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  “I’m not used to people,” he finally says, but he doesn't take his eyes away from mine like he normally does.

  “You’ve been pretty good with me.” I wink at him, trying to fight wiggling in my seat under his stare. My whole body is starting to tingle again after it took me ten minutes to get it together after the fashion show.

  He opens his mouth to say something then closes it and my heart drops. I must be making things up in my head again. How come I’m so good with other people but with the one person I really want to like me, I can’t get him to crack a smile?

  “Or maybe not,” I mutter, dropping my gaze back down to my plate.

  “Two more days,” he sighs and I nod.

  Yeah. Two more days and I’ll be out of his hair. Will I ever see him again? It’s not as though I’ll run into him since he never leaves the house.

  “There’s still so much to do.” I take another bite of my food and go back to idle chat. I ramble on about the party, not wanting the silence to make things weird. It should be easier by now since we always eat together. This should be second nature but something is in the air. There's unease in Timber tonight and I can’t get a read on why.

  “You stopped talking.” I look up at Timber and he actually looks worried.

  Thoughts of never seeing him again have taken over and my heart grows heavy. I’ve grown attached to his grumpy ass.

  He pushes back from the table. “Are you okay?” He stands up and walks around the table, then comes over to my chair. I have to tilt my head back to look up at him as he towers over me. He almost looks panicked and I’m not sure what to do.

  “Why don’t you like people?” I ask.

  I know after this is over I’ll go home to my sister. I won’t be locked away from the world like Timber does to himself, but being locked away with him wouldn't be so bad. Being here with him hasn’t been bad at all. I can't imagine what it would be like if we were a we.

  “Why aren't you smiling?” he asks, and I wonder if he even heard my question.

  “I’ll miss you,” I admit and drop my head back down.

  He doesn't move from my side and I can feel the heat from his big body next to me. He doesn't say anything either and I don’t know how long we stay like that.

  “I know you won’t miss me.” I try to make my tone light and teasing but it doesn't come out the way I want it to.

  I freeze when his finger comes to my chin and makes me tilt my head back. His eyes search mine and his lips part. My heart pounds in my chest at his soft touch. I know this is his way of letting me down gently, or maybe he’s admitting that there’s something here. That he feels this chemistry between us and that two days doesn't mean the end of us.

  “Dessert?” Celia chirps as she comes into the parlor. Timber’s hand drops from my face and he takes a step back from me. “You need something, sir?” Celia asks, looking at him curiously as she puts down the two desserts.

  It’s her homemade German chocolate cake and normally I’d already have my fork in it before it hit the table, but my stomach turns with unease.

  “I’m sorry. I’m stuffed.” I make the feeble excuse as I push back from the table and stand up.

  “It’s your favorite,” Timber says. “She’ll want milk with it too.” He looks to Celia to go and get it for me, but I shake my head no.

  “I have some things I need to check on for the party. Only two days left and lots to get done,” I remind him as he’d reminded me not minutes ago.

  I have to force a smile. Two more days of dealing with me and he’s done. It doesn't make sense the way he struggles with himself. It’s like he wants me here but doesn’t. Why make us have dinner together every night? Why be there almost every time I turn around? For almost two weeks I’ve done everything to get closer to him and to break through whatever wall he has up.

  “But—”

  I shake my head, cutting him off. He reaches out for me but I step back out of his reach. I feel as though I’m all over the place and I need to get it together.

  “I’ll see you in the morning.” I give him a tight smile as I turn to leave.

  “You’re not going to knit in the library later?” he asks, and it sounds like an accusation.

  “No,” I say simply and it’s a word I know he’s not used to.

  If he doesn’t like me then I’ll make sure to stay out of his way. I can sit in my room and knit and he can be alone like he wants.

  Chapter 9

  Timber

  Thunder rolls in the distance and there’s another storm on the horizon. I looked at the weather patterns earlier and this is going to be a rough one.

  I pace outside her room arguing with myself. I can’t believe I let her walk out of the room and away from me when all I wanted was to hold her close. Why do I do this? I push everyone away from me, but the moment Pippa walked into this castle, everything changed. Suddenly I’m making excuses to follow her around and have formal dinners when that was never the case before. Celia has been over the moon with all the things she’s prepared and even Simon has a spring in his step with more things to manage.

  It’s like this place was asleep until she woke us all up, and the thought of her disappearing in two days’ time is something I can’t wrap my head around. And I don’t want to. I won’t face the facts and I know that’s not how this should work, but I’m selfish and I don’t care.

  I’m doing this on the pretense of telling her about the storm, but I know deep down this has nothing to do with that. Lightning cracks and I know what I have to do.

  “Fuck it,” I say as I pause in front of her door and knock.

  I wait for a moment but I don’t hear anything and I knock again. This time when there’s nothing I press my ear to the door, and I can hear what sounds like soft singing on the other side of it.

  Gripping the knob, I chance a turn and see it’s unlocked. I open the door slowly as I peek inside and glance around the room.

  “Pippa?” I call out but don’t see anything. I hear the humming again as I step inside and then realize she’s in the bathroom.

