Page 19 of A Lady's Curves
“You have brought her out of her shell, as they say, Miss Wittman. I am grateful. Should you need a letter of recommendation at any point or my assistance in any way, you need only ask.” He faces me and bows.
“That is most kind. Thank you.”
“I have asked Louisa to come home when you and Lord Kendall go to the country. As it shall be our last few months with her, I would like to have her here. She didn’t object.” He lets a hint of a smile slip before returning to his mild expression.
The music begins and Mae waves her husband to the floor where they will lead the first dance.
“I believe I have this dance, Ann.” Oscar’s voice is low and intimately close to my ear.
Chapter Eight
Oscar
Somehow, I must master my feelings for Ann. She would no sooner want me than my old uncle Jeremiah. Kissing her was foolish. Buying the gown, well, that was pure selfishness. I can’t regret it.
I lie on the settee in my study, grateful to be back in my home. My valet went to bed. I decided I would not lay another night staring at the heavy curtains, praying for sleep while wishing for Ann. Not that lying here is much better. The memory of holding her in my arms while we danced is so fresh that it’s unlikely I’ll sleep tonight.
The creaking of the door opening rouses me.
Ann pads in and goes to the bookshelf behind the library ladder. She runs her fingers along the spines while holding a candle high enough to read the titles. In a white gown and wrap, with her dark hair lying over her shoulders, she looks more angel than woman.
“Can you not sleep?” I speak softly.
She jumps, barely holding on to the candlestick. “My lord, what are you doing in here so late?”
My shirt is pulled from my trousers, and I’ve removed my boots. I’m hardly presentable, but I round the settee anyway. She’s my true north, and I can’t stay away. “Sleep eluded me as well.”
Her hand still lies across the rise of her breasts. “I thought a book might help.”
My body continues toward her despite my resolve to keep my distance. “Would you like to know what keeps me awake?”
The way her nose scrunches as she thinks is adorable. “If you would like to tell me, my lord.”
“My name is Oscar.” Foolishly, I touch her soft cheek.
Leaning into my touch, she whispers, “Oscar, why can you not sleep?”
There are only inches between us. The heat of her body seeps through my clothes and I cup her jaw. “Because my thoughts always turn to you. I long to know what you think and what you’re doing. I ache to touch you and learn of your past.”
Her breath catches. “I am not at all interesting.”
I take the candlestick from her hand and place it on the table. Threading my fingers through her hair, I relish the silky feel. “I find you very much so. I have no right to the desires rushing through me. I’m a man who hides away in Scotland to avoid society. Yet, one look at you and I’ve become someone I barely recognize.”
“Perhaps you are ill. It might pass by morning.” She leans her cheek into my touch.
“It has been many mornings now and it has not passed. In fact, my attraction to you has only grown stronger.” I wait and hope for some sign from her that she wants my touch.
Breasts rising and falling fast, she bites her bottom lip. “You want me?”
“I do.” My cock is painfully in agreement and if she draws much closer, she’ll have no doubt as to the nature of my physical attraction.
“I’m not ignorant of what happens between a man and a woman, though I’ve never experienced such a thing.” Her cheeks are bright red, but her gaze is as direct as ever.
“You haven’t run from the room even though you could have, should I take that as some indication that you are at least curious about lovemaking with me?” It’s too much to hope for and not enough to offer. “I hope you know that my intentions will always be honorable.”
She cocks her head and her expression is perplexed. When the realization dawns, she backs up a step. “I wouldn’t expect such a gesture, Oscar.” As if missing my touch, she closes the gap and brushes her fingers along the open vee in my shirt. “I thought men rushed in when a woman left herself vulnerable as I have done here tonight.”
My body is on fire. “I promise that as soon as I have your permission, I will do exactly that, but not before, Ann.”
