Monday's Escape Into Romance Is... "Surrendering"

Mondays New Chapter Of The Week

Surrendering

Chapter 18

 

    “What have you discovered Landon?” Grams face was full of concern.

  “That he is in love.” Landon turned to her with a smile.

   Sarah and Devon returned to the house. Grams began to give Sarah quite an earful. “And further more if you insist on lying in the middle of the field on top of a horse, I must be notified first. You scared me to death!” Grams was shouting with her arms flaring around in the air. Sarah stood before shaking her head in understanding. She glanced quickly over Grams shoulder at the two men at her back.

   Devon looked to Landon who was trying to keep a straight face. Devon said, “Theatrical is she not.”

   Landon shook his head in agreement and turned his back to her. “That is Grams though and I think she is amazing.” Landon said with a smile at Devon.

   Off in the background, Sarah was still being scolded. Richards entered the room bringing tea and snacks. He walked past Devon and Landon as he said, “This will shut her up.” The two men could not contain their laughter and burst out. Sarah began to smile as she had heard what Richards had said.

   Grams stopped talking when she saw some of Molly’s mini muffins go by. Richards began to pour some tea for everyone. Sarah turned to leave the room.

   “Will you not stay for tea Lady Sarah?” Richards asked.

   Sarah turned and said, “I think I shall bathe first. Save me a mini muffin for when I return.” Sarah then left the room.

   Devon over heard what she had said to Grams and wrapped a mini muffin in a handkerchief placing it in his pocket. He joined Grams, Landon, and Richards near the sofa.

   Sarah asked her maid Lisa, to draw her up a suds bath. It did not take long for Lisa to fill the tub. Before she left she asked Sarah if she needed her further. Sarah smiled kindly and told her no she may retire for the night.

   Sitting at her table she let down the rest of her hair. She then stood and began to remove her clothes. Gazing at her naked body in the mirror, she wondered what other women looked like compared to her. She realized she had never thought of that before now. She examined her body in the full-length mirror. Turning around she looked at her bottom. She wondered if it was too large compared to other women? It looked large to her or maybe just firm and full. Sarah turned back towards the mirror and gazed at her breasts. She knew they were large enough because men were always gawking at them. She lifted her arms up above her head to see what they looked like at that angle. She thought it odd she had never once done this in the past.

   Grams had noticed Landon looking at Devon with that smirk of his. As everyone talked with each other, Devon was starring out the window thinking of last night with Sarah. He wondered if she had removed her clothing yet. He could not picture her naked for some reason. He had never seen her naked, well not entirely naked but knew she would have to be beautiful. He thought about when he had grazed his finger across the top of her bottom and how soft she felt under his touch.

   Sarah let her arms fall to her sides. She then stepped into the bath and slid down under the water. It felt so good. She had not realized how sore she was from riding. Sarah had used muscles she had not used in over six months. She remained in the tub until the water grew colder.

   She braided her hair in a lose braid off to the side, seeing there was not much she was able to do with it being wet. Grabbing a light cotton soft blue dress, she to put on. Comfort is what she was looking for. The dress was similar to the one she wore the night before.

   Sarah rejoined the group downstairs. Devon was the first one to see her standing in the doorway. Their gazes locked. Devon loved her hair that way. He smiled at her softly.

   Landon noticed Devon smiling like a fool. He looked at the doorway and saw what was making him smiling that way. Landon chuckle to himself and thought that maybe Devon needed a reason to notice Sarah. Quite possibly if Landon was to began to adore Sarah a little, then Devon would have to speak up about the way he felt for her.

 Sarah saw Landon’s expression on his face. Sarah looked to Devon and saw why Landon was making that face. She quickly moved towards the sofa.

   “Oh look the dead is walking,” Grams said.

   Landon walked over to Sarah. “Would you like some tea Sarah?” He smiled at her with his charming features.

   “Yes thank you Landon.” Sarah returned the smile.

   Devon asked himself. Why did he just call her Sarah and not Lady Sarah? Devon moved in closer to the group. He took a seat in the club chair. Grams was sitting at one end of the sofa and Sarah at the other with Landon in between them. Richards sat opposite of Devon in a club chair next to the fireplace.

   “So Landon, do tell me who is new in the ton this season?” Grams said.

   “To be perfectly honest, I have no idea. I do not have any interest in getting involved with the young ladies of the ton.” Landon looked to Devon.

   “Grams you know as well as we do that a man can become easily trapped. It is best to stay away from the young ladies coming out and their mothers,” Devon said.

   “Ah, entrapment is the name of their game I see. I will admit, I have witnessed myself many a times men becoming trapped into marriages. Does it not seem that it has gotten to the point, that a family can merely suspect an inappropriate gesture and the poor chap is then forced into marriage?” Grams asked no one in particular.

   “The men always comprise an option though. He can simply departed from a scandal, were as a woman remains optionless.” Richards pointed out.

   “Yes, why is that do you think? It does not at all seem just,” Sarah said.

   “Because men can run about and chase skirts and proper ladies keep their skirts down. It is the way it is.” Grams said. “Being a woman is not easy to say the least. I personaly would not care to be a male. We females do have our advantages.” Grams smiled at the thought and looked to Sarah.

   Sarah began to giggle at Grams as she had winked at her.

   “Landon you have no plans to marry as Devon does not care too?” Grams asked him.

   “Not at this time, perhaps in the future. I have far too many things to complete before I consider taking a wife.” Landon said.

   “What if you fall in love?” Sarah asked him.

   “Simple, I do not plan too.” Landon chuckled and looked at Devon as if it were that simple.

