Emeline allowed herself to be led over towards the far side of the house where the narrow stairs lay. It was daunting to see how steep a rise they had. It was like marching almost in order to climb up them, but his long legs seemed to have no problems. As if he read her mind, she saw him look over his shoulder down towards where she was with a smile.

“I can build a better staircase. I simply needed to get this done quickly and used what I had at the time,” he explained, looking sheepish. “I normally put a lot of thought into my work. But when I got behind still building the house, it was a matter of completing it quickly.”

“Oh, I am fine,” she said quickly, protesting and trying to keep from staring at his rear end as he went up the stairs ahead of her. Honestly, the darned stairs were a hazard for anyone under six feet tall and she didn’t know why they were so darned steep! Maybe that would be something they would tackle in the future, if she had one here.

Give it a week Eve said, she remembered, feeling suddenly guilty. If she was here for only a week, could she just throw in the towel? Living as man and wife for a week? What if she got some sort of disease or ended up pregnant? You never knew!

Expecting Eve to pop into her head, she was a bit scared by the lack of response and the silence. Was she really trapped here in 1770? Not trapped, relocated! she reminded herself, using Eve’s term trying to keep from becoming hysterical. Once she reached the top of the narrow stairs, she was dismayed to see that it opened directly into a large room.

William offered his hand out towards her to help her up the final step. She felt his palm take hers, so warm and so very strong. It had comforted her momentarily until she saw the bed. Apparently, the home tour was ending in his bedroom. The handfasting between them was getting surreal, fast! Breaking their contact between them, she stepped backwards placing her hand over her heart in an effort to calm it down.

“Well this is really, uh… personal. I can see exactly why you wanted to wait to bring me up here,” she admitted quickly, seeing the carved bed in the corner. Cause I’d freakin’ run! “You really like carving and decorating, don’t you?”

“You don’t like it?”

“No, it’s a gorgeous, big ol’ sexy bed,” she whispered nervously, taking a step back. “And it’s apparent you have an eye for details, too.” Lame. That was a lame attempt to get away from the pink elephant in the room. That bed was made for sex and you know it, she thought wildly. Her breath hitching as she pictured all sorts of intimacies in her mind.

“Yes,” he said gently, laying his hand on her cheek. “And you look terrified.”

“I’m a little nervous,” she admitted, jumping at his sudden bark of laughter. “A lot nervous, actually.”

“Little bride,” he whispered with a soft smile. He caressed her cheek tenderly in a way that made her catch her breath. His golden eyes were mesmerizing and enthralling. “You are safe with me. We’ll not share a marriage bed until you are ready and want me,” he offered.

“Where will you sleep?” she asked nervously. The way he looked at her was incredibly intimate, like he could see right into her mind and the outrageous things that were popping into it. Do they have chocolate sauce here cause, mmmm yeah! I could seriously lick it right off his body! she laughed to herself, gulping hard and breaking eye contact. What is wrong with me?

“With you,” he responded, his voice husky. Don’t look at him! You are getting sucked right in! It’s like he is emitting some sort of voodoo sex pheromones! Eve? Is that what this is? You are a voodoo queen and he is drugging me with some manly mojo?

“But… eh-hem,” she stammered blankly, thinking of how decadent that voice would be if he was a talker in bed. That sexy voice and his laughter made her weak at the knees. She had never been so completely fascinated by a guy like she was with him. Maybe it was in the ale? “Was there something in the ale we had? I’m a feeling a bit, ah, overheated?”

It’s the drink! Maybe alcohol brewed here was really strong. She felt really tipsy. The Coronas on the beach and the ale might not have mixed. “Liquor is quicker” was the old saying and maybe that was wrong! Perhaps it was a residue in the cups. Long-time exposure to pewter messes with people’s heads. Maybe there is something here that is an aphrodisiac that was slipped in her drink.

“There is one bed. We may sleep together without sharing our bodies, that is. Unless you can’t keep yourself from me?” he teased lightly. His voice flowed over her like melted butter. His hand reached out to touch her shoulder and she practically leaped backwards away from him, almost tripping on her own feet.