  I should turn around and walk out right this second, but I tell myself I’m just checking to make sure she’s okay and letting her know about the storm. Thunder gets louder and then lightning follows it quickly enough to know it’s almost on us.

  My feet sink into the plush carpet as I walk slowly towards the bathroom door. It’s slightly ajar and as I get closer I can smell the scent of rose petals. I swallow hard and my heart hammers in my chest as I move even closer to the door.

  Steam seeps out of the bathroom and onto me and the scent of fresh roses is making me dizzy. Or is it the anticipation of what I might find on the other side of the door?

  Her voice is soft and sweet as she sings, and then I hear the sound of water. I swallow hard and I know that I should turn around, but goddamn it, I can’t. I have to see what’s in there. I have to know.

  I peek through the crack and see her bare leg on the edge of the tub as she drags a razor over it. I can’t see her because she’s facing away, but the smooth skin of her leg and the bubbles clinging to it have me bringing my fist to my mouth to cover my groan. Just the tease of what’s between them is almost too much and I have to close my eyes. There’s a pounding in my ears as the thunder hits hard this time and then there’s a loud pop.

  With a flash of light, the power goes out and suddenly I’m plunged into darkness.

  “Timber!” Pippa screams, and I burst through her bathroom door.

  “I’m here,” I call out, but I can’t see a hand in front of my face let alone where she is. I hear water splashing and I feel for the edge of the tub. “I’m right here, Pippa. Follow my voice.”

  My hand dips into hot water right before I feel the softness of her slick skin. I wrap my hand around it as I hear her intake of breath.

  “What’s happened?” Her words are breathy as I slide my hand up and feel what can only be the swell of her ass. “I-I’m naked. I was in t
he bath.”

  “I can feel that.” My voice is so low it sounds like the thunder outside. “Come closer to me.”

  I hold her steady as she steps out of the tub and rain drowns out any other sounds in the room. My now slick hands move over her ass as I pull her against me. I feel her wet body soak my clothes and the heat coming off of her matches my own.

  Her hands plant against my chest, and I slide my hands up her waist and to the swells of her breasts. My breathing is coming fast and I know I should stop touching her but I can’t. For so long I’ve wanted this and in the dark it feels like a dream. Like I can do anything I want.

  “Timber,” she whispers. I can feel her breath on my lips as I lean closer to her.

  “Don’t make me stop,” I say, brushing my lips against her. “Don’t tell me not to.”

  She moves her hands to my neck, and to my aching surprise she pulls me down and opens her mouth for me. I don’t hesitate as I delve inside, tasting her tongue against mine. She’s hot all over and my fingers move to her slick nipples as I pinch them slightly. She moans into my mouth and I do it again, feeling the pucker of her tits under my touch.

  My mouth moves lower, needing to taste every inch of her as I kiss my way down her neck. I lick a path between her tits before I hold them up and then suck on one of her nipples.

  “Oh God!” she cries out just as another crash of thunder fills the room and I keep going.

  I get on my knees in front of her and lick a trail down her belly to the warm wet softness between her legs. I can smell her desire mixed with roses, and the scent of her pussy is driving me mad. I put one of her legs over my shoulder and grip her hips, licking between the petals of her sex.

  “So long,” I groan, shoving my tongue over her clit and massaging it. “I’ve waited for you.”

  Her fingers tighten in my hair as a flash of lightning lets me see just a hint of her body. I bury my face deep into her softness and smother my mouth with her need. She’s slick and not just from the bath. I slide a finger into her and I’m rewarded with a sticky sweet release as she moans into the darkness. Her hips move and I grip her harder, thinking she’s trying to get away, but to my delight she moves closer and opens for me. I feel her fingers on either side of her pussy lips as I lap at her clit.

  “More,” I beg as I do everything I can to get closer, deeper.

  “I-I think…” She gasps just as her pussy clamps down on my finger and I feel the pulses of her orgasm.

  I cover her pussy with my mouth and suck on her, feeling the waves of pleasure rock her body. It’s strong and intense, but it goes on for a long time and I do everything I can to draw that pleasure out of her.

  Just when the last wave of her desire flows through her, the lights come back on.

  She’s standing above me with her eyes closed and cheeks flushed. Her body is wet and the bubbles still cling to her as I drink in the sight of her.

  I’m on my knees with my face on her pussy and a grip on her hips that is unbreakable. And as if she’s just come back to reality, her eyes slowly open and she looks down at me in shock.

  Chapter 10

  Pippa

  I stare into Timber’s dark eyes and see the desire he had when he saw me in the dress. At the time I hadn't been sure if that’s what I saw but now there’s no doubt. He wants me and I don’t think he’s done with me yet.

  His hold tightens and his fingers dig into my soft flesh. This is not one of the many dreams I’ve had about him. He’s really here and he just— My mind blanks for a moment as our eyes stay locked together. I can’t believe what just happened. If it wasn't for his hold on me, I think I would’ve fallen over because my whole body is still reeling from the orgasm.

  I place my hands on his broad shoulders, reminding myself this is real. My face warms as the lights illuminate just how completely naked I am.

  “Hi,” pops out of my mouth and I want to facepalm myself.

