Chapter 6

She stayed, of course, and even though she protested that she really should go home to prepare for work the next day, he somehow managed to brush away her arguments, which weren't strenuous in the first place.

She was telling herself that this was just a fling she would enjoy. When he leaves, which he will do when the time comes, she happily wishes him goodbye and never sees him again.

Brushing the misgivings from her mind, she suggested a picnic.

"A picnic?" He stared at her with a frown as he brushed her tangled hair off her forehead. After making love for the second time, they had finished eating the meal in bed.

His long hairy legs were tangled with hers, and she felt positively wicked and sated as well as exhausted. She was also pretending that they were in a relationship.

"Don't tell me in that tiny country of yours, you have never heard of the word?" She teased. "It's something to do with food, a basket, and a blanket. Getting any clues?"

He grinned at her outrageous inference of how clueless he was. Bending his head, he brushed his lips against hers, sending her senses plummeting.

"A picnic sounds fine," he whispered against her mouth, his breath mingling with hers. "I will make the arrangements."

"What arrangements?" Her senses were shattered, and she just wanted to pull him back on top of her.

"Food, love." He brushed his lips against hers again and felt his body surging with lust. It bothered him that she could do this to him. One look, a touch from her, and he was enveloped in flames.

Lifting his head, he gave her an enigmatic stare before rolling off the bed and getting dressed. "I know just the thing."

"And I know just the place." She called out as he left the room. Easing up against the pillows, she wrapped her drawn-up knees and propped her chin on them, her expression troubled. She had gone from absolutely - no way she was going to bed with this stranger to having feelings for him.

She had never lied to herself before and was not about to start now. Not only was the sex the most amazing thing she had ever experienced, but she liked him. She knew he was immensely wealthy, but he was charming and relatable.

She was accustomed to wealthy men. Her boss was very rich in his way. And she had very wealthy patrons coming into the gallery, some hitting on her. One had even offered to put her up in a high-rise apartment and fund all her bills, and she had gently but politely refused.

Landen was different, or was it that she had somehow developed some sort of feeling for him? Here she was in bed after a very torrid lovemaking and thinking of the future. It was an impossible future because there was no way she would ever be a suitable match for someone like him.

Stirring herself, she climbed off the bed, went to take a shower, and donned the clothes she had worn yesterday. She brushed the tangles from her hair when he returned to the room.

"The food is ordered and on the way." His green eyes ran over her head and met hers in the mirror. "You showered without me."

"You were taking so long; I thought you had gone out to catch whatever the meal was going to be." She heard herself teasing him.

A grin crossed his handsome face, thundering her heart inside her chest and shaking her hands. "I wanted to order the best. Kelly has a restaurant a few blocks from here." He came up behind her, took the brush from her, and proceeded to finish the job she had been doing.

"Landen-"

"I love it when you call my name." His deep voice had a husky timber to it that heated her body.

He was brushing in rhythmic strokes that were somewhat soothing.

"You seem to know what you are doing."

His eyes twinkled. "Why don't you ask the question that I am certain you are dying to ask?"

"This is not your first time."

"Is that supposed to be a question?" He asked.

"No."

Lifting her heavy hair, he used a hand to caress the sensitive nape of her neck. "How am I doing?"

"What?" She whispered.

"How am I doing with the brushing? Too rough? Too gentle?"

"Just enough." She swallowed audibly as he continued to massage her neck.

"Good." Putting the brush aside, his hands drifted to her neck, where he kneaded the muscles.

"The picnic-"

"We are waiting for the food, and while we are-"

"Landen-"

"Love?" He had dropped to his knees and turned her to face him as he slid between her thighs.

"What are we doing?" she asked achingly.

"What does it look like?" He started to unbutton the baby blue shirt she had borrowed. Unclasping her bra, he cupped her breasts, his eyes flaring as her nipples burgeoned under his caress.

Bending his head, he pulled a nipple inside his mouth, nibbling on the tight bud.

Tessa's back arched, her fingers digging into his hair as sensation after sensation rocketed through her body. Parting her thighs with one hand, he eased away the sides of her panties and stroked the swollen flesh.

She splintered, her body arching towards his fingers. The double onslaught was driving her to the brink of insanity. The minute he plunged his fingers into the moist warmth of her, she came violently.

A cry escaped her as she worked her hips against his fingers. Her body shuddered and would have slid to the floor if he had not caught her. Sitting on the carpeted floor, he pulled her on top of him while divesting her of her underwear.

When she sank into his rigid and swollen shaft, he felt his breath catch inside his chest, and his breathing turned shallow. She had asked him what they were doing, and he could not respond.

His hands drifted to her waist as he rocked his hips slowly, easing into her, his eyes boring into hers. He watched the naked passion on her exquisite face and was sure it mirrored his intense longing.

Bending his head, he took her lips in a kiss that drugged her senses. He wanted her, and that want had developed into an intense need that filled him up and spilled over. Gentling the kiss, he plunged his tongue inside her mouth, their breaths mingling and driving him close to the brink.

They came together, clinging to each other as the storm washed through their bodies. Ending the kiss, he cradled her head against the chest, willing his heart to stop pounding. His expression was grim as he tried not to think of what this meant.