   Grams started laughing, as did Richards. Devon, Sarah, and Landon were looking at each other.

   “Falling in love is never something one plans or does not plan on doing my dear boy Landon. Grams said.

   Richards was still chuckling. “If you have ever been in love you would surely not be saying that, Landon.”

   “It happens as easily as the sky releases rain or someone blinking.” Grams said to all of them.

   “Nor do you ever choose who to fall in love with.” Richards said as he looked to Grams and smiled at her.

   “Yes, that is true as well. One minute you are not than the next minute you are.” Grams said.

   “How would you know if you are then?” Sarah asked.

   “There is no mistaking being in love. It is the strongest feeling on earth. Love is a life force in its self.” Richards answered Sarah. “It is a feeling like no other feeling. Love consumes your every thought of the one you love and you cannot resist the feeling you have for that person when they are near to you.”

   “That is true. The feeling is so powerful it cannot be denied. When two people fall in love they feel it the instant they touch. A touch as simple as touching the others hand or arm. Having that person brush a hand across your knee” Grams said.

   Devon shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He felt as though everyone in the room was reading his mind. He had felt that when Sarah brushed his knee and he cannot control himself around her with every thought he has is of her. Devon wanted to leave, but he couldn’t.

   “What does it feel like?” Sarah asked them again.

   Grams and Richards looked to one another, then Grams looked to Sarah and said, “The moment they touch, it is if the world has fallen away and all you see is the one who stands before you. A warm sensation washes over your body as a wave washes over you in the ocean. You suddenly feel alive and alert. Imagine walking though life asleep and you are touched and suddenly awoken. Your heart begins to race, you may have a hard time catching your breath, or you simply cannot move as you are stunned by the rush of emotion. The sensation of the first touch is something that you have never felt before. It is like a static shock but over your entire body, your mind, and your very soul. The soul knows and will not allow you to deny the feeling it desires and needs.

   “It sounds painful.” Landon said with a light chuckled.

   “It can be for some. Have you never heard of dieing of a broken heart?” Grams said to Landon.

   “Can that really happen to people?” Sarah asked.

   “It most certainly can and does. My sister Maggie died of a broken heart. She was my younger sister and she was so very much in love.” Grams looked to Devon. “I have told you the story have I not Devon?”

   Devon cleared his throat. “I thought she had died from a fever.”

   “No no no.” Grams said.

   “I have heard your family talk of it in the past.” Richards said. He looked to Sarah and said, “Her portrait hangs in the hallway outside Lady Wilsbee’s sitting room.”

   “What happened to her? Why did he leave her? Did he not love her back?” Sarah asked Grams. Her eyes were wide with fascination, wanting to know the poor woman’s story.

   “Maggie was just merely a year older than you Sarah my dear. She was twenty-three years old. The whole family gathered for a family picnic at my cousin’s estate. It had been dreadfully hot that summer. Maggie was sitting under a large oak tree watching the younger children fly their kites in the summer's warm breeze.”

   “The way that Bruce liked to tell the story was that, he saw Maggie earlier that day running with the children in a field and her beauty caught his breath. He was nervous and not quite sure what to say to her or how to approach her. Bruce poured two glasses of lemonade and walked over to her. He said his heart was beating so fast he thought it my beat out of his chest. Bruce knelt down in front of Maggie, who was sitting on the ground, and offered her the glass of lemonade. Maggie’s gaze locked with his and she smiled at him. No words were ever exchanged between them. Maggie reached out and touched his hand that held out the glass in front of her.”

   “Now, Maggie and Bruce both say it was if they had known one another for life times. It was many life times of the past, present, and the future all in one single moment, in one touch. Bruce leaned forward and kissed her.

   “Bruce and Maggie were engaged within less than a week. Our parents insisted to a long engagement. The young couple in love did not care. They were not waiting for the honeymoon to share their love with one another. I know because I walked in on them. The position I had found them in, I still to this day do not believe to be physically possible.”

   Everyone started laughing. Sarah was smiling shyly. Devon looked to her and he knew she was confused but trying not to show it.

   “What happened to the young couple?” Landon asked after a few seconds had past.

   “Oh yes. Well they remained very much in love throughout their nearly six-month engagement. Bruce was over at our estate from the time the sun rose until long after it set. He wrote Maggie poetry, which I still have to this day. When you were in the room with these two, the room was alive. You could feel the love they had for one another in the air around them.”

   “Three days before the wedding Bruce told Maggie he had to go pick up the wedding gift he had made for her by a friend who was a jeweler. Maggie did not want him to leave. Bruce was to be gone for a day and a half. He had left early on a Thursday morning. Maggie sat in the big picture window awaiting his return, right here in this very room.” Grams pointed to the window seat at the big picture window.

   “Friday evening came and there was a caller for Maggie at the door.” Grams put her head down to compose herself. “I still remember the cries coming out of that room were the strange man was with Maggie. The whole house heard her and grew silent. The carriage Bruce was riding in flipped over and crashed. The driver had fallen asleep and Bruce was killed.”

   Devon heard Sarah gasp as she chocked back her tears. Devon leaned forword and handed her his handkerchief. Sarah looked to him as he smiled at her.

   “The stranger in the room with Maggie was Bruce’s old friend, the jeweler. He gave to Maggie her wedding ring that held in it three birthstones. Maggie’s, Bruce’s and in the middle of the ring, was the birth stone of their unborn child.”

   “Maggie slowly died six months later of a broken heart. She never wore the ring. She just held it in the palm of her hand.”

   Grams got up off the sofa and walked to Sarah who was trying to keep up with wiping her tears. Grams held out her hand to Sarah. As Sarah gazed at Grams's hand, she saw the ring.

