From a prompt issued on tumblr. Some decided teasers for In the Company of Strangers...but no spoilers . :)

She hears his footfalls behind her, shivers as the pad of his finger traces a marked path up her spine.

"It took you long enough."

His chuckle tickles her back as whispered words warm her neck.

"You managed to sneak out rather quickly."

She smiles, leaning into him slightly, relishing his warmth against skin chilled by the night air.

"Do you blame me?"

Arms slide around her waist, securing her to him as his cheek grazes her ear.

"Not at all. Dinner conversation was rather tedious tonight. If your grandmother had not been present, I might have fallen asleep after the first course."

"The two of you saved the evening, you know. Mama would never admit such to Granny, but she is quite ready to kiss you."

His dimple teases her before his mouth takes over, and he feels the small noise her throat releases as lips graze the back of her neck.

"As delighted as I am to be back in your mother's good graces, but it's not her kiss I'm after."

His nose strokes her hairline, teeth daring a nibble that creates an instantaneous pulsing ache.

"Is that so?"

Her words nearly falter as his mouth descends on her shoulder, and she presses her backside in closer at the flutter of his tongue across skin and bone.

A large hand caresses her jaw, guiding parted lip in his direction.

"Yes. Quite so."

His response is nearly lost into her pores, the coolness of the night all but forgotten as his breath dances over her mouth. Lips rub ever so slightly, restless fingers clutching his sleeves in a delicate summons. She turns into him, claiming the kiss she wants, the contact she craves, meeting a need formed rather rapidly that took them both by surprise.

"We shall have to go in soon, Charles."

She means the statement halfheartedly, knowing they will be sought out once their mutual absence is discovered but quite reluctant to move from this spot.

Shadows play across his face, calling out for her touch as he continues to hold her close. His eyes search hers with meaning before his mouth grazes her temple, the very place he first kissed in the darkened hall outside her bedroom.

"I know."

His lips dot the tip of her nose as foreheads come to rest on each other. She clasps his lapels greedily, still awestruck by the lightness residing within her and somewhat terrified that it might slip from her fingers. His palm on the swell of her back steadies her, reassures her that he is not going anywhere, that he is here by choice.

That he loves her.

They stand suspended, the sounds of the night cocooning them a moment longer before he breaks the silence.

"But first, there is something I must ask you."