TALL, DARK & ROYAL Page 7

  He made love to her mouth while he played with her secrets. He felt her grow swollen, and she began to undulate against him. Her movements were so unconsciously sexy, Daniel began to sweat.

  But the little sounds of pleasure she made threatened to make him burst the fly of his jeans. He slid his finger inside her and she nearly cooed. She was close. He could feel it in her small jerky movements. He slid another finger inside her and rubbed her with his thumb.

  She gasped into his mouth and stiffened with pleasure. "Oh, Daniel," she said, and the feeling of Erin coming undone sent him to another plane.

  Despite the fact that he was so hard he hurt, he held her while she came down. Her breathing settled, and she lifted her eyes to look at him. Her blue eyes heavy with sensual satisfaction, she skimmed her hand down his chest and belly to the belt of his jeans.

  Daniel swallowed a growl, and operating against every base instinct he possessed, he covered her hand with his.

  "There's more," she said in a sultry voice that slid down his hardness the same way he imagined her mouth would.

  "Not tonight," he said, seeing a freezing shower in his future instead of Erin's warm body. "You're not ready," he said, answering her unasked question.

  "Pardon me?"

  "You're not ready. The rest of tonight would give you hiccups on top of hiccups."

  She pulled her hand from his. "I'm not a child."

  "I never said you were, but facts are facts. You're small. I'm not. You're gonna feel it the first time."

  "Well, I would certainly hope so," she said in a voice bordering on prissy.

  Daniel groaned and rose to a sitting position. "Time to get dressed. Time for you to go to your bed and me to go to mine," he said, although he knew he sure as hell wouldn't be sleeping. When she didn't move fast enough for him, he picked up her sweater and pulled it over her head.

  She narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you one of those men who tease, then don't deliver?" she challenged.

  Her accusation rendered him temporarily speechless. "No, I'm being rational and trying to be a gentleman, but you're making it damn hard. Now get dressed," he said through gritted teeth.

  She made a muffled sound of outrage, gathered the rest of her clothes in her arms and flounced toward the bathroom, her delectable rear end taunting him with every step.

  Daniel swore under his breath and rubbed a hand over his face. He was doing the right thing. Taking a woman's virginity shouldn't be done lightly. And it wasn't just any woman. It was Erin. Her combination of vulnerability and determination did something to him. He couldn't explain it, but more than anything, he wanted her to trust him and he wanted to be able to trust her.

  He pulled his sweater back on and she returned to the room, her hair still a sexy mess, her eyes sparking with a combination of sensuality and anger. "I'll call a cab," she said.

  "No," he said, pulling on his jacket and grabbing hers.

  "There's no need—"

  "There damn well is," he said, holding her jacket out for her.

  Wearing a mutinous expression, she jammed her arms into the sleeves and strode with him to the car. During the brief, rainy drive to her hotel, she neither looked at him nor spoke to him.

  Daniel suffered in silence until he pulled up to the door. "You were beautiful tonight," he said.

  Her eyes looked hopeful, then she glanced away. "Obviously not beautiful enough," she murmured.

  "What do you mean by that?"

  "I mean, it's a bit humiliating being the only one who got—" She dipped her head. "—who got overexcited."

  He stared at her, then glanced heavenward for help. Every swearword he'd ever heard raced through his mind. He counted to ten and turned to her. "Do you really think I wasn't turned on?"

  She shrugged. "Not enough to—"

  Muttering an oath, he pulled her close to him and kissed her. It was an outrageously carnal, sexual kiss that only revealed the tip of the iceberg of his need. He took her hand and brought it to his still-hard crotch. "Would you say that's excited or not?" he demanded in a low voice.

  She met his gaze with surprised eyes.

  "I want all the way inside you," he told her. "But I don't want to hurt you."

  "How, then?" she whispered.

  "We have to take it slow," he said and lifted his hand to stroke her hair. "I'm not walking you up to your room because if I get you anywhere near a bed, you won't walk for twenty-four hours." He pressed his mouth against hers. "Sweet dreams."

  * * *

  Two nights later, Erin folded her hands together to keep from fidgeting, but Daniel must have caught her.