   “It is beautiful.” Sarah said as she ran her fingers over the stones.

   “Upon her deathbed she told me she would do it all over again, even knowing she would only have six months with him. “Live your life with love in your heart,” was her last words to me. Then she handed me the ring and died in my arms.” Grams said.

    After a few moments Grams said, “I think we have had enough of love stories and tea. Devon would you like to pour us some drinks and we shall have a toast.”

   “What shall we toast to Grams?” Landon asked her.

   “We shall toast to good friends and the pursuit of love.” Grams let out a giggle.

   Sarah sat quietly and thought about the story and Grams description of being in love. She had decided she wanted that. She wanted to feel that feeling and share her heart with someone. She thought she had felt that with Devon but she couldn’t have because if it was love, then he would have felt it as well.

   Devon sat next to Sarah on the sofa as everyone else was by the bar. He handed her a glass of wine. Sarah smiled as she looked at the glass. She thanked him while not moving her eyes away from it.

   “Are you alright?” Devon asked her softly.

   “I am wonderful.” Sarah said as she was still smiling.

   “Wonderful? Most people would be saddened after a story like that one. You seem to have lifted spirits Lady Sarah.” Devon chuckled as he teased her.

   “I think I do. I think I may have changed my mind about marriage. I do not want to be scared any longer of becoming hurt. I believe Grams was right when she told us to live life without love, is not to live life at all. I want to fall in love.” Sarah said to him. Then she smiled again slowly at her glass of wine she was still starring at in her hand.

   “Shall we toast?” Sarah shouted happily. She then got up and knelt on the sofa, resting her arms over the back of it.

   Devon remained quiet. Everyone else clacked glasses in a cheer. Sarah looked down at Devon.

   “I cannot take a sip of my wine until you raise your glass with me Dev.”

   Devon raised his glass to her and gazed at her bright smile.

   “Cheers to you Dev, I hope you find the woman who will make you feel alive in love.” Sarah said to him sweetly.

   Devon said, “If it happens then it happens.” Devon shot back his whole drink in one gulp. He stood up and went to pour another.

   Grams moved over to where Sarah was and Devon could hear them discussing the upcoming ball. Landon walked over to him as Richards, who he was talking with left the room. Devon shot back another drink in one gulp.

   “I can get you the whole bottle if you like.” Landon said then laughed.

   Devon chuckled. “Why do women get so caught up in the idea of love do you think?”

   “You do not believe in love?” Landon asked him.

   “No, I didn’t say that. I just think people should not chase fairy tales their entire lives is all I am saying. If it is as Richards and Grams describes it to be, then hardly anyone would ever marry. It could take a lifetime to find that person. Could you imagine how much time one would spend looking for it,” Devon said.

   “Or avoiding it as well. I think if you fall in love, you cannot deny it to yourself. My parents are still madly in love after thirty years, so I have seen it myself. Believe me Devon, my father still looks at my mother like a fool in love.” Landon then smiled at the thought of his parents.

   Richards entered the room and announced supper was ready. Grams and Sarah strolled to the dining room arm in arm as Devon and Landon followed behind them.

   Grams had her usual place at the head of the table. Sarah was off to her left and Landon was at her right. Devon was sitting next to Sarah. They started the meal with clam chowder soup. As it is set down in front of Devon and Sarah, they look at each other and start to laugh.

   Richards gave them the eyebrow and said, “Do attempt to keep it in your own bowls this time. Otherwise, I do believe Molly will quit.”

   Grams looked at the two partners in crime laughing hysterically, which of course made her begin to laugh.

   “Is there something in the soup?” Landon asked.

   Sarah started to slap her hand on top of the table. She could not catch her breath.

   Grams shouted for everyone to stop laughing because she was in danger of wetting herself. A moment later, she then announced it was too late.

   Sarah had rolled off her chair holding her stomach and was snorting. Devon’s face was red. He watched Sarah roll off her chair and fall to the floor. Devon burst out in a harder laugh.

   Richards took it upon himself to explain the incident that took place in the room they were in and the explosion of food within it. He had explained that Devon insisted Sarah had dropped her plate but Richards added she must have had to drop it a thousand times over.

   Grams then began to describe what she had seen, as well as the way Sarah and Devon looked when she had opened the door on them. Sarah and Devon began to argue who had really started the fight. Sarah took everyone else’s opinion about the matter and of course, they all agreed Devon deserved it. Devon threw his napkin at Landon and announced he was a traitor.

  A while later, everyone had quieted down and began to eat the now cold soup. Landon looked at Devon who was watching Sarah as she was speaking with Grams about the ball. He gazed at Sarah at times the way his father looked at his mother. Landon had decided he would talk with Grams about it later. Devon needed a little encouragement concerning Sarah.

   “Have I told you this evening how breath taking you are?” Landon said to Grams.

   “I do believe you have not! And to think, I have had to wait patiently while you had not notice until this very minute.” Grams started to giggle at her own witty humor.

   “Please do forgive me my beauty.” Landon picked up her hand and kissed it gently. “Do not make me beg for an apology.” He flashed her a devilish wicked smile.

   “I like my men to beg my dear boy and beg you will my exquisite creature.”

   Laughter again began to fill the room. Sarah told Devon how she loved to watch Grams and Landon do this to one another.

  “It is a contest to see which one can stump the other.” Devon said to her.

   “Or whoever blushes first.” Sarah said.

   “It will end up being Landon, I’ll bet you. Grams tongue can become quite wicked at times. I would wager on it.” Devon said with a chuckle.

   “Alright then, what shall we wager?” Sarah said back with confidence.