*****

"Why a gallery?" He asked lazily.

Much to her surprise and shock, he had ordered a feast and included everything. "Are we expecting a storm?"

He had grinned at her and said he had no idea what she would like. "At least we will be full for the rest of the day."

"And the next few days." She added dryly.

"That too."

Now they were at her favorite spot, an old, abandoned church with wildflowers blooming around the springy, lush green grass.

"I love art." She handed him the thick beef sandwich, loaded with mushrooms, three types of cheeses, and crisp baby lettuce and tomatoes.

"I discovered that I was fascinated by it as a child. I am also an amateur painter and love capturing scenery like this." She waved a hand to encompass the area. "So, naturally, I majored in art in college."

"You would love where I am from." He automatically reached out to dab the napkin on the side of her lips. "Lush, vivid countryside and rolling hills. Have you ever been to London?"

She shook her head.

"You should go."

"Is that an invitation?" The minute the words were out of her mouth, she knew she had made a mistake. Thinking frantically of something blase to counteract her error, she opened her mouth only to clamp it shut and reached for the bottle of lemonade. "This is delicious-"

Taking the bottle from her, he sat up and drew her into his arms.

"I didn't mean-"

"Shh," He whispered achingly, his hands cradling her face. Tesa felt her body melting at the look in his eyes and wanted to drown in their beautiful depths. She was in trouble; it was no use denying it now.

She was on the way to falling in love with him, and there was no way to stop it. With a dejected sigh, she leaned into him and surrendered as he took her lips in a wildly arousing kiss that had her bursting into flames.

*****

Even after a rather passionate and rough lovemaking, he was still unable to fall asleep. He had made love to her right beneath the towering limbs of an old oak tree, ignoring her protests that someone might see them.

And then they ate the meal while he listened, with an indulgent smile, to the various humorous tales of some patrons who came to the gallery. She was an avid and natural storyteller, and he was soon drawn into the details as they enjoyed the meal.

He stared at the arched ceiling, a frown knitting his brow. He enjoyed her, the conversations, the sight of her, and her laughter, which sounded like chimes from the bell of the old cathedral where he grew up. She was cultured and intelligent, and he wanted more each time he made love to her.

He had also stopped thinking about leaving. His father had not called back, but he was sure it would be a matter of time before one or the other did. From experience, he knew they would want to know what he was up to if he kept the family name unblemished.

And there was no way on God's green earth they would ever approve of the woman lying next to him; the thought sneaked upon him unawares and had the despair trembling through his body.

What he shared with her was no longer a fling. It had become much more, and he had no bloody idea what he would do about it. He could pretend they were a couple for his time here and enjoy every minute spent with her.

And there was another troubling thought. He was not using anything with her. For the first time in his life, he abandoned his responsibilities as a Chapman, and even when he did it for the first time, he was loath to have anything between them.

He loved the feel of her tight warmth wrapped around him.

But what of the consequences? The annoying voice continued to hammer at his conscience. Is that what you hope will happen to solve the problem of your parents accepting her?

No! He shouted silently; his body fraught with conflicted emotions.

Closing his eyes, he forced himself to try and get some sleep.

*****

She found him downstairs in the kitchen, nursing a large mug of coffee.

"I see this country is beginning to rub off on you." She nodded to the coffee in front of him.

"In more ways than one," he told her obliquely as he slid off the stool to pour her a cup. "There are still some food and pastries-"

"I am running late," she said, shaking her head as she doctored her coffee. "We have some shipments coming in and inventory to do."

"I will stop by sometime today."

Her heart lifted and did a slow roll.

"You don't have to."

"Oh, but I do." Putting his cup aside, he came towards her and took her in his arms for a kiss that had her clinging to him. "Or you could call in sick-" His hands were splayed over her derriere as he molded her against his arousal. "And we spend the day in bed."

"We spent the day in bed yesterday." She reminded him shakily, her arms wrapped around his neck.

"No harm in doing so again. I can compensate you for the day. How much do you earn?" His lips were trailing down her cheeks.

Pushing him away, she gave him a dark look that had him grinning at her.

"I am usually not so crass," he admitted. "I think lust for you is getting to my head."

"Whatever." She could not be angry with him for long, and with a broad smile, she walked over to kiss him. "If you insist on coming-"

"I will be there," he assured her.

"I will see you later." With a cheery wave, she left.

Dragging in a deep breath, he sat back down, the need for coffee no longer there. Glancing at the clock, he estimated the time to be a little shy of noon. Picking up his phone, he called his sister.

"Landen, how delightful to hear from you," she exclaimed.

"Where are you?" He asked abruptly.

"The spring tea festival is about to begin-"

"Is mother anywhere near you?"

He waited while she paused and assumed she was ensuring they had privacy.

"I had to get rid of some of the ladies. What's wrong?"

"Has she or father said anything to you about me?"

"They had Sara and her parents over for dinner."

"Father already told me that," he said harshly. "I cannot marry her."

"Darling, they were in discussions about the wedding-"

"I cannot marry her," he stressed.

"You have met someone." His sister said slowly.