“I think it will be vice versa,” Emeline retorted and then blushed as she realized that she was all but inviting him to touch her. There was no way she was instigating anything yet between them. She was nervous as hell! The idea of some stranger, even if he looked dreamy, taking her to bed for the first time made her antsy. This wasn’t like her! She didn’t think of licking pecs every five seconds! Drugs, girl! It’s gotta be drugs!

“We shall see,” he countered with a knowing smile that made her knees buckle under her.

Looking around the room, Emeline avoided looking at the large bed that screamed sex in her mind. She imagined being tied to all four posts and wondered if it would shock him. The idea of being touched for hours on end by his warm hands was practically making her want to pant.

“Seriously, is it hot in here?” she stammered, fanning herself. She felt the need to open the windows to let in the cold night air. Look away! Anywhere but at him!

Doing so, she instead she saw the small dressing table with a pitcher and basin on it. A bible lay on the corner, as well as a comb. There was a small chair underneath the table and as a large rocker in the corner of room. A long blanket chest was underneath a paned window that ran along the far wall. The fireplace downstairs apparently carried its way up through the room, causing it to be tidy and overly warm. A small fire was burning in the bedroom giving off a soft glow. She noticed that she could see the moon in the night sky. It felt like it could be peaceful here, if it wasn’t such a strange situation, location and time.

“Your things are in the dressing table and chest. Would you like a drink before bed?” he asked politely.

A dirty martini or any other hard liquors? Xanax? Anything? “No, but I would like a moment of privacy,” she replied, mortified at the realization that all modern conveniences were gone. Every. single. one! Going to the bathroom meant using that awful bedpan peeking out from under the bed. Cause I’m guessing the plumber is a little late, by oh, two hundred and twenty years, to put in the new toilet for me!

“Of course,” he responded with a nod of his head. Turning, he headed back down the narrow stairs easily like they were nothing. She stood silently for a moment, listening till he made it down to the bottom. She smiled wistfully as she heard him humming a soft tune as the notes carried up the stairs. Shaking her head, she realized she was standing there acting like a lovesick idiot while time was whittling away. Distracted by the sudden, unexpected reveal that William must like to hum while he kept busy threw her for a loop. Happy people did that, and she liked the fact that he seemed very pleased. That’s kinda sweet that he hums to himself, she thought.

Emeline yanked the bedpan out from under the bed with force before she realized it could have been used before she put her hands on it. She thanked her lucky stars it was clean. Looking around to ensure she was still alone, she realized there was nowhere to empty it other than the window.

“Yeesh!” she muttered aloud. Using the bedpan quickly before William returned, she opened the window flinging the contents outside. I’m gonna have to remember that when I walk around town. If I get someone’s mess dumped on me, I’d freak! Emeline could only imagine how history books would portray her: Young Boston woman has excrement fall upon her and promptly ransacks house only to throw person from upper window. She slid the bedpan back under the bed and stood. Yeah, that wouldn’t go over so well at all. Pouring water from the pitcher into the washbasin on the dresser, she washed herself and winced as reality was hitting her hard.

No baths, no potties, no toiletries! This was going to be a serious change but it was the only one open to her at the time. Going back meant becoming a water-logged corpse and that held no appeal whatsoever! The crushing pain as her lungs struggled against the saltwater would scar her for life! Shivering at the memory, she rubbed her arms as goosebumps appeared. Yeah, drowning sucks. She doubted she would ever voluntarily enter deep waters ever again. Ocean, lake, whatevs… not happening!

Maybe I could pretend I’m asleep just until I get this all figured out? She needed to think and come up with options or a secondary plan. Being abruptly married, uh, handfasted already felt so weird to her.

Emeline was in the process of trying to remove her gown so she could fake slumber when she heard William call up to her. The laces were completely out of reach and frustrated the hell out of her. She was trying to get changed in order to be under the quilt to hide before he reappeared. Stretching her right arm over her shoulder, she could feel the tie. Unfortunately, her body would not contort any farther allowing her to grasp it. Come on, Eve! Throw me a bone, here. Yanking desperately, she found it would not budge.

“May I return?” he asked from nearby.