   Devon looked at her and smiled. “I am not sure.”

   “Perhaps a dance at the ball. If I lose you get to pick my partner and if you lose I can pick yours.” Sarah suggested.

   Devon said. “For one dance or every dance?”

   “Oh, shall we do it for every dance. This will make it much more interesting. What if they have a tie?” She asked.

   “How are they going to have a tie at this Sarah?”

   “They could both very well blush at the same time. Could they not?” Sarah looked to them then back at Devon.

   “Then we will split the dance choices for each other evenly.” Devon stated.

   “Agreed then,” Sarah finalized it with a nod.

   Sarah stood and clanked her fork on her glass. “Devon and I have a wager going concerning you two. I have wagered Devon, that Landon can make Grams blush before Grams can make Landon blush.” She looked to Grams and said, “Sorry Grams, I have blushed with the things he has said to you.” Sarah then sat down.

   Devon looked to her and said, “He makes you blush?”

   “Have you not heard what comes out of the man’s mouth?” Sarah faced forward and smiled.

   “What do you purpose we will get out of this? Landon asked.

   Devon asked him, “What would you like?”

   Landon replied. “Nothing from you Devon.” Landon moved his gaze to Sarah “What will you offer to me Sarah?”

   Sarah instantly blushed. She looked to Devon and said, “Oh he is good. Look at my face. I believe I shall win.” Sarah began to giggle.

   “I am not being serious. I do appreciate your confidence in my ability though Sarah.” Landon laughed at Devon’s expression.

   “My boy, have no fear for you know my mouth. I shall not let you down.” Grams was shouting.

   “You may start at any time throughout the remainder of the evening but, everyone must be present.” Sarah said to all of them. “Our hope is that by night’s end we shall have a winner.”

   Sarah sipped her wine. Devon leaned into her and asked her softly in her ear, “Do I cause you to blush the way he does?”

Romantica Short Story~ post 1

One Night of Passion


Prologue

 

K

ate felt him grab her arm and pull her into the hallway. She offered no resistance. She did not even care if anyone had seen them. He led her down the dark hallway to the back of the house towards the east wing. He said nothing as he walked with angry force along the hardwood floors. His large black boots echoed throughout the empty space as they struck the floor.



        The glass double doors to the conservatory creaked loudly when he opened them. Moonlight flooded the room filled with exotic vegetation, casting shadows all around them.



        He whipped her body around to face him as he shoved her against the wall. His gaze was fierce and his body shook from frustration.



        Kate felt herself grow breathless. In all the years she has known him, she had never seen him this angry before. Looking back on it now, she may have pushed him too far this time. He looked crazy.



        He took a step towards her and placed his hands on either side of her head on the stone wall. Kate flinched slightly. He leaned in closer and starred at her with an intensity that struck to her core. At this moment she knew her plan may have been a bad idea.



        His breath was labored like a bull ready for battle. It blew Kate's blond hair around her face as it tickled her cheek. She did not dare give it attention; she did not dare move her gaze from his.



        The light green of his eyes looked so animal like in the moonlight or maybe it was the glare coming from them at her. They stood out against the black of his hair that was hanging in his face. He didn't blink. He didn't move. He just stood over her and stared at her, almost daring her to turn away from him.



        His bare exposed chest rose and fell before her. The white shirt he wore had been ripped open. Kate saw a drop of blood strike it as it fell from his forehead.





        "I-I think you may have miss understood what-" Kate's words trailed silent when his hands balled into fists on either side of her head.





        This was beginning to make her uncomfortable. She wished he would just start yelling at her already and get it over with. The way he was looking at her was unlike him.



        He never professed his love for me to anyone including myself. Am I to wait until he is fit to tell me and miss out on fun or meeting new people? So I danced with the one man he hates more than my brother. I do not see what all the fuss is about. Who is he to tell me who I am to accept a dance from? He never offered himself. I had told him last month I was not going to wait forever and he had said don't, and now he has the gull to become cross with me for listening to him. I have had about enough of this!



        "Are you going to say something?" Kate asked. He didn't move. "I am not a mind reader you know." She searched his gaze for any change. "I will not allow you to treat me in this manner."



        He leaned in closer to her face. "Oh no?" He finally said with a deep tone.



        "No," Kate said. She narrowed her blue eyes at him.



        "I think you will allow me to do what I please with you Katie." He glanced down at her lips. His body moved nearer to her. He slid his hands up the wall and rested on his elbows at her head. With the rise of her breath her chest grazed against his.



        He leaned a little closer. "So you like to flirt because that is what you were doing with Beckum, Katie." He watched her eyes closely.



        "I most certainly was not!" Kate shouted.



        "You were and you knew what you were doing!" He roared at her. Her lips parted at what he said. "You knew I was watching you too. You knew how I would react to it, but I suppose that's what you wanted to begin with, isn't Katie?"



        She remained silent and gazed down at the floor. He wanted answers damn it.



        "You like to play games and flirt. Ok then." He pulled her chin up to face him. "Then flirt with me. Come on Katie, tease me."



        They were now almost nose to nose. He saw her tense at his closeness, his words to her. He had never before drawn this near to her, well not in this way. She glanced to his chest for a moment. He was doing exactly what he promised himself and her brother he would not do...give her false hope.



        You have no idea what you are doing to me Katie. I could have killed a man tonight because of you. Why him? Because it was the easiest way to get my attention away from Martha Stonewell. Damn it Katie!



        Kate gazed back up into his eyes. She said softly, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me-"



        He leaned in and kissed her without another thought. She slid her hands up his bare chest and wrapped them around his neck. He didn't move. His hands remained on the wall behind her. He knew if they came off the wall they would explore every inch of her. It was insurance that it would not go any further than the kiss.