  "There's no need to be nervous," he told her, briefly reaching over to cover her hands with one of his as they waited in his SUV at a stoplight. "Most of my family members are friendly."

  "I'm sure they are," Erin said. "It's just that I'm eating dinner with the former Princess Emma, and she is so loved by Altaria that she's nearly a legend."

  "Why do I suddenly feel like mashed potatoes?" he muttered in a mock-offended tone.

  Erin met his gaze and felt the connection between them vibrate from her head down to her toes. The unfinished intimacy they'd shared hovered between them like a steamy summer day. She could no longer deny to herself what an extraordinary man Daniel was, and she was having trouble denying her strong feelings for him in order to keep some sort of perspective.

  "You don't need me to tell you that no one could ever think of you as mashed potatoes," she told him.

  "No?" He pulled his hand away and turned onto a different road.

  "What do you call it? Beef jerky, perhaps?" she suggested, tongue in cheek.

  He shot her a dark look edged with amusement. "How far we've come from Your Majesty," he teased.

  Chagrined, Erin bit her lip. "You're so right. Forgive me for not showing proper respect."

  "Oh no, we're not going to start that again. I was joking with you," he said.

  "But you make an important point," she said, and was compelled to add, "sir."

  Daniel pulled the car onto the shoulder of the road, put it in park and pulled her against him. He lowered his mouth to hers and took her in a kiss that reminded her of everything they had shared and that intimated everything they hadn't.

  He pulled back, and she drew a deep breath in search of her equilibrium.

  "I'd say we're past the 'sir' stage, wouldn't you?" he said more than asked.

  She nodded slowly. "I suppose, but what about when we go to Altaria? It will be expected—"

  "We'll deal with that later," he told her and put the car in gear.

  Erin could only nod. She felt a sharp jab of pain in her chest at how everything between them would be forced to change once Daniel made his permanent move to Altaria. She was certain he would take the throne, and he would do so in his own way. Her future wasn't nearly so certain. When her father learned that she hadn't accomplished his plans for Daniel, he would be severely disappointed. If he ever learned that Erin had fallen in— She broke off the terrifying thought. It was enough to bring on a fit of hiccups. Heaven help her, she would deal with all of this when the time came.

  Daniel pulled into a long driveway leading to a large, beautiful redbrick Georgian manor home. "Home sweet home," he said.

  "It's beautiful, and so large," Erin said.

  "Both my parents wanted a big family, so they always knew they would need a large place to house them."

  "How many children do they have?" Erin asked, fascinated by the idea of a large family.

  "My parents have raised nine in all," he said, and stopped the car in front of the house. "Why?"

  "I was just trying to imagine what it must have been like to have all those brothers and sisters. Never lonely," she said.

  "Never alone," he corrected dryly. "But I wouldn't trade any of them for all the royal jewels in Europe and neither would my parents, even though each of us pushed them to the edge in one way or another." He paused and lifted his hand to touch her hai
r. "Kinda like you've pushed me to the edge."

  Erin stared at him in surprise. "Me? How have I pushed you to the edge? Until you berated me into dropping the appropriate form of address, I've been nothing but proper."

  He grinned and his eyes glinted with wickedness. "Exactly. Erin, when will you learn I want you in ways that are anything but proper?" he asked.

  Before she had time to respond, he exited the car and rounded the vehicle to open her door. "Ready?" he asked, offering his hand.

  "Yes," she said, although her stomach danced with nerves.

  Daniel escorted her to the entrance and rang the bell. A housekeeper answered the door and immediately ushered them inside. The immense entryway featured a spiral staircase that floated up to a second story where a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling. The housekeeper took their coats, and it occurred to Erin that Daniel would likely feel comfortable with the grandeur of the palace.

  Emma Rosemere Connelly entered the foyer with innate breeding and grace. She looked at her first-born with love in her eyes. "There you are," she said, and Daniel immediately embraced her. "We haven't seen enough of you lately," she gently scolded.

  "I've been busy preparing for my new job," Daniel told her.

