The Widows Choice by Hildie McQueen Page A

nerves.  You know...about our first night together."  It wasn't true, she very much anticipated their wedding night.  But it would not do to think or talk about Winfrow today.
    Once she placed the casserole in the larder, she made her way to her spacious bedroom and undressed, taking her new dress off with care and hanging it up on a hook beside her wardrobe.  She then slipped out of the rest of her clothing and donned a light nightshift.  Once that was completed, she brushed out her hair and climbed into the bed, pulling her blanket up past her chest.  She fidgeted waiting to hear Rafe enter.
    Moments later the sound of his footsteps made her heart beat faster and she watched the doorway until he appeared.
    He filled the doorframe almost completely, his gaze immediately on her and he smiled.  His lips curving he scanned the room.  He removed his coat, vest, and necktie, then began to unbutton his shirt.
    Charlie turned to the lantern considering if he'd want the light off.  Daniel and she always made love in the dark, but it seemed odd with Rafe.  She wanted to see him.  All of him.  "Should I put out the light?"
    "If you wish.  I'd prefer you didn't." He pulled his shirt off and her eyes widened at the sight of a broad, well formed chest with just a light feathering of dark hair.  She swallowed past the sudden dryness in her throat.
    When he began to unfasten his belt, she looked away, not bold enough to see him fully bereft of clothing.
    The bed dipped and she held her breath until Rafe pulled her against him his mouth instantly on hers.  Soft and wielding, he took his time, not pushing her to anything right away and Charlie was thankful for it, as she began to tremble.  Whether it was want or not, she could not figure out what caused it.
    "Relax, Charlie. Open your eyes," Rafe's voice soothed her to the core and she did as he asked.  He lay beside her, his face shadowed as the lantern was behind him.  He took her hands and placed them on his chest.  "Touch me."
    Muscles flexed as she slid her palms over the hard planes in circular motions and then moving her hands up to his shoulders and back down again.  It was wonderful to watch his chest expand under each breath.  When she looked into his face, he watched her with fascination.  "I never imagined to find a wife as beautiful as you." He slid closer and ran his hands down her arms, once again his mouth seeking hers.
    The kiss lingered, his tongue sliding past her parted lips, his hands moving over her body bringing with each caress a deep need for more of him.
    When he pulled her nightshift up, she could feel his warm skin against hers.  Rafe was bare as the day he was born and soon she would be too. There was a slight hesitation until she lifted so he could remove it all the way off.  Then he kissed her jawline, his lips trailed kisses from her face to her neck and he cupped her breasts with both hands.  The combination of his touch and heavy breathing made her bolder. Charlie raked her fingers through his hair encouraging him until he took her breast tip into his mouth.
    At once a trail of heat traveled through her and a desperation to join with him took over.  "Oh!" Charlie gasped when he moved to the other breast.
    His right hand moved between her legs and ever so gently he slid a finger into her.  He lifted his face and met her gaze, his eyes almost black with passion.  "I don't want to hurt you, Charlie.  I'll be gentle. But I can't wait any longer."
    A nod was all she could manage as all her attention remained at what he did with his hand.  When he rolled over her, she let out a sigh at the wonderful feel of his weight.  She held her breath expecting the usual uncomfortable sensation of intrusion, but unlike anytime with Daniel, she could barely wait for it.
    Rafe took her mouth, his hands at once all over her body, coaxing, kneading, drawing out every sensation until she pulled at his hips needing him inside her.
    Just as when