"Even if that were not the case, I would still not be marrying Ms. Pendleton. I refuse to be bogged down by this stupid tradition." Lunging to his feet, he started to slowly prowl the length of the kitchen, stopping in front of the window.

"Is she someone they will approve of?" His sister's tentative voice roused him from his restless thoughts and had him smiling grimly.

"Absolutely not. And I am depending on your discretion to keep this to yourself."

"When are you coming home?"

"When I have sorted things out." He sat back down and closed his eyes briefly. "I don't know what the hell I am going to do. But in the meantime, I intend to put it all behind me and enjoy myself."

*****

Tessa could tell the precise moment he came into the gallery. She was so attuned to his presence that she felt her senses tingling before he walked up behind her. "A rather delightfully lovely piece."

His deep, accented voice had her knees buckling and her heart pounding. "I would say the artist was somewhat of a recluse. But his use of the brush on the canvas is remarkable."

The elderly woman beside her turned in delight to stare at the handsome dark-haired man standing a few inches behind them.

"You, sir, seem to know a lot about paintings."

"That"s Gainsborough and a favorite of mine." He glanced briefly at the slender beauty who had been explaining the merits of the painting to the woman. "Are you thinking of purchasing it?"

"I am trying to decide on whether or not to purchase a house in the Bahamas or this particular painting. I daresay that a home on the island would cost considerably less."

"But would not give you so much delight." Stepping forward, he wedged between the two women and discreetly pressed his hand against Tessa's in brief acknowledgment. "Where were you planning on hanging it?"

"We own a home in the countryside, and I was thinking about the drawing room."

"Excellent." He nodded in approval. "I guarantee that you will not be disappointed."

She flashed him a pleased smile. "My name is Amelia Gaither."

"Landen. A pleasure to meet you."

She turned to look at Tessa, blue eyes twinkling. "He knows his stuff, my dear, and is charming and very convincing. I am sold."

They waited until she had walked away before she spoke. "Are you trying to take away my job?"

"Not a chance." His eyes wandered over her exquisite features, and he could feel the stirring of lust rising. "I am positive that in a few minutes or less, she would have been convinced to purchase the painting. You look wonderful." His deep voice had dropped to a husky timber. "Is that turquoise?" He asked, referring to the color of her dress.

"I believe it is."

"I was about to get you a cup of your favorite latte. I just spent half an hour browsing through some stores and bought you something."

"You shouldn't-"

"I am afraid it's too late." He flashed her grin. "It's just a diamond and ruby bracelet. Nothing too expensive."

"Landen-"

"I was thinking we could have dinner at the outside diner a few blocks from here. When do you get off?"

"Seven."

"Would you like to meet me there, or should I come and wait for you?"

"I will meet you there."

"Good." He lingered a few more seconds, eyes roving over her face. Then, with a sigh, he turned and left.

She watched him walk down the stairs when a voice sounded behind her.

"A very handsome man."

She started guiltily, forgetting that Ronald had stopped by to look at the books.

"Do you need me?"

He looked around at the people mingling and beckoned her to follow him. "I just sent my darling to the vet for his usual shot.

It's perplexing to me that I can stand getting poked and prodded by my physician, but for the life of me, I cannot seem to stomach seeing my darling going through it." He opened the door to his hardly used office and went to sit behind his desk.

"I have people waiting-"

"Let them wait." Propping his elbows on the shiny mahogany, he loosely clasped his fingers and stared at her. "Why don't you take a seat?"

She did so reluctantly.

"You know, I am very up-to-date on celebrity gossip. Not only in this great country of ours, but I am an avid reader of the various magazines who love to report the going ons of the rich and powerful."

"I know your habits."

He nodded. "I also scour the internet with a ferocity that reminds me of a dog with a bone. Your young man seemed very familiar, but that name - Landen- is not very popular.

So, I looked him up." Ignoring her bland look, he continued. "Landen Chapman, heir to an immense fortune which includes exclusive jewel stores, pharmaceuticals, and real estate, among other things.

His parents are some sort of relative to the King of England, and your young man has been photographed with Princes William and Harry." His expression became thoughtful. "I have also seen how he hangs around you, and it appears he is quite enchanted. Which is natural considering the way you look."

Dropping his hands, he picked up a unique crystal paperweight and rolled it in his palm. "Do you know what you are doing?"

"I don't know what you think you know-"

"You have been intimate. That much is quite obvious. I am gay, darling, and my senses about these things are never wrong. That young man might be dazzled and enamored by you, but the reality is, he will never marry you."

Tessa felt the arrow piercing her heart, and it took all of her control not to react accordingly. "I am not looking for marriage."

"This is good because even if he could defy his parents, they would never allow their bloodline to be soiled, so to speak, by an American who is just a simple girl working in a gallery and who happens to be black." He shrugged his thin shoulders. "I am just stating the obvious."

She rose to her feet, fighting his statement"s nausea and bitter truth. "Is that all?"

"Be upset with me, darling, but I have your best interests at heart. I am hoping that you are simply having a fling with that handsome Brit and nothing more." His expression turned sober. "I care about you, Tessa, and would hate to see you hurt."