  "Of course," she said. "I just know I'm never going to see you once you leave for Altaria."

  "Never is an exaggeration. Dad's jet has the capacity to cross the Atlantic," he said and gave Erin an insider wink. "Besides, from what Erin tells me, the people of Altaria would love a visit from the former Princess Emma."

  Emma turned her attention to Erin. "Forgive me. I should have greeted you immediately. I can see my son is as incorrigible as ever. He gets that strictly from his father's side. I've been trying to civilize him for years, but there's only so much a mother can do," she said with gentle wit. "I commend you on your fortitude. I was afraid Daniel's stubbornness might send you back to Altaria on the first available plane."

  Delightfully surprised by Emma's lack of reserve, Erin couldn't suppress a laugh. "Thank you for your kind greeting. I must confess this assignment has required a great deal of negotiation. Daniel is quite strong-minded."

  Emma beamed. "His father often used the term bullheaded, but he's certainly one to talk. Strong-minded," his mother mused aloud and threw Daniel an arch glance. "A lovely description. You must have charmed her."

  "And the source of all the charm is obviously my mother," Daniel told Erin dryly.

  "Obviously," Emma said with a regal smile, then accompanied Erin and Daniel down the hall. "I'm delighted you both could come. I suspect Daniel won't be in Chicago much longer. Erin, I'm sorry you've had to endure one of our toughest months in terms of weather. I remember Altaria's mild climate and often long for those lovely temperatures in winter. Everyone is in the family room," she said as they rounded a corner into a large, comfortably furnished room with wooden paneling and cases of leather-bound books and trophies.

  Daniel's father glanced up from his conversation with a young woman and lifted his glass. "Hail to the king," he said with serious eyes and a slight smile.

  "Hail to the king," the others chorused, and descended on Daniel.

  "When are you leaving?" one young woman asked.

  "What are you going to do with Jordan?" a man asked.

  Daniel raised his hands and laughed. "Hold on! I'm not sure when I'm leaving, but when I do, Jordan will go with me. In the meantime, I'd like you to meet Erin Lawrence. Erin, you've met Brett."

  Erin nodded at Daniel's younger brother.

  "That's my brother Drew," Daniel said, pointing to a tall man with Emma's blue eyes. "He's Vice President of Overseas Operations for Connelly and father of a six-year-old computer-whiz daughter."

  "Pleased to meet you," Drew said, extending his hand.

  "My pleasure," Erin murmured.

  "This is my sister Maggie," Daniel continued, hugging a young woman with long brown hair. "She's a graduate student and she's the baby."

  "Forever the baby," Maggie said with a moan and eyed Erin curiously. "Forgive my curiosity, but what is your role with his kingliness?"

  "She's teaching him royal protocol and etiquette," Brett said, clearly amused.

  Maggie winced. "Oh, my. Please accept my condolences."

  "Maggie is also a brat," Daniel said.

  Perhaps, but a perceptive brat, Erin thought. "I'm delighted to meet you. What are you studying?"

  "Business and art," Maggie replied, as if the two fields were obviously related.

  "I'm also interested in art," Erin said. "I'd love to hear more about your studies."

  Maggie smiled with pleasure. "Maybe I can talk my mother into letting me sit next to you at the dinner table."

  "Speaking of which," said a woman with short, chic black hair and sad violet eyes. "I can't stay. Previous dinner date with John Parker."

  Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that one of Dad's business associates?"

  "Yes it is," she said and stood on tiptoe to give Daniel a hug. "May you reign in truth, beauty and safety. Don't work too hard in your new position." She turned to Erin. "It's so nice to meet you. I'm Daniel's sister Tara. I'm sorry I can't stay longer."

  "I understand," Erin said. "I'm pleased to meet you, and I hope you have an enjoyable evening."

  Tara's eyes flickered with an emotion Erin couldn't quite name, then Daniel's sister tightened her mouth. "Thank you. I'll do my best," she said and turned, waving to Daniel as she headed for the door. "Take care of yourself, Your Majesty."

  He gave her a two-fingered salute and glanced thoughtfully after his sister. "Will we ever see Tara the Terror again?" he murmured.