“Yes,” No! But I can’t get out of the dress alone so whatever, she thought. At least he was nice enough to wait and ask permission first. She had, at first, thought to keep the gown on as a line of defense between them. However, catching her breath seemed to be extremely difficult when he was around and she attuned it to the tight bodice.

“Did you want to change?” he asked politely, as he walked into the room.

“I thought I would get comfortable but it’s cold, so I will just sleep in my dress,” Emeline announced with a false cheerfulness. The idea of him undressing her was unnerving and made her body thrum with desire. She was positive that her panties would be wet, if she had any on! Stupid fashion trend made her feel completely shameful!

“Let me help you,” he offered.

“No, seriously. It’s okay,” she protested faintly. She was picturing all sorts of dirty deeds in her mind that involved slowly unlacing her. Yikes!

“Emeline, you cannot sleep in your stays,” he countered gently. “You won’t rest. Sleep in your shift if you are concerned about your modesty. I can blow out the candles, as well.”

“Well, I can’t get in or out of this yet by myself.” And I don’t know if I should let you do this. I might attack your deliciousness because I am obviously out of my damned mind! Do colonials like to have some fun in bed or are you a missionary position kinda of guy? Why do I care? she wondered in amazement, practically panting at the idea. Oh my gosh, I am wicked attracted to him!

“I will help you and be your ladies’ maid,” William teased softly, placing his hands on her waist and turning her around. “Most willingly.”

She grabbed the post of the bed as he pulled the ties on the back of her dress, reminding her yet again of things that weren’t invented yet. Zippers, buttons, Velcro, blue jeans, the mental list went on and on as she waited patiently, staring at her hands gripping the carved bedpost. Every tug or pull of the lace was sensual and she had to restrain herself from groaning aloud. Coming out of this corset must be what a butterfly feels like coming out of a cocoon. Once free, she hesitated, feeling extremely exposed.

“Could you turn around please, William?” she asked quietly, looking over her shoulder. Seeing the naked heat in his eyes, she thought for a moment he wouldn’t move. But then, he turned away from her as she asked. Her relief was instant. If she could trust him in this, perhaps, she could rely on him as he said. Pulling herself from her dress, she carefully hung it on one of the pegs beside the bed. She heard rustling behind her and turned, curious at the sound.

William was removing his own clothing with his back to her. He pulled the shirt off over his head, exposing his strong back. Those muscles had been developed over the years from hard work and repeated movements.

Sweet mercy! she thought. Emeline stared, transfixed, as she saw him remove his breeches and swallowed hard as his naked body suddenly made the large room feel oh so small. Glancing up, she saw his reflection in a small, cloudy mirror on the armoire. Neither said a word, simply staring at each other.

“Emeline,” he said thickly. “If I am not to touch you, you are going to have to stop looking at me like that.”

“I am sorry, I didn’t realize you were changing,” she stammered in a voice she didn’t recognize. His body was gorgeous and would be burned in her memory. She was certain that she would be dreaming of him or picturing him over and over again.

“Get in bed and put the blanket between us, please.” His voice taut with strain. “I would keep my word to you.”

Nodding, she broke the moment and climbed into the bed quickly. She yanked up the thick quilt and wadded it into a makeshift wall between them. It felt completely erotic to be climbing into a man’s bed nearly naked.

Don’t analyze it! she reminded herself. The shift she had been told to sleep in was thin material. The idea of him sleeping near her made her stomach clench with desire. What if she gave in to the temptation? What if she gave him permission to take her? What would it be like? Would she regret it?

Emeline lay there, the blanket between where she would sleep and where William would lie down. She felt the bed give way as he lay down silently. Naked and delicious! Her heart thrummed in her chest as she felt his body heat emanating from him.

“Goodnight, Mrs. Spencer,” he whispered huskily aloud, breaking the silence that was only disturbed by the hammering of her heart.

“Are you covered?” she asked quickly. It surprised her and must have him as well. She needed reassurance that she was going to be okay here lying next to a stranger. This was the weirdest predicament she had ever been in. It felt like she was going to camp lying next to him and not touching at all. But if that was the case, this was one messed up camp! The temptation of him lying there waiting for earth-shattering sex was strange. Thrilling? Enchanting?

