Page 25 of Fool's Gold

She looked away. "Thanks a lot for pointing out what an anachronism I am." She pushed at his chest, trying to move him.

His stern face broke into a delighted grin, his hand absentmindedly caressing her thigh. "Oh no, sweetheart. You're not getting away from me now. Not ever!"

"But..."

He leaned in to nuzzle her neck while slipping his hand between their bodies to touch that tender spot.

She gasped at the sweet pleasure that rocked through her. Her eyes drifted shut as she concentrated on the sensation. When he took his hand away and moved gently inside her, she met his thrust, smiling at the feeling. This was going to be all right.

He surged into her, increasing the pressure, and she moaned, her hips springing to meet his.

"That's right, honey, let me pleasure you," Rafe murmured against her ear. "That's all I want to do."

She moved against him, her pleasure building.

He reached down, pulling her hips against him, and she screamed, coming apart.

Rafe's muffled shout followed her over into the land of bliss.

Chapter Five

Sarah awoke to songbirds singing outside the bedroom window. She lifted her head off the pillow and looked around.

Judging from the sunlight streaming into the room, it had to be at least eight o'clock. Why hadn't Rafe woken her to fix breakfast? Then it dawned on her. Mrs. Murphy was home. She would not need to do all the wifely chores she'd grown used to. She'd started to enjoy taking care of her family.

Even so, Rafe could have roused her with a kiss. She would have welcomed a morning show of affection. He'd started a fire in her last night that would have joyously responded to a morning cuddle.

She sat up in bed, fluffing the pillows behind her. A twinge in her nether regions was a vivid reminder of their lovemaking last night. It had been the thrill of her life. Now, she felt used and abandoned.

Could she accept being shuttled off to one corner of his life? Was she to be the accommodating little wife at night and a polite stranger during the day?

What choice did she have? She loved Rafe. She knew that now with every fiber of her being.

Well, she couldn't hide in the shelter of their bed all day.

She got up, showered, and made her way to the kitchen. Vigorous lovemaking was a spur to the appetite.

She turned the corner and peered into the kitchen. Relief surged through her at the deserted room. She wasn't sure she'dhave been able to hide her distress or engage in any awkward morning-after conversation should Rafe have been waiting.

She went to the cabinet, got a mug, and poured herself a cup of the coffee that smelled so good.

"There you are, my dear," a cheerful voice said. "I was wondering how long to hold your breakfast."

Sarah spun around to Rose Murphy, a tall, plump woman with sparkling blue eyes and salt-and-pepper hair. "Welcome back, Mrs. Murphy. Rafe said you'd be resuming your duties today."

Mrs. Murphy bustled into the room. "Now, you call me Rose, dearie. I don't hold with formality. You have a seat, and I'll fetch your breakfast. There's a good girl."

Sarah took a seat at the dinette, overwhelmed by all the motherly attention. She smiled when Rose set a plate of hot cakes and bacon in front of her. "Thanks, Rose, but there's no need to wait for me."

Rose flustered around her. "Now, now, I won't hear such talk. It's my job to take care of you. Eat heartily and enjoy it."

She wiped off the kitchen counter and started unloading the dishwasher.

Sarah felt like an idle bum, but she dug into the delicious-looking breakfast. Rose Murphy was an excellent cook. Sarah was sitting back, sipping her coffee, when Rose brought the pot and an extra mug to the table.

She poured a refill for Sarah and then sat across from her. "So, my dear, how are my two lovebirds getting along? I could see by the smile on Rafe's face he was happy as a calf in a field of daisies."

Sarah hesitated. How much should she reveal? "We're getting along all right, I guess. By my staying here, we're hoping to cut down on the gossip."

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