Barefoot Bride for Three Read Online Free Page A

inhaled a gasp and lifted her eyes to him. He winked, lips twitching in amusement. Her nipples tightened in a way she’d never felt before. Her camisole pressed back against rising flesh, straining to meet his touch.
    His fingers reached for her chin. He cupped it, holding her face still. His dark eyes watched her as if learning more about her than anyone, including herself, would ever know.
    “I’m going to kiss you now.”
    She gulped again and inhaled. He brushed chapped lips against hers, his moustache lightly scraping her skin. A shiver ran outward from his touch. A deep throbbing followed, reaching her neck, bosom, belly, and even lower. She pressed her thighs together, not knowing why but trying to ease the needy feeling.
    He nibbled on her bottom lip with gentle teeth. He slid his tongue along the crease between her lips. She opened to his kiss, wondering at how good it felt, how right. She pressed her palms against his hard chest. It wasn’t enough. She slipped her arms around him, stepping close so her breasts pressed against him. He moaned and his tongue entered her, unleashing a firestorm of need. She clung to him, rising on her toes to capture more of him, demanding more.
    He was the one who finally pulled back, leaving both of them gasping. Her blood sang through her veins, flashing like white lightning from point to point. He shuddered and pressed her head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her.
    If he hadn’t, she would have sunk to the floor, boneless.
    Never had she felt so safe. She reveled in his embrace for a moment and then rested her palms against his chest.
    His strength made her want to give up all her worries, breaching the tall walls she’d built to protect herself from shame and humiliation. If she let him in, she would lose everything that had kept her going when no one cared about her. She would be far too vulnerable.
    No. Giving in to a husband was not how to begin a marriage. Especially if one touch from the man made her crave him even more. She pushed on his chest. After a moment, he released her. He stepped back, frowning and breathing hard. She shook out her skirts and pressed her hair off her forehead with both palms as she thought. How to proceed to gain some control? All her life she’d been accused of speaking too forcefully. For once, it would be to her benefit.
    “If I must marry, I want a husband who sees me as a partner, not a beast of burden. One who won’t beat me or our children.” She met his eyes with a glare. “A real man doesn’t need to use his fists.”
    “You don’t have a choice in this.” She inhaled to rail at him but stopped when he held up his flat palm. “Neither do I. But Elliotts don’t hold with beating women, children, or beasts. My ma was a strong woman and demanded respect. I need a wife who’s tough enough to do what’s needed. It’s a hard life for everyone with more than enough work to keep a body going from before morning light to after dark. Does that make me man enough for you?”
    He looked at her, calm and sure. Her heart pounded so hard she felt faint. He was a man all right, but nothing like those she knew.
    “I, uh, I’m not sure. You could say anything, and I’d not know if you meant it. The only men I know well are from back East. I’ve never even seen my father or brother without a coat, much less felt their arms around me. I don’t know how to judge you, as a man or a husband.”
    She licked her lips as he stared down at her. She hadn’t known a man could heat a woman with only his eyes. She fought to keep still, to not beg for his touch once again. Like Adam and Eve, she’d tasted the forbidden fruit and learned what modest women must never crave. She had knowledge of the wonder of physical desire and was changed forever. Would the touch of his hand on her bare skin do even more to set her afire? This was what made women run off with unsuitable men.
    “Well, I ain’t no Eastern dude afraid to take off his