        He heard her let out a little moan of his name. He knew she was trying very hard to make it seem like she knew what she was doing. It was apparent to him she had never kissed anyone before.



        Kate mumbled through the kiss. "Please touch me. Hold me tight against you." Her voice was a soft panting.



        He felt his right arm leave the safety of the wall behind her and find its way to her waist. Within moments it found its way up her back into her thick her. He pulled it tilting her head to the side to deepen the kiss. Kate's hands squeezed his hair into her fingers and pushed her body upon him further.



        Do not ruin her. What the hell am I doing? This has to stop now! She is-



        He felt Kate's hands run down the sides of his ribs to his waist. She slowly began to pull his shirt out. Once his shirt was free she unbuttoned what was left of them on his shirt. He felt the naked bare skin of her hands on his chest. She had removed her gloves and tossed them to the floor.



        The grunt of a moan that came out of him did not sound like him. Her touch did not feel like any other woman's touch.



        Kate whispered, "It has to be you. It has always been you and no other." She reached up behind her head and undid her blue satin dress. Kate slowly pushed it down her body as she watched him watch her. It soon found the floor at her feet. Kate's under garment found the same fate until she stood before him naked.



        "If you will not consider me for marriage than at least give me this. I know you will never tell me what you feel for me, so I am asking you to show me," Kate said.



        She reached forward and slid his shirt from his body down his arms. Her hands were trembling. He took her hand in his and gazed into her eyes.



        "You do understand what you are asking of me Katie? You will never see me again after this night if we do this."



        Kate fought the tears in the corner of her eyes from surfacing further. "You are to leave anyways are you not? I am not scared. I want it to be you-



        He scooped her up into his strong arms and kissed her passionately. Kate suddenly felt dizzy from the force of his passion for her. She felt it in his kiss. Kate understood at that moment why he had not kissed her before. He loved her, she knew it now.



        He pulled her leg up around his hip. His body was burning for her. It had always burned for her and now it was undeniable to them both. He could no longer hide it from her and he was not going to stop himself from trying. She deserved to be shown what he felt for her all these years.



        He laid her down on a chaise under the large tree at the back of the room. She watched him in the moonlight remove the rest of his clothes. He lay down next to her on his side. She looked beautiful. He could not help but gaze over her body for a moment.



        He placed the tip of his finger on her neck and made a line down to her belly. His lips trailed along after his finger. Kate let her head fall back. He clasped her breast in his hand, placing his mouth over her nipple.



        Kate ran her hand through his long hair and pulled him closer to her. The sensation of his tongue playing with her was unlike anything she had imagined it to be.



        He took more of her into his mouth as he squeezed her flesh tightly in his hand. The thought of gentleness was not possible. He has wanted her for as far back as he could remember. And now she lay beneath him with a wanting that is matched to his.



        His hand moved down across her skin to her thigh. Slowly he pulled her legs apart and ran his hand over her soft skin. He felt her body shutter under his touch. Her fingers pulled at his long hair.



        The soft touch of his hand between her legs sent a surge of desire through her body. She mounded out his name in a pleading cry. Kate felt the tip of his finger at her opening. Her body stilled in anticipation and then she felt him slide his finger inside her slightly.



        He watched her reaction to his touch. Kate's eyes were closed and she was in her own little world. He pushed in deeper and then deeper again until he reached her top.



        She was already very wet but not wet enough for her first time. He leaned down and placed his mouth over the special spot every woman has. Kate moaned louder as he sucked her swollen flesh up into his hot mouth. His hand moved with force into her. Her body arched from the wonderful sensations he was giving her.



        Kate's moans grew heavy and long. He knew she was almost there. He took his other hand and placed it on her hip as she began to climax he held her down. Her cries of pleasure were loud. Kate's body began to soften and relax. She did not open her eyes right away.



        "Katie?"



        "Mmm," she answered.



        He laid himself between her legs and kissed her softly. Kate wrapped her arms around him pushing her hips up towards his body.



        The length of him rested on her between both their bodies. He slowly began to move up and down against her.



        "Katie." He said with short breaths. "This is not going to last very long. I'm sorry."



        Kate kissed him hard. He pulled his hips back and positioned himself at her opening.



        "Oh please." Kate whispered to him.



        He pushed the tip of himself inside her. His hands tightened around her shoulders. Kate gasped with pleasure. He stopped and gazed at her waiting until she looked back at him. Kate locked eyes with him and saw something she had longed to see forever.



        He whispered softly, "Katie, I lov-"



        They suddenly heard a loud crash at the front of the room and then glass shattering.



        "Kate! Kate! Where the bloody hell are you?" her brother shouted.

        Kate froze and her gaze flew towards the front of the room. She knew it was Gary, her older brother. It would take a minute or so to find them in all the foliage.





        He removed himself from between her legs and jumped onto the floor. His eyes scanned the dim moonlit room for something to cover Kate with as he struggled to put his pants on.





        Gary took a step forward and caught his boot on something. He glanced down to see Kate's dressed puddle on the floor at his feet. "Kate!" He shouted with rage. "Where the hell are you, you bastard?" He paused for a moment to listen for movement. "Kate Bethany answer me now!"





        Kate stood up grabbing onto his arm. "You must leave now. Gary will kill you if he finds you here with me like this...please!"





        He walked about ten feet towards the front of the room, disappearing in the foliage. He returned a few seconds later with his coat and wrapped Kate in it.





        "Please, you must go," Kate said.





