Page 72 of When a Lady Kisses a Scot
She craved more. Of his touch. Of his lean body melded to hers. Of him.
Weaving her fingers through his hair, she kissed him again. And then, she brushed her fingertips against the stubble accenting his strong jaw, delighting in the slightly coarse feel. So very different from her skin. So very male.
Her desire sparked a sudden daring, a boldness she’d never dreamed lay within her. She fixed her attention on his shirt, unfastening the buttons, slipping the crisply pressed cloth over his shoulders. She’d never undressed a man. Not even so much as untying a cravat. Her fingers fumbled nervously over a button, then another. For a heartbeat, she wondered if he found her unpracticed movements clumsy, perhaps even unseemly.
His harsh indrawn breath, a definite gasp of pleasure, pushed that fear aside.
Shrugging off his shirt, he finished what she’d started and cast the garment to the carpet.
Sophie’s mouth went dry.
What a magnificent creature!
She ran her fingers over his lean-muscled chest, savoring the warmth of skin tanned beneath the desert sun. Dark hair feathered over the carved planes, and she sampled its texture, taking in its crisp feel against her fingertips.
Lean, sleek, and powerful, his muscles tensed against her featherlight caress. What would it be like to curve her hands around those strong shoulders, holding tight as passion overtook her, savoring every moment of precious contact?
He dipped his head, and his mouth claimed hers again. She melted into him. His power over her seemed a sweet, maddening elixir.
She shouldn’t want him, shouldn’t delight in every touch, every kiss. But she did.
His large, slightly roughened hands unbuttoned her blouse, and for the first time in her life, she wished she’d worn a corset. Covered only by a thin cotton chemise, her nipples pebbled against the translucent cloth, she may as well have been naked before him. Had she ever felt so vulnerable?
He smiled, sly and knowing. Had he read her thoughts?
“You’re beautiful, Sophie.” He traced her mouth with his fingertip, seeming to savor every touch. “I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do. You only need to tell me…if I take a step too far.”
She moistened her lips. “I want this. So very much.”
He kissed her again, a sweetly flavored caress. “I meant what I said. The slightest doubt and we will return to the way we were.”
She smiled, basking in the potent desire in his gaze. “For heaven’s sake, will you stop talking and kiss me again?”
He pulled her close, pulled off the chemise, and murmured, “As you wish.”
This time, when he pressed his lips to hers, his touch felt somehow different. Hungrier. More intense. The tender possession seared her, stirring the flames within to a sizzling blaze.
His hand cupped her breast, circling her nipple, teasing, loving, coaxing. He ducked his head, catching the delicate nub between his lips. His tongue darted out, swirling tiny circles over the pebbled flesh.
Could desire truly drive one mad? She closed her eyes, melting into him, trusting his strong arms to hold her.
He guided her backward to the settee, one small step after another. Her calves bumped the cushion, and he eased her down.
“Relax, Sophie. Give me your pleasure. That’s all I ask.”
His other hand pressed her back, and then his arm slid behind her, holding her in a light, open embrace. A wicked smile played on his mouth.
“I want to touch you. Everywhere.” He pressed a tender caress to her lips. “Tell me, darling. Do you want me, Sophie?”
Her name on his lips tore down the last of the shields she’d erected around her heart. She gave a fierce nod.
“Yes, Gavin. So very much.”
Slipping her skirts higher, his hand edged along her thigh. His so-very-clever fingers trailed leisurely along the inside of her leg, stirring her hunger for him to a fever pitch. He kissed her then, teasing her mouth with his, even as his hand glided over the soft cotton of her chemise. Exploring her heat. Testing her response.
She arched her back and released a soft breath, a silent plea for more of his touch.
He flashed a hint of a smile, deliciously wicked, and obliged her unspoken request. His fingers slid under her chemise, found the opening in her drawers.
