Page 15 of Lady Elizabeth's Winter Stranger
“I’m sorry.That’s tough at Christmas.”
Her lips tightened.“It would be tough whenever it arrived.”
“Can I help?”
“You have already.”She summoned up a smile.“I’m glad you came to my rescue.”
“So am I.”
For a long moment, she stared into silvery eyes that held a whole world of feeling.Warmth.Empathy.Interest.Interest that sharpened into sudden intent in the time it took him to blink.
Without rushing, he angled toward her and his hold around her shoulders firmed.In spite of his unmistakable desire, he remained tactful.He gave her time to pull away if she wanted to.She appreciated his consideration, but right now, she hungered for the touch of his lips.
Anyway, another, more thorough kiss had loomed ever since that unsatisfying peck before he’d rescued Cyril.It was as inevitable as tomorrow’s sunrise.
So Elizabeth tilted her head up and closed her eyes, as she leaned into that powerful chest.
On a hum of approval, he brushed his lips across hers.It was akin to the chaste kiss that he’d given her under the oak tree.Over in a second.The difference was that this time, the kiss asked a question.An inquiry as to whether she wanted more.
She did.
When he shifted away far too soon, a muffled murmur of frustration escaped her.Tom reached out to cradle the side of her face in one gloved hand.
Before his head descended once more, she had a chance to snatch a breath.At last his lips clung, summoning the most glorious sensations.When his mouth touched hers, her whole body dissolved into a puddle of delight.
He sucked gently at her upper lip and grazed his teeth against the lower one.A shiver of pleasure rippled through her.That delicious masculine scent overwhelmed her senses.A smoky trace of roast chestnuts flavored his kiss.Chestnuts and something that was all Tom.Heat pooled in the pit of her stomach, set up a restless swirl in her blood.
Elizabeth murmured encouragement as the pressure deepened.Wanting more, she slid one hand up his woolen greatcoat to clasp his shoulder.She moved her lips against his, pursing them to intensify the contact.
When he pulled away, she released a sigh of disappointment and opened her eyes.“Why did you stop?”
His lips, sleek from the contact with hers, curved in a smile that conveyed endless pleasure in her.“I don’t want to make assumptions.”
“You may assume that I want to kiss you.”
His gaze narrowed on her lips.“Then I’m blessed among men.”
His dry remark evoked a huff of amusement that faded against his lips.This time, he kissed her with more intent.Nibbling along the seam of her lips, using his tongue to tease the corners.When his teeth grazed her again, she gasped and his tongue slipped into her mouth on a foray that felt like another question.
Arousal stirred her blood and made her nestle closer.The second time his tongue slid between her lips, he lingered to luxuriate in her taste.
She took longer to come back to reality from that kiss.Her eyelids felt weighted down, as she slowly opened them and pulled away far enough to focus on his features.He, too, looked lost in wonder, as if during the last few minutes, the earth beneath them had moved on its axis.
“That was…nice,” she said.The scale of that understatement was farcical.“Nice” was a word one used for a tasty lunch or a sunny day.Tom’s kiss had shaken her world.
“It was indeed.”The corners of Tom’s lips deepened in amusement.“Can I do more to keep you from the cold, cold snow?”
She stiffened.“I don’t—”
Fondness braided his laugh in a way that made her pulses dance.“I know you aren’t committing to more than kisses.”He paused.“Anyway it’s too cold for seduction.”
Her brief spurt of fear drained away.“I don’t feel cold when you kiss me,” she admitted.
His eyes brightened as he stroked her hair.“Then it’s my Christian duty to kiss you again.”
This time, she laughed.“And it’s Christmas as well.”
“Yes, by all means, let’s blame Christmas.”