        He took her hand and pulled her to him in his arms and kissed her for possibly the last time. Pulling back from the kiss he whispered with his forehead to hers, "Come with me Katie."





        Kate's eyes filled with tears and her heart leaped painfully. She did not need to consider her answer to him. "Ye-



        "You bastard!" Gary screamed at him as he darted forward at both of them standing in each other’s arms.



        Kate pushed him out of her arms and threw herself onto Gary. "Run!" She held onto him as long as she could. "Gary stop! Please don't!"





        She was thrown to the floor by her brother. "Damn it Kate!" He had made it up the tree and out through a window to safety.



This was nearly two years ago almost to the day on Kate's birthday. Kate has not seen him sense. She has heard many stories since then about him. His best friend Jagger at times keeps her updated as best as he can. He has not received word from him for almost eight months now.

Chapter 1

S

o much had changed in last two years. Kate's father had passed on shortly after that night, leaving Gary head of the family. He has promised Kate's hand to Beckum, which Kate is still refusing. Gary, unfortunately for Kate, will not let it go.



        In one week from now, Gary is throwing Kate a big birthday party. It is her twenty first birthday. She has been told she is to announce her engagement to Beckum.



        Kate stood in front of the cafe starring in the window. She was to meet Jagger here in ten minutes.



        "Lady Kate, are you considering a spot of tea?" Old Lady Gating asked.



        Kate smiled kindly at her. "I have an appointment with someone soon." She felt awkward. Kate had promised Lady Gating she would stop in for a visit over two months ago. Every time she runs into her she again promises the same thing, that she will visit soon. "I would like to pay you a visit after I am finished here, that is if you will not be employed elsewhere Lady Gating."



        Lady Gating patted Kate's arm. "I shall be sure to make all the time you desire me to, my dear. I was going to the hot house and then straight home. I will see you soon my dear."



        Kate shouted to Lady Gating, "I'll be certain to acquire a few sweets for us."



        "Splendid my dear!" Lady Gating disappeared around the corner to the hot house for fresh flowers. Something she did every morning.



        Kate stood nervously in front of the cafe waiting for Jagger. He had requested the meeting this time. It scared her to death as to what he might tell her. Was he hurt? Dead? Kate squeezed her hands into fists around her coin purse. The worst thing she could hear from him is that he has taken a wife and it wasn't her. It would kill Kate to hear that.



        The words he spoke to her that last night, "Come with me Katie," replay themselves every night as she falls asleep. Sometimes she dreams of their happy ever after ending. Married, happy, has lots of children. All the boys look like him and all the girls, of course, resemble her. A big estate surrounded with lots of family.



        Kate felt a hand on her shoulder and it startled her, causing her to jerk away.



        "My apologies Lady Kate. It was not my intention to frighten you," Jagger said.

Kate placed her hands over her chest and took in a couple of deep breaths. "My mind was elsewhere Jagger. No need for apologies." She then smiled and embraced him warmly.



        "Kate are you chilled? You are trembling," Jagger said. His dark brown eyes full of concern.



        She gazed down to her coin purse. "Honestly Jagger, I am terrified to what you are going to tell me." Kate raised her gaze to meet his. "Is he married?"



        Jagger pinched his lips together and shook his head. "No." He could see she was too upset to go into the cafe. He offered her his arm. "Shall we walk for a bit?"



        Kate took his arm. They remained silent for a while as they walked down the London Street lined with shops and specialty stores.



        Jagger broke the silence. "I wrote to him three months ago about your upcoming marriage."



        Kate stopped and turned to him. "Why would you do that? How did you know of it Jagger? I-I have no intention of taking Beckum's offer."



        Jagger raised his eyebrows at the last one. "I am under the impression the choice is not yours alone to make Kate. Your brother has already been paid a great deal of money for your hand and I am led to believe he will not be able to pay it back if you do not marry Beckum."



        Kate's mouth dropped open slightly. "Are you for certain Jagger?"



        He pinched his lips together. "Yes. I'm sorry I thought you knew."



        Kate shook her head no. "I don't want him Jagger. I do not love him in any way. He is conceded, rude and very loud." Kate looked to the sky. "What am I to do now?"



        Jagger again took her arm and began walking with her. "I received word from our friend two months ago. His uncle past away, which means he is now the earl of White Wood. He was to return last month but had been detained in the tropics. He did not know for how long when he had last wrote me."



        Kate immediately grew happy at the news, but Jagger was not smiling. "What Jagger? What is it?"



        Jagger stopped and took a step closer to her. He gently took both of her hands in his and said, "Two weeks ago he was sailing home on the Madame Maria." He paused momentarily. "Kate, it sank in a tropical storm last week. There were no survivors."



        Kate saw dark spots in her eyes. Her body grew suddenly very heavy for her legs and then everything went black.

  

To Be Continued Shortly 

  

  

   Go to next Post 2

  

Monday's Escape Into Romance Is... "Surrendering"

New Chapter For The Week

Surrendering

Chapter 17

 

   Sarah laid awake in bed. She could not understand why he continued to tease her if he did not want to be with her. He had brought over Landon to meet her then became jealous of him. The whole thing was not making any sense. He did not want to consider her and yet no one else was able too as well.

   She had thought that maybe Grams was right about her becoming open to the possibility of love. She did not want to be alone for the rest of her life, and she wasn't getting any younger. Sarah knew that at some point in her life she wanted to share it with someone. Maybe she could have that with Landon or someone else she shares common interests with. Why not Landon, they enjoyed the same things. He was very handsome man. He was smart and witty. Could it possible hurt to try? Sarah did not feel anything for him though. She wanted to be loved by someone she loved. She wanted that to be Devon.