“Give me a moment,” he said simply and she heard the rustling of the bedsheets. Emeline about swallowed her tongue when she realized he must have been lying there naked. “Now?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m covered,” he mumbled. Emeline flipped over and stared at him in the dim light provided by the moon. He had blown out the single candle when he had gotten into the bed. His dark hair lay stark against the pillow. His eyes looked incredibly hot and almost tortured. She gave him a tentative smile and was surprised it was not returned. “Are you all right?” Was he angry with her for being so chicken?

“I would keep my word to you,” he said tightly.

“I know, I know. You keep saying that and I’m making it difficult,” she said apologetically. “May we talk?”

“Emeline, I think we should try to sleep. Lying here with you nearby is making me wonder what you would taste like or feel like in my arms. I would keep my word, but I am not a saint by any means,” he practically growled, quickly looking away from her and staring up at the ceiling above.

“You’re a good man, aren’t you?”

“I try to be,” he said with a faint grin, staring at the ceiling in the darkness. If he was a decent guy that could treat her well, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. He was gorgeous beyond belief. But she doubted he would turn out to be the stick in the mud Eve hinted at. There was tension between them and not addressing it would bring no relief to the desire she felt. No tasting, touching or playing with his beautiful body seemed like such a waste. While she was chicken, she was also infinitely aware of how electric her body was feeling. She was aching for him and opportunity was knocking!

This was just not going to do for her. She would have to find a way to break through the wall, or blanket, between them. Right now, she was laying there wondering if maybe keeping her virginity was a really bad idea. Her mind pictured all sorts of decadent things and they all involved him being deep inside of her to relieve the pressure.

Virginity would simply have to go. She had to have him. The desire was so strong, she likened it to a starving man being offered the choice to have spam or steak. Right now, she wanted her T-bone steak and he was lying there for the taking! She hungered for him and couldn’t explain it.

“Could you kiss me goodnight?” she whispered shyly in the darkness.

“I think that is a really poor suggestion right now,” he retorted with a small laugh of disbelief, still focused on the ceiling.

“Well, I thought mayb…” she started and stopped as his head whipped towards her. His eyes were hard, boring into her. Emeline thought, for a moment, she should be afraid but realized that it wasn’t anger, but intensity.

Lust.

“I try to be a good man, but I am not without sin. I am tempted beyond all comprehension right now,” he ground out between clenched teeth. “I cannot touch you or talk to you because I feel like I am being boiled alive. My mind and my body is afire, Emeline. I have not been able to focus since you walked into my home. I’m starting to wonder if I am bewitched by you,” he bit out, frustrated.

Witch stuff, bad! Bad! Bad! Danger Will Robinson! Danger! Eve screamed in her head. Don’t let him think you are a witch of any sort. If he is thinking that, it’s time to put up or shut up, little titmouse!

I thought you were giving me privacy? Where have you been?

Not if you are going to get yourself killed. Don’t bait the tiger, Emeline – feed it or leave it alone and give it distance! Salem wasn’t too long ago and you do NOT want him thinking anything remotely witchy!

Bait the tiger, huh? I wonder if he purrs when touched? she questioned and swallowed hard. I’m going to find out, dammit.

Language!

I suggested you go back to wherever you were hiding at, because I think I have made my decision.

I’m out!

Emeline heard Eve cackling with glee as the woman’s laughter faded away in her head. Swallowing hard, she reached out a hand to touch William’s arm. She was glad of the darkness around them and the fact that, maybe, he couldn’t see how badly her hands were trembling.

“I’m scared of how you make me feel when you look at me or touch me. Desire and temptation,” Emeline admitted softly, seeing a tight, sympathetic smile appear on his face as if he understood. She clutched the blanket to her, as if it were a safety measure. Her heartbeat thrummed at what she was about to do.

“I’m untouched,” she answered, thinking of the word that might be used in this time period. “And the feelings scare me because I haven’t felt them before, either. I am not trying to bother you. I’m just trying to get to know you better.”

“But?” he prompted. His eyes were heated, and flared at her admission of desire.

“But I am scared,” she repeated. Scared that she was making a mistake. Scared I will enjoy the heck out of him. Scared that it would be an acceptance of her new life and a final goodbye to the life from which she had just exited.