  "Pardon?" Erin said.

  His mother and father came up behind them. "Tara lost her husband in a train wreck a couple of years ago, and she's never quite been the same," Emma said, clearly grieved that her daughter hadn't recovered.

  Grant Connelly slid his arm around his wife in support, but Erin could see a wisp of sadness in his eyes too. "Someday the fire will return," he said to Emma.

  Erin felt her heart twist with longing at the obvious connection of love and history among the Connellys. They had no idea how precious that special bond was.

  Seeming to pull himself out of his thoughts, Grant turned to Erin and extended his hand. "We're glad you could come. Emma would have never forgiven herself if she hadn't arranged for you to visit. She may have been born a princess, but she's a natural mother, and she couldn't stand the thought of not welcoming you when you're so far from home. She mothers everyone younger than her."

  Emma's cheeks colored. "Oh, you're exaggerating."

  Grant shook his head. "Didn't I hear you inviting Marc's daughter to visit?"

  "Catherine said she would like to come visit once she gets Marc's affairs in order. Of course I invited her. Catherine is my niece, and I know that losing her father and grandfather has been devastating for her."

  "As your own double loss has been, Mrs. Connelly," Erin said quietly.

  Emma took her hand. "What a sensitive young woman. Thank you for your sympathy. Although I'll miss Daniel terribly, I take some solace in the fact that he is carrying on the Rosemere tradition. I'm grateful for any help you may give him in that respect."

  Erin felt a sharp stab of guilt. If Emma only knew that Erin's father wished Daniel wouldn't become king.

  "Can I get you something to drink?" Grant asked, while Erin continued to struggle with myriad feelings.

  "You're very kind," Erin said, seeing in his father a resemblance of the strength and hospitality Daniel also showed. "White wine would be lovely, thank you."

  A woman appeared in the doorway to announce dinner, and the group filed into a long dining room beautifully decorated with mirrors and paintings.

  Maggie sat beside Erin at dinner and they discussed art and Maggie's continuing education. Erin felt an immediate affinity with the youngest Connelly. Throughout the meal, however, she never forgot that Daniel was sitting right next to her. The way he talke
d and laughed with his family showed his ease with them and himself. Erin was beginning to see that Daniel seemed comfortable in every situation. A man for every man, she thought, watching him for a long moment.

  "You're staring," he murmured for her ears only.

  Embarrassed, Erin immediately glanced down at the peas on her plate. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

  "That's okay. You can tell me what you were thinking after dinner."

  She threw him a long-suffering glance.

  He grinned. "Maggie might have told you about her art, but has she told you about her penchant for speed?"

  Erin glanced at Daniel's sister. "Speed?"

  Maggie rolled her eyes. "If I were male, we wouldn't be having this discussion. I drive a Lamborghini. My brothers would rather see me drive something with a little less power."

  "It might have something to do with the speeding tickets," Grant interjected.

  "I've talked my way out of most of them," she reminded him with a sigh. "I'm really a very safe driver. The car gives a terrific ride if you'd like to go some time," she said to Erin.

  Delighted at the prospect, Erin smiled. "I'd love to."

  Daniel made a growling sound. "We'll see. Dinner was great as usual. Please excuse Erin and me while I show her around."

  The family murmured their temporary farewells and Daniel led her through the hallway and up the spiral staircase. Photos and portraits revealed the family history. Informal royal photos showed the pride of King Thomas and the quiet contentment of Queen Lucinda. Even as a child, Prince Marc's reckless charm glinted in his eyes. Princess Emma's fresh, exquisite beauty almost, but not quite, hid the determination in her gaze. That determination and adventuresome spirit had come in handy when she'd tossed her royal title the same way a bride tosses her bouquet. Erin couldn't help lingering over Grant and Emma's wedding portrait. Daniel told stories about his growing-up years as they walked through the grand house, and Erin could almost feel the love and passion of the Connelly family echoing through the walls. He led her into a small study to a floor-length window and cut the lights.

  "Look," he said, pointing outside to a maze of boxwood shrubs lit with thousands of white lights.