   Devon started his trip back to the flats. He was still aroused and it was difficult for him to ride. He needed release. Four long months without a woman was not good for any man. Then he remembered MaryAnn. Devon grew angry with frustration.

   What had started out to be a good friendship is ending with him angry and her hurt and confused. He should have never kissed her. If he had stopped himself, then neither of them would be feeling this way. He couldn’t stop himself and that was the problem. If Sarah had not nearly fainted, he would have taken her tonight. He would have pushed her dress down to the floor and touched every inch of her beautiful luscious naked body.

   Devon finally admitted to the fact that, until she sets her sights on someone else, the only relief he will receive is from his own hand.

   The following morning after breakfast, Grams announced she had a few things to do and planned a visit with Lady Wilcox. She would not be returning until late afternoon. Sarah picked flowers in the garden for a while. She read a chapter or two out of a book. Then she decided to change her clothes and go for a ride on Runner.

   Sarah changed into her custom-made riding pants. She made her way to the stable and found Runner. “Hello boy.” She greeted him. Runner began to tap his hove on the ground. Sarah placed the reins on him and guided him out of the stable. Without a saddle, Sarah mounted the large stallion and began to trot him to the riding area. It had been so long since she had practiced anything with him and she was excited to start again.

   She began with a few of her old commands for him. Runner listened and proceeded to do as Sarah asked him to do. As they started to graduate from the basics and Sarah began to jump a little with him. After a short while, Runner bent down and Sarah slid off.

   Landon saw Sarah in front of the estate with a horse. He could not believe she was wearing riding clothing for men. He chuckled aloud. Landon rode up and dismounted his horse.

   He stood watching her talk with the stallion. He thought she had chosen a large horse to be riding for her size. Landon saw the horse gallop away from Sarah. The horse then turned at the end of the fence and faced her. The stallion reared up wildly.

   Sarah let out a loud whistle to the stallion, followed by three loud heys. Landon watched as the large stallion without a saddle reared up again. Landon was startled as he felt a pat on his back.

   “It is just me Landon.” Devon said to him, as Landon had turned to see who had done that to him.

   Landon and Devon observed the stallion rear up opposite of where Sarah was standing. She let out another loud whistle. This was Runner’s go queue. The beautiful large white beauty reared one last time out of excitement and ran towards Sarah.

   Landon began to climb the fence to move Sarah out of the crazy stallion’s way. Devon grabbed the back of his coat and said, “She is fine Landon, watch this.”

   Landon climbed back down and watched as the stallion was gaining speed as he drew closer to Sarah. Landon looked to Devon who was watching her and the crazy stallion with a smile.

   He turned back to Sarah who was now turned sideways holding her arms above her head. Runner rode up next to her and she jumped on just as she had before.

   Devon let out a “yeah,” with his excitement. He looked to Landon and slapped his back. “Did you see her?” Devon shouted.

   Landon was shocked. He had never seen a woman to that before. He watched Sarah as she rode up to the fence where they were standing.

   “That was incredible Sarah,” Landon told her.

   “Thank you Landon.” Sarah then smiled at him.

   Devon looked up to Sarah and smiled. Sarah could see it was a true genuine smile from him. Sarah smiled back with just as much feeling to him.

   “Can you do anything else on him?” Landon asked.

   “His name is Runner. I would need a saddle to do anything more.”

   Devon said, “I will be right back.” He started to walk away then he stopped and turned to her and said, “Don’t move.” Sarah giggled at him. “I was actually talking to Runner.” Devon gave her a devilish smile and a wink.

   Landon could see the obvious flirtation between the two of them. He could not understand why Devon would not pursue her. She was everything any man could ever want in a woman. She seemed very easy going, not demanding or bossy. Maybe he did not see her that way though. Perhaps they were only friends. Landon looked to Sarah’s expression as she gazed at Devon walking away from her. That is the same look Devon had for her last night. If that is what the two of them consider a friendship to be, than I would like many female friendships of that kind. Landon then chuckled to himself.

   Devon returned with a saddle for Runner. He climbed the fence and went to go put it on him for Sarah. She put her hands on the saddle and said, “Please allow me to do it Dev. You went to get the saddle, I can put it on.”

   “How are you going to reach up there?” Devon started to chuckle.

   Sarah looked at him and gave him a little sideways smile. “Runner, down please.” Sarah pointed to the ground while standing in front of Runner.

   Runner kicked his front hove a couple of times at the ground. Sarah laughed at him. “Are we done for the day Runner?” Runner shook his head no.

   Landon and Devon stood in disbelief as they gazed at the communication taking place between a woman and a horse.

   “Alright then Runner, I will put the saddle back.” Sarah turned to walk and Runner cut her off with his body and gently nudges her arm. Sarah started laughing at him.

   “Well, you need to make up your mind Runner. This saddle is not light you know,” Sarah said.

   Runner went down on his front knees for Sarah. Devon and Landon listened and watched as Sarah placed the saddle on him, and was talking with him. She spoke as she would to a person. The two of them were amazed about the fact that Runner was responding to her and answering her. When Sarah had finished Runner took off Running.

   “Where is he going?” Landon asked Sarah.

   “I like to let him get use to the weight and feel of the saddle for a while.” Sarah watched Runner with such love.

   Ten minutes or so had passed and Sarah was ready to go. She climbed over the fence and walked towards Runner. Landon and Devon watched her walk. They were both able to see every curve she possessed. Although, Devon last night, had seen much more of her voluptuous curves than Landon ever had.

   “Devon do you not see her?” Landon asked him.

   “What do you mean, she is walking right there.” Devon answered him as if he was stupid for asking.

