d miss you if you left St Elmo and I know my girls sure would. Plus, they need a mother and I sure am in need of a wife. What do you say, Miss Lasse? Will you marry me and make me one happy man?”

She found herself returning his warm lopsided grin. Her heart swelled with pleasure. Maybe Jake would understand about her desire to teach at the school again, if an opportunity arose? Most men wanted their wives to give up any job they had once married. Perhaps Jake would prove to be the exception to the rule? Verity opened her mouth to ask him, but he lowered his to cover hers again and heat rose between them, turning all her thoughts to mush. Finally, he set her back from him. She noticed he was panting. Staring at him perplexed, she realised she knew nothing of men and their desires.

Certainly, marriage would silence the town gossips, and she would never have to return with her tail between her legs to sour Aunt Susan.

There was only one fly in the ointment, the niggling and insistent voice in her head that warned her over and over that Jake Calhoun was indeed a murderer.

Pulling herself together, she took a breath. “Thank you for your proposal, Mr. Calhoun. I need time to think about your kind offer.”

“Take all the time you need, but don’t skip town without telling me first,” he winked, but his words held a thread of steel.

She bristled. “I assure you; I would not do such an underhanded thing.”

“Well, that’s good to know. Perhaps you’d join me on a picnic tomorrow and you can give me your answer then?”

As she hesitated, his hand stole out to take hers. His thumb swept back and forth over her palm. His warm gaze encouraged her and so she nodded her assent.

“‘Til tomorrow then.” He turned, moving out into the hallway where she watched as he put on his hat.

She remained standing in the parlour. Listening, she heard Mrs. Campbell’s voice call, “good evening,” as her landlady saw Jake off the premises. A moment later she appeared in the doorway. “Well?” she asked.

“Did you over hear? Mr. Calhoun proposed to me,” Verity said.

“He did?” Mrs. Campbell replied, not answering her question; her landlady obviously wasn’t going to admit to eavesdropping. “That’s wonderful, my dear, it solves all your problems. Congratulations!”

“I haven’t given him a reply yet. He’s taking me on a picnic tomorrow. I told him I’d give him my answer then.”

Mrs. Campbell reached out and took both Verity’s hands in hers. “My dear girl, allow me to offer you some motherly advice. Accept that man. There’re aren’t many good-looking, kind men about and Mr. Calhoun is both. You couldn’t do much better. You told me yourself your aunt won’t be pleased to see you return. Tell you what I’ll do, I’ll bake up a storm for that picnic tomorrow. Believe me, the best way to man’s heart is through his stomach!”

“Thank you, Mrs. Campbell, you’ve been most kind. I’ll think on it overnight and let you know my decision in the morning.”

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