Read 1632: Essen Steel for Free Online Page A

on the cheek, then went to her bedroom and closed the door.
    Josh sighed. Well what did you expect, dummy? An hour later he went to bed.
    * * *
    This time, when he woke up, things were different. First off, he was hard and aching. Second, Colette was naked and her feverish hands were definitely not stroking his hair.
    "It has been a long time," she murmured, swinging her legs over to straddle him. "You will forgive me if I am not very good at first?"
    "Ahhhh, yes!"
    They made love until, finally satiated, they fell asleep in each others' arms.
    * * *
    When Josh woke the next morning, Colette was gone.
    A dream? But it had been no dream. The sheets were rumpled and the bed smelled of sex. Besides, he was still a bit sore. He'd never thought a woman born in the seventeenth century would be so gymnastic in her lovemaking.
    After his shower Josh found Colas in the kitchen eating breakfast. "Seen Colette?"
    Colas nodded. "She went over to Amy's house. Can I borrow your mountain bike again?"
    "Sure." For the past month Colas had been riding Josh's bike nearly every day, exploring the streets, alleys, and paths in and around Grantville with newfound friends.
    "Can you help us after lunch though? We're almost done with the basement."
    "Okay, Josh." Colas looked over his shoulder as he walked out the door. "After lunch."
    So why wasn't Colette here? thought Josh. After last night …
    Then he realized what she was doing. Giving him time alone to make a decision. To decide what he was going to do without the pressure her presence would provide.
    So what was he going to do?
    * * *
    Two weeks before, Gramps had brought up the same question. They had been washing dishes and Josh had been the dryer.
    "You really ought to marry the girl, Josh," Joe had said, handing his grandson a dripping plate. "She's smart, she's pretty, and she plays a mean game of chess. Not to mention, she's got a fine business sense. You know what she said I should do with those houses on Clarksburg?"
    Josh shook his head and took another plate from Joe.
    "Since Vince has found places for almost all the relatives and guests from his wedding anniversary party, she thinks it could make a great inn. Grantville is going to grow and Clarksburg Street is centrally located. We could turn the partial basements into rooms and build a large common room in between the two houses."
    "I don't know, Gramps," Josh said. "It feels like it's too soon."
    "I know, Josh, I know." Joe's voice was soft. "But this is a new world we're in and Colette can help you adapt. It's time to move on, boy."
    Josh shrugged. "I'll think about it." He smiled. "She is pretty darn attractive in a lot of ways."
    "Well, if you do marry her … " Joe handed him another plate..".. just remember Joe's Maxims for a happy marriage."
    Josh laughed. "I have had girlfriends before, Gramps."
    Joe looked at him with a mock scowl. "You're still wet behind the ears as far as women are concerned, so listen up." He handed Josh another dish. "First thing, never discuss previous lovers. Never. No comparisons. She's the best ever, period. Second, if she's the touching type, touch her a lot. She'll appreciate it. Third, respect her privacy. If she doesn't want to talk about something, don't keep pressuring her."
    Josh nodded. He'd learned that one with his last girl friend.
    "And lastly, put a little romance into the relationship. Women love that kind of thing, especially on anniversaries and birthdays. And whatever you do, don't forget those." Joe shuddered. "Fate worse than death, boy, if you forget a birthday or anniversary."
    Joe became thoughtful. "If you do decide to marry her, you can use grandma's ring. It's in the knick knack box on my dresser."
    It was that last admonition that Josh remembered now. He looked around the living room and smiled. Joe had been right, time to move on. Now let's see, if he put the couch
    there …
    * * *
    When Colette walked into Amy's house that morning, Amy knew something was different.