   “No, do you not see her? How could you not desire her?” Landon repeated it as if Devon was an imbecile.

   “We are just friends Landon. Do I see that she is beautiful, yes but, she is also Benjamin’s daughter?”

   “If Benjamin could choose anyone for his daughter, I would believe you to be his first choice Devon.” Landon said to him then turned his attention back to Sarah. “Perhaps all the numerous hours in the sun has caused damage to your tiny brain, Price.” Landon shook his head.

   Devon had not thought of the situation in terms of that way before now. He questioned if Landon’s point made sense. Would he have approved of Sarah and me?

   Devon looked up to see Sarah mounting Runner. He watched as she performed more tricks. After nearly thirty minutes, Sarah dismounted. She did not want to overdo it with him. It had been a long six months since he had done any tricks like this. Sarah removed his saddle and rubbed her hands over where the saddle had been. Runner then took off running again.

   Sarah laid down in the middle of the field. Runner came up and stood over her body. Sarah began to laugh at him. Runner started to let out loud nays. This caused Sarah to laugh louder.

   “Runner are you not tired from all the riding we have done?” Sarah asked him.

   Runner shook his head yes at her. Devon and Landon could hear her and began to laugh when Runner answered her again.

   “What an amazing creature,” Landon said.

   “He is I agree,” Devon said.

   “I was speaking of her. Blind fool.” Landon shook his head as he gazed at Sarah.

   Devon remained silent. He gazed out at Sarah and his heart skipped. He placed his hand over his chest.

   Runner now had moved his body and began to lie on the ground next to her. Sarah kissed his large nose and laid there with him, her head resting on his neck.

   Devon turned to Landon and said, “Shall we go inside?”

   Landon agreed and the two men went to Devon’s study. Landon had shown Devon where the map was incorrect and offered to show him what it should look like. Landon pulled out of his pocket a correct map to show Devon the discrepancies. The two of them began to analyze why or who would do it. An hour or so had passed. Devon poured them both a drink and walked over giving Landon his.

   Devon and Landon quickly look towards each other as they heard screaming coming from the other side of the door. Devon rush out the door and into the hallway with Landon at his heels.

   “Devon! Devon help!” Grams voice was frantic.

   Devon ran to her and she threw herself into his arms. “What is wrong?”

   “My dear boy it is dreadful. She is dead!”

   “Who is dead?” Landon asked more loudly then he had intended.

   “Sarah she has had an accident on the horse. Oh god Devon!” Grams was beside herself with tears streaming from her eyes.

   Devon took Grams by the arms and spun her around into Landon’s arms. Devon gave Landon a quick glance and Landon nodded in return. Devon took off running down the hallway, and then he stopped.

   Grams and Landon watched as he pulled out his pocket watch and looked at it.

   “What are you doing?” Grams screamed at him.

   Devon turned and walked back to Grams and said while smiling. “Sarah has fallen asleep on her horse.”

   Landon started laughing. He remembered they had left her there with Runner as she lay on him.

   “How do you know?” Grams was confused.

   “We saw her lay down with the horse.” Devon said to her as he rubbed her arm.

   “I will go and wake her.” Devon kissed her forehead and chuckled. “I had forgotten about her out there.”

   Devon made his way quietly over to where Sarah lay with Runner. He knelt down in front of her. A few locks of her hair had fallen in her face. Devon reached down and tucked it behind her ear. He had never heard of such a thing. A woman falling asleep on a horse in the middle of a field, but then again Sarah was not an average woman.

   He had thought of the other night as he stood naked in front of her. Devon remembered the rush of need that had come over him for her to touch him. He also remembered Sarah’s desire to please him. The vision of her mouth wrapped around him caused Devon to tense. As he looked at her now, he wants to do nothing other than pick her up into his arm and kiss her. The feeling was not of desire or lust, it was simply because he-

   Devon stopped his train of thought and looked out across the field. He told himself it was not true and pushed the feeling aside.

   Devon reached down and brushed his hand over her cheek. “Sarah you have to wake up now.” He gazed at her as her eyes began to flutter open. “Just to remind you, it is not morning so the beast inside can remain sleeping.” Devon smiled at her. “Grams also thinks you to be dead right now.”

   Sarah jumped to her knees. “Why?”

   “I assured her you were merely sleeping on the ground, on top of a large horse, as any normal woman would be in the afternoon sun.” Devon chuckled at her when he saw her cheecks grow pink.

   Sarah let out a little giggle. She rubbed her eyes and looked down towards Runner. She ran her hand along his neck and whispered, “Runner it is time to get up.”

   Runner raised his head slightly and looked to Sarah and Devon. Runner then put his head back down. Sarah and Devon began to laugh.

   Grams and Landon stood in the large picture window watching them. Landon had his arm around Grams. She was still so nervous her heart was aching.

   Sarah couched Runner to stand up. She walked him back to the stables with Devon.

   With Landon and Grams watching from the window, Landon said to Grams, “I believe your grandson is in danger.”

Read "Surrendering" from the begining

Chapters 14 and 15

   I do have to apologize for the long delay for chapters 14, 15, and 16 from Surrendering. We have been preparing for a new little arrival in our home for the last nine months and he came early on August 15th. With a mad dash to the hospital he was born forty five minutes later. I am a grandmother now at the age of thirty seven.

   All is well and he and my daughter are doing great. So that means back to business...romance business. I plan to post 14, 15, and 16 all at once as soon as I replace my chewed mouse for my lap top. Puppies like to chew cords in my house. Puppies, baby, visitors, it all makes for a crazy house. Just the way we love it.

   So check back within the next two days for the chapters to Surrendering.