He checked his pocket watch. “A quarter past three.”
“Ironing will have to wait then. You go fetch Helen and I’ll start supper.”
“Okay.”
“And thank you for the help.”
The sincerity in her words moved him. “Just trying to earn my keep.”
“You’re doing such a good job I may have to keep you.”
He knew she was teasing but it still felt good to hear. “You know how much I enjoy being rewarded.” Unable to resist, he drew a slow, adoring finger down her cheek. “Later tonight, after your chores, I’ll bring in water so you can take a bath. Would that be okay?”
“That would be nice. Thank you.”
She pushed up on her toes and kissed him with a slow sweetness that was both arousing and longed for. “Your reward for your kindness today,” she whispered.
He eased her closer, relishing her softness and the way her lips fit perfectly against his own. As desire rose and slowly gained strength, he held her tight, savored the hot, teasing invites of her tongue and the feel of her palms roaminglanguidly over his back. His did the same, relearning her curves and hollows, the peaks of her nipples, the slope of her hips.
He brushed his lips over her ear. “And after the bath, I’ll give you kisses and touches that’ll make you come so you’ll get a good night’s sleep. Would you like that?”
“Only if they’re scandalous.”
He smiled. “I’ll make sure they are.”
After a few more moments, they parted reluctantly.
She cupped his bearded jaw. “Go and get Helen.”
He took in the heat simmering in her dark eyes, her lips swollen by his kisses, and leaving her was the last thing he wanted. He traced her mouth and leaned in for one last taste of paradise. Only when she was breathless and crooning from the preview of the scandalous touches promised for later did he depart.
After his exit, Raven didn’t move. She was encased in a haze of passion that made her want to call him back so they could continue. His touch and kiss were so magical every inch of her was alive and greedy for more. But she couldn’t stand there forever. Helen would expect her dinner precisely at five and wouldn’t be pleased if it was late. Shaking herself free, Raven forced herself to go and do her job.
While waiting for the stove to heat to the desired temperature, Raven made a pan of biscuits and carved up the last of the hen they’d had the day before. After boiling sweet potatoes in one pot and adding a jar of put-up green beans in another, dinner was on its way.
Steele came in just as she was removing the biscuits from the oven. The way he took her in brought back the memory of the kisses they’d shared earlier, and she sensed he was thinking back, too. Reminding herself that she had a job to do, she refocused on dinner and turned the biscuits out onto a platter. When he snitched a couple and groaned pleasurably after taking a bite, she shot him a smile and began placing the rest of the offerings on Helen’s plate. “What kind of mood is she in?”
Still enjoying his biscuit, he replied, “Fussed about her sister the entire way. Not sure why she visits if they don’t get along, but not my place to ask.”
Raven didn’t know, either, and frankly, nor did she care. She dearly wanted to skip having to share supper with her and get the ironing done instead, but her presence was expected. She just hoped she didn’t fall asleep at the table.
She placed Helen’s plate along with her own on a tray. Accompanied by the man who’d promised her kisses and touches later, she left the kitchen for the short journey to the main house.
Helen was already seated at the dining room table. Raven set her plate down before her and removed the metal cover that had kept it warm.
“Thank you,” Helen said, eyeing the meal.
Raven and Steele sat and supper began.
Helen said, “I spoke with my sister’s housekeeper about the ball and she’s agreed to assist. She plans to hire a caterer to take care of the food and make arrangements for the service staff. I told her only hire people who worked in the house. Field slaves don’t know a thing about what’s required or what’s proper at a function like this. She’ll come by and talk to you in a few days.”
“I’ll look forward to meeting her.”
“Did the laundry get done?”
“Yes. I still have the ironing to do.”
“Good. I’ll need the clean sheets and pillow slips by the time I turn in.”