Page 24 of Lady Elizabeth's Winter Stranger
His smile broadened.“You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?”
She couldn’t help smiling back at him.“I might have carried on like a hoyden today, but I don’t want you thinking that you needn’t make an effort.I do have choices other than marrying you, you know.”
Tom was back to looking at her as if she was the brightest star in the sky.She rather liked it.“Great-Aunt Agatha?”
“Caithness is beautiful in its brisk way.”
“Yes, gales and rain and heaving seas always make me feel the joys of spring.”
“Me, too.”
He edged closer.One hand slid around her waist.She was sure that he’d notice her shiver of pleasure.“Not to mention the hundred men who have already proposed.”
Papa and his big mouth.“A slight exaggeration.”
“Only a slight one, I’m sure,” he murmured, bending his head but not kissing her yet.
He teased her, the devil.“If you’re planning to kiss me, I’d do it now, or we’ll have an audience.”
Laughter turned those quirky, fascinating features brilliant.“You’re so fierce.”
“Do I frighten you?”she asked drily, sliding one hand over his shoulder.
“I’m absolutely bloomin’ terrified,” he whispered.
“Good,” she said, knowing that he didn’t mean it.She stretched up to close the distance between them just as he lowered his head the last fraction of an inch.
Their lips