Page 38 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
Kate swallowed and met his cobalt blue eyes. She nodded. “We can’t let them marry. It would be an unmitigated disaster.”
“I agree,” he said. His thumb traced a circle along the top of her hand. “We should do something about this.”
His voice was silky, and Kate found it difficult to concentrate. She was unsure if they were truly speaking of the same thing. She was starting not to care. “So, you’ll help me?”
“It would be my pleasure to help you.” His hand moved from her mouth to her chest. His fingers lingered briefly on the swell above the neckline of her dress. Her nipples hardened and he lightly traced them through the fabric. No one had ever touched her there and her pleasure mounted. She grew warm and arched her back slightly giving him greater access to them.
“Andrew, we shouldn’t.” Her words came out in a strangled gasp. “It’s midmorning and there are guests everywhere.”
“We shouldn’t, but I don’t want to stop. Do you?” His voice was soft and throaty. He watched her through heavy lids. When she didn’t respond, he grabbed her and pulled her head down so that her lips met his.
She met his hunger with her own. Her hands wound themselves through his hair. His tongue danced against hers. She lost herself in his touch.
She pulled herself away from him. “I wish these two weeks were not ending. I wish…”
He lifted a brow. “Yes? What do you wish?” His hand found the edge of her gown and his hand lifted it, exposing her legs.
Kate shook her head. “It’s nothing. I just-”
His hand slowly made its way up her calf to her thigh. Kate shifted and felt him harden beneath her. His hand continued its travels until it found the space between her thighs. His hand cupped its warmth and Kate felt a jolt of pleasure.
He lifted her off his lap and carried her to the chaise. “The door,” she gasped.
Stifling a groan of frustration, he stood and in three quick strides went and turned the key in the lock. He was back to her ina moment. He eased down next to her. Their two bodies close together. He pinned her legs with one strong thigh and hovered over her. He gazed at her. “I want you, Kate. So much so that it is making me crazy.”
She arched against him and felt the hard urgency of his desire. She reached down and at her touch, he gave a sharp intake of breath. “And I want you. But I fear only one night of pleasure will not be enough. I might want you to make love to me every night.”
He hesitated and shook his head. “I would not make a good husband or companion.” Andrew returned his hand to her thigh and pulled her against him.
A sharp bray of laughter from Lady Uxbridge sounded outside the library door. The thought of discovery by the nosy woman was a douse of cold water on their passion. Despite the locked door, her absence would be noticed.
“I must go,” Kate whispered.
“Tonight,” Andrew growled. “I can’t wait any longer to have you.”
A rap on the door and the rattle of the knob made Kate squeak. Fear of discovery fought with her desire. She couldn’t be discovered in such a compromising position. “It is too risky. After everything that transpired last night… you must go.”
Andrew glanced around. There was no other exit. “I shall simply hide in a corner.”
“Miss Avery. Are you in there? Mr. Scoville, do you have the key? I think I left my reticule in there. I’ve looked everywhere.” Lady Uxbridge’s shrill voice carried through the heavy oak door.
“Out the window,” Kate said as she pushed Andrew off of her.
Startled, Andrew hissed, “Are you mad?”
“You must do it, or I shall be ruined. She saw us in the hallway last night. The woman’s tongue runs faster than a river. My reputation will be in tatters if you are discovered here.”
Andrew frowned, but then smiled. “I shall leap out the window and save your honor on one condition.”
“Anything,” Kate whispered. “Just hurry.”
“You shall meet me in my bedchamber tonight.”
Kate felt a quiver of excitement mixed with fear. The doorknob rattled again. “Yes,” she hissed. “Now, go.” She pushed him toward the window.
Andrew dashed over to it, lifted the sash, and climbed out. As the door to the library opened, Kate thought she could hearhim whistling, but she was too busy straightening her skirts and pretending to have been asleep.
Chapter Seventeen
