Dark Passions

61.

The return to Gracewood was welcomed by both Derek and Meredith, happy to leave the heat and commotion of the city behind. The fields and meadows were green and lush, and the air was blissfully quiet under the open blue skies. Within a few days of returning to the country, they settled into simple routines, spending as much time together as possible. The weather was warm and dry, with blue skies and long lazy days. They spent many lazy hours with Michael, playing on the grass, watching happily as he tried to catch the little puppy they had given him. The small Cocker Spaniel was just as chubby and uncoordinated as Michael, and Meredith was constantly amused by their antics.

Some mornings they went horseback riding, though Derek was always watchful that Mistral didn't get overly excited, or spooked. The filly seemed to sense Meredith's needs, and behaved calmly and evenly; even the attention from Satan didn't interest her, rebuffing the black stallion with a toss of her elegant neck.

On this August morning, Meredith carefully let Mistral take her time to meander through the forest path, Derek following close behind. They were heading for the little pond, where they liked to swim, sometimes taking Michael, letting him splash happily between them. Today they were alone.

"You look lovely today," Derek observed, cantering beside her as the path widened. "I'm happy you are feeling better, my love."

Meredith smiled at his concern. Her morning nausea had faded and she felt good, but he insisted on making sure everything was taken care of for her, tucking her in for naps and bringing her fresh flowers from the garden every day. "Is that why you wanted to come here alone today, my husband?"

"Are you questioning my motives?" Derek chuckled, catching her hand.

"Never," Meredith giggled, easing Mistral to a quicker pace. "But maybe you should catch me first"

"Meredith, don't...." he said, before she moved away from him. But she just laughed softly, and kicked Mistral into an easy gallop. Satan snorted and Derek had to grin and give the big horse his head as they chased after Meredith. "Little vixen, you will be sorry..." he murmured.

They raced through the meadow again, Mistral running hard; lithe and fast, she was happy to be let loose. Meredith laughed breathlessly as they reached the pond, waiting for Derek to catch up. "Oh, my lord! You lost!" Meredith waved at him as he pulled up beside her, Satan dancing at the bit.

"I may have lost the race, but I still have you," he grinned, swinging down to the ground easily. Before she could react, he reached up to pull her down beside him. His arm circled her, as he pressed against her, his head slowly lowering.

"You will always have me, Derek," Meredith whispered, as his hands circled her still trim waist, sliding along the soft silk shirt she wore beneath the riding jacket. She moaned softly as he kissed her lips, her body backed against Mistral. Derek felt hard and firm in front of her, his hands warm and sure as he pulled her even closer.

"Just a kiss for now," he said quietly. "But I want more than that, sweet girl."

Meredith shivered at the meaning behind his words. It didn't matter how many times they made love, or how many times he kissed her, she still felt the involuntary quiver in her core. Every touch of his hands or his lips seemed to send the fire racing along her veins. "Yes, darling...whatever you want, whatever you need is mine to give you," she sighed.

Derek's mouth crushed over hers again, taking her breath away with the sheer masculine need surrounding her. He gave her the sweetest kiss - warm, languorous, arousing her to an even higher level. Heat and desire spiraled between them, and he picked her up. Mistral eased away, as Meredith let Derek carry her over to the edge of the pond. Water splashed and danced in the little waterfall, creating a myriad of rainbows along the edge.