“Frightened that you will want me the way I want you?”

“Maybe,” she admitted quietly and squeaked when he rolled over, pinning her.

“Maybe I should just make you my wife and show you how I won’t hurt you,” he whispered heatedly against her lips. “I vowed to cherish you and I will do so in many ways.”

His tongue tasted hers. Strong, warm lips teased her silently, melting away her fears and doubts instantly. His heated hands were everywhere, yanking up her shift and skimming across her cool skin causing her to gasp against his mouth. Emeline broke the kiss, desperate for oxygen as she felt her body bursting into fire. It was like a match flaring the moment his hands touched her. She understood perfectly what he meant when he said he felt like he was being boiled alive. Her blood was burning in her veins and her heart was hammering. Her body arched off the bed and she mindlessly grasped his hair as his teeth grazed her exposed nipple.

“Such sweet buds! Who knew I would want them more than the air I breathe?” she heard him whisper and felt her loins practically quiver in excitement. Panting at the desire raging through her, she clenched the sheets as he continued his exploration of her body. Tasting, teasing and tickling her as her head thrashed against the pillow.

“Trust me,” she heard William whisper against the inside of her thigh. “Let me take you and make you mine forever.” At the touch of his mouth, she shook with ferocity as her body quaked with desire. Her body exploded in relief as she came against him. A cry of ecstasy and relief was torn from her throat as he drove himself deep inside of her, sealing their vows between them.

“You’re mine,” he claimed, fervently taking her lips. He pushed himself into her willing body again and again, to make sure there was no question of his possession. “Forever and always,” he whispered against her cheek, making her want to weep at the tender admission that seemed to be torn from his soul. She didn’t think that he knew what he was saying. He was driven by need that was so strong. So, very desperate.

Maybe for a week, she echoed in her mind randomly. That is what Eve had said, but she was almost certain it would be permanent. The woman had a very broad definition of what reality was. Apparently, reality was simply what suited Eve at the time. There was no guarantee she was staying here, but there was nowhere else to go… was there?

The idea pushed from her head quickly as she felt him grab her hips, his motions frantic and ragged. “Will,” she begged, feeling that burning in her body returning. Flames of desire flickered along the nerves that seemed to center in her pelvis.

“Shhh, my lovely bride,” he murmured against her throat. He sat back on his legs and pulled her body against his, upright, causing a different friction where their bodies met.

“I can’t,” she begged brokenly at the new sensations filling her as he touched her most intimate areas. His warm arms wrapped around her torso, his lips hungry for her breasts. If he hadn’t been holding her, she was certain she would collapse.

“I’ve got you,” he crooned tenderly, cradling his head against her chest. “Emeline, I want you to find your release again. Take me with you.” She felt his body surge against hers repeatedly, lost in a primal dance of lust. “Now, Emeline!” he ordered as he lost himself in her.

“Will!” she screamed brokenly, locking her legs around his waist. Her arms shaking as she clenched at his shoulders, feeling him tremble. She was afraid to let go, else her body disappear once again under the waves of passion that swamped her. She felt like she was drowning once again. This time, instead of breathing in saltwater and the impending feeling of death swamping over her, Emeline felt like she was coming alive. Blossoming. Breathing in his passion and filling her body with his aura.

It was the craziest sensation. She felt like she was floating. Bodiless. There was no Emeline, no Boston, no William. It was like two dancing flames in the darkness, twin beams of light, two stars that suddenly fit into one. Linked.

We call it finding your match, your soulmate. He is your matching puzzle piece, Eve said happily. I’m glad you didn’t fight the calling between you two.

Privacy! Emeline roared in her head as she clung to his strong shoulders. Her body felt like it was made of Jell-O. There was a distinct possibility she could simply slide into one big puddle of happiness onto the bed they shared.

Yep! Get out of here for a while… and wow! she told Eve a bit more gently as she sighed peacefully. Feeling her new husband holding her gently in his strong arms was amazing. She lay her head upon his shoulder as they both caught their breaths. Reaching up, he smoothed away her hair from her face and kissed her tenderly.

Eve’s laughter faded away.