She expelled a tense sigh. But of course he was serious. He didn’t know she was planning to leave, that their marriage was fleeting. He was only doing what any husband during his time would—going to bed with his wife. In fact, he’d probably been more patient than other men might have been in the same situation. He’d given her time to rest and recover before taking his rightful place in his bed.
Whatever the case, she had to figure out a way to stop things from progressing any further. It was not only awkward, much too soon, and inappropriate, since theirs was a temporary relationship, but it was also dangerous. Without birth control, she had no idea what the ramifications would be if she happened to get pregnant during the time crossing.
She tried not to squirm but was anxious to put some space between them. She lifted his arm just slightly, so she could escape from his hold. But the moment she touched him, his breathing against her neck changed, and she knew he was awake.
For a long moment, she didn’t breathe, and he didn’t move. Finally, he bent in to her neck and pressed his lips there. The touch was so tender that it filled her with a strange, unquenchable longing for more.
She bit her lip. She had to move away. Now. And the only way she would be able to keep him at bay was by being honest with him. At least as honest as she could be under the circumstances.
“Will?” She shifted under his arms so she could see his face in the amber morning light.
“Hmmm?” he mumbled sleepily, his eyes still closed, his fingers skimming up her arm, already sending delicious shivers over her skin.
“Will, wait.” She scooted away. “We can’t, well—you know.”
At her declaration, his eyes opened and found hers. His were murky with sleep and desire. He didn’t need to respond for her to know his answer. She would have to do a better job explaining herself, or he’d pull her back against him with no thought of sleep.
Her mind raced to find an excuse. She was only in the past momentarily. She’d be leaving by the end of the week. She didn’t consider herself really married to him—at least permanently. “We have to wait . . .”
Her words faded away as his fingers trailed higher to her neck and then to her cheek where he brushed her hair back. His fingers were soft and gentle and altogether too enticing.
He would think she was crazy if she revealed that she’d crossed back in time. She couldn’t do it, not yet, not here, maybe not ever. But she had to think of some way to plausibly explain why she couldn’t share intimacies with him. “You see, where I come from, men and women spend time getting to know each other. They talk a lot and build a friendship—and they court—before becoming more intimate.”
His fingers moved through her hair again, to her neck where his thumb caressed her pulse. It was thumping fast. “We are wed. We need no other reason.” His low, thick tone was nearly her undoing.
“But what of love?” She forced the words quickly. “Shouldn’t love exist between a man and woman before they share themselves?”
He reached for her, this time more forcefully, and brought her against him. “The day we wed, I promised to love you.” His whisper was warm against her forehead. “And I never break my promises.”
He kissed her, moving from her forehead to her temple. She closed her eyes to fight against the pleasure of his touch. It would be all too easy to give in to this man. He was as noble and good and tender as he was fierce and rugged and tough. What would it hurt to allow herself this stolen moment of loving? She was technically married to him.
But as his kiss moved to her ear, and his hands slid down the length of her arm to her hip, a warning rang loud and long in her head. Before he could stop her, she rolled out of his grasp and jumped out of bed. “Please, Will.” She stood at the edge, her chest rising and falling in rapid bursts.
His brows furrowed, in anger or frustration, she couldn’t tell. Then he propped himself up on his elbow and looked up at her. His middle was tangled in the coverlet, but his chest and legs were bare, making her suddenly realize he was naked except for his linen drawers.
“I need time to get to know you better.” She scrambled for coherent words. “Could I have one week?” She’d be long gone in a week. At least she hoped so.
“A sennight?” His voice was incredulous, almost angry. “I have already given you three nights.”
There was a part of her that couldn’t believe she was actually having this exchange, this bargaining over sleeping with a man she’d rashly married. It was likely the strangest conversation she’d ever had. But she had to try to maintain boundaries. Not only for herself but for him for after she left.
“Seven days.” She squared her shoulders, trying to muster her inner reserves. “We can spend the time getting to know each other and becoming friends.”
He didn’t say anything, and for long seconds she didn’t dare look at him. Finally, she chanced a peek. He was lying on his back, his arms crossed behind his head, and he was studying her. Thankfully, his anger seemed to have dissipated. More than anything, he seemed puzzled, almost curious.
She was close to convincing him and couldn’t give up yet. “I have heard that relationships based upon friendship are stronger and more fulfilling.” At least that’s what she’d seen between her mom and dad. They’d shared everything—talked ceaselessly, made time for fun, and laughed often. She supposed that’s why her dad hadn’t handled Mom’s death well. He’d lost not only his wife but also his best friend.
The muscles in Will’s biceps bulged and his long, bare legs stretched out, crossed casually at his ankles. He was beautiful. Every single inch of him. She swallowed hard and stared down at her own bare feet.
“Three more days.”
Her gaze shot up to find that he wore an amused look. “That’s hardly long enough—”
“My days here in Kent are short.”
She mentally calculated the time. She had five days left to find holy water and get it to the crypt. Five days before Ellen and Harrison would go back to the cathedral once again. Five days before she could return to the present.
“How about five days?” She prayed that would indeed be enough time.
“Very well. Five, unless I woo you first.” His voice hinted at a challenge that sent a flutter of warmth into her belly.
As if the matter was settled, Will flipped the coverlet off his body and stood, heedless of the fact she was standing there and that every rippling part of his body was exposed to her.
With a rapid intake of breath, she pivoted so that her back was facing him. She listened to the slide of linen against flesh, and only when his footsteps started across the room did she turn.
Fully clad, he was nearly at the door and seemed intent on leaving.
“Remember”—she wanted to hold on to him but knew she shouldn’t—“you promised to spend the day with me.”
Gripping the door, he paused. “I shall send for you.”
“Where are you going now?” The question came out breathy and too eager.
“I visit the chapel every morn.” He spoke quietly without meeting her gaze, as though he was embarrassed by this acknowledgment.
“I’d like to go too.” Once the words were out, she realized how true they were, not just so she could be with him but because something tugged at her heart, a need for peace and help that went beyond herself, something she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in a long time.