Lauri Robinson by Testing the Lawman's Honor Read Free Book Online Page B

to know her reaction to Anna’s thoughts. Moisture sat on her lashes and in all the years to come he’d never forget the loving glow in her eyes as she nodded her head.
    He had to clear the lump from his throat before he said, “I think that’s a grand idea.”
    “Well, then,” Anna said, “I believe we should ask your permission to go spend the night at the Marshals’ tonight.”
    Spencer caught Della’s blush growing. “Ra—Mrs. Carmichael and the girls would like to spend the night at Cord and Florie’s house.”
    “Otis, too,” Anna said.
    “Otis, too,” Della repeated.
    “I see,” Spencer said as his mind conjured up an empty house, where nothing would interrupt their first union as husband and wife. His loins took to throbbing again, anxious for the waiting to end. Ignoring the almost painful tightness inside his britches, he said, “I think that’s a fine idea.”
    “Girls, go get your nightgowns, and behave yourselves.” Della was sure her daughters agreed, but she didn’t hear it. Tonight was devoted to Spencer. She stood, drawing Spencer from his chair. “I think I love you more every minute.”
    Though she cherished the gentleness of their wedding kiss, it wasn’t what she wanted now. Boldly she plastered herself against his chest, and caught his lips with hers. Excited by his immediate enthusiasm, she fully claimed his mouth, even teasingly biting his bottom lip as a devastating need swirled inside her. Ever since he’d left the bathing room, she’d been on fire. Not even the house full of guests or the reverent wedding ceremony had quelled the flames, and the anticipation was killing her.
    “Della,” Spencer whispered as his openmouthed kisses descended down her neck and his glorious hands cupped and squeezed her backside. He sounded as distraught as she.
    “Spencer,” she moaned, grinding her taut and throbbing nipples against his chest. Rachel had suggested she forgo her corset and camisole, and the chafing of the tight-fitting material ignited even more sensations. “Spencer,” she repeated, unable to say anything else.
    Someone clearing their throat caused Spencer to lift his head, leaving her neck begging for his lips to return. Della clung to him, unable to move.
    “The kitchen is momentarily empty,” Della heard Rachel whisper. “Take her up the backstairs, Deputy. We’ll have everything cleaned up and be out of here within fifteen minutes.”
    Della’s feet left the ground, and she wrapped her arms around Spencer’s neck as he carried her through the open doorway. “My friends,” he said while walking past Rachel, “call me Spencer.”
    “My friends call me Rachel,” Rachel answered as she winked at Della.
    Smiling in return, Della buried her face deep into Spencer’s broad shoulder, inhaling his spicy, enthralling scent. Someday, somehow, she’d repay Rachel for all her assistance, but right now, Spencer held all her thoughts. Della’s stomach somersaulted, and she reacted by tightening her hold on his neck. She’d been married before, the act of coupling wasn’t new, but it had been so long—
    “I love you, Della,” Spencer whispered in her ear as he pushed open the door to her room. Holding her there on the threshold, he caught her lips and kissed her until her mind knew nothing except for the way he made her feel.
    He carried her across the room, and then released her knees, easing her feet to the floor while still holding her close. Spencer caught her cheeks within his hands then, massaged her temples with feather-soft strokes, while holding her gaze with his. “It’s you and me from now on, Della. Our second chance.” He kissed the end of her nose. “The past is over, and the future is ours to create as we will.” His thumbs brushed her cheeks. “And the present, this very moment in time, is our gift to one another. To make memories we’ll cherish forever.”
    She searched the depths of his eyes, absorbing his profound sincerity. “I already