  Timber’s lips twitch into a smirk and I bite my lip to keep from smiling. The look on his face is almost as good as the orgasm he rocked me with.

  “Hey,” he says and licks his lips.

  They’re already slick from me, and my core tightens at how intimate this is. He kissed me there. The man who doesn’t like or want to be around people is closer to me than anyone has ever been before.

  “I…” For the first time in my life I don’t know what to say. It wasn't ten minutes ago I was so sad and mad over him and now I’m buzzing with excitement and need. My heart thuds and right now I’m hoping for so much more.

  “Don’t tell me to go.” His words come out hoarse and I shake my head. I don’t want him to go anywhere. “I thought I was the one who never talked?”

  He rises from his knees and picks me up with him. I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me from the bathroom. I know I’m getting him soaked but he doesn't seem to care.

  “Did you make a joke?” I tease. He lays me down on the bed and my legs and arms drop away as he stands at the side of the bed looking down at me.

  “I’m doing a lot of things right now I don’t normally do.” His eyes roam over my naked body appreciatively.

  “Don’t stop.” My voice is soft as I lift up on my elbows.

  I know I was the one who’d bolted from the room before, but now I’m scared he’s going to do the same. Some things are easier said and done in the dark but now light floods the room. I’m bared before him and I want him to do the same.

  “I wasn't planning on it.” He reaches up and behind him to pull off his wet shirt. He tosses it to the ground and goes for his jeans next. I bite my lip as I watch, waiting for him to strip off the rest, but he leaves his boxer briefs on. I want to protest but my eyes are too busy taking him in. I knew Timber was a big guy, but seeing all the thick lines and ridges of his muscles with no clothes on is something else. “I want another taste.”

  Before I can ask what he wants a taste of, his mouth is on mine. Thank God, because that would’ve been a stupid question. His mouth fits me perfectly and he doesn't wait for me to part my lips. He takes me like a starved man as his fingers dive into my hair and he groans. The sound moves through every inch of me and desire burns between my legs. I try and tilt my hips up in search of relief but he has me pinned to the bed. The weight of his body keeps me from going anywhere so I wrap my legs around him.

  I taste myself on his lips as I kiss him back. I have no idea what I’m doing but I match his hunger and need touch for touch. I can feel the need building deep inside of me and trying to get out. We’ve been on the way to this moment for weeks and now it’s bursting to get out.

  He pulls his mouth from mine as I gasp for air. He doesn't stop and I feel him everywhere all at once.

  “I want a turn,” I whimper. I want to kiss him all over but Timber is in control. I’m pinned beneath him and he’s taking what he wants.

  “I can’t stop.” His words come out as a plea and he moves down my body once again.

  His tongue makes a trail as he goes and he pulls me with him. His knees hit the floor as he grips my hips and slides me to the edge of the bed. He moves me around like I’m nothing more than a doll for him to play with. Why does that turn me on?

  I drape my legs over his shoulders as he drags his lips over my lower stomach. He moves so damn slow that it makes me wiggle and beg while my throbbing clit screams for his touch. I can feel him whisper words of praise across my skin and it ignites a fire inside of me.

  I stare down at him while his mouth moves lower, wanting to see him kiss me there this time. I need to watch Timber do this to prove that he’s really here and this isn’t the best dream ever in the history of the world.

  His hands and mouth are everywhere all at once and desire and hunger flash in his eyes. I have no idea what this might mean for us, but I want this even if it’s only for tonight.

  “Timber.” I bring my hand to his short hair and his gaze flicks up to mine. He smirks again and the small act sets off a sensation deep
in my stomach. I don’t know what it is but it feels warm and fuzzy and I never want it to go away.

  “Here?” he asks, brushing his nose against my clit. My hips jerk under him and my stomach tightens. He smiles bigger and I see he likes to tease me. My heart melts because I know I’m seeing a side to Timber no one does.

  “Yes, there.” I try to lift my hips but again his hold is too strong.

  “I’ve got you now. No more getting away from me.” He kisses my clit and it’s like a shock to every inch of me.

  “I don’t want to get away from you.” His tongue rolls over my folds and delves in between, once again giving me that shock of pleasure.

  “Hmm.” He hums against me as his tongue circles my clit.

  “Timber, please,” I beg as I feel like I’m going to come out of my skin.

  “You don’t pull away from me when I reach for you.”

  His tongue stops teasing me and I’m so close to cumming it’s painful. It wouldn't take much to send me over the edge again but my mind blanks. I have no idea what he’s talking about.

  “What?” I dig my fingers into his hair and try to shamelessly push him where I need him most. But a man like Timber is immovable.

  “Say you won’t run from me again and I’ll give you what you want.”

  “I’m not running,” I blurt out.

  His eyes lock with mine and his face is as serious as I’ve ever seen. My admission must give him what he wants because all the tension leaves him.

  He looks as if he’s won some battle and something wicked crosses his face. I didn’t know we were at war, but if Timber is battling with anyone, it’s himself.

  His big hands lift my ass off the bed and bring my pussy to his mouth. My nipples tighten painfully as I watch him lower his mouth and suck on me like a piece of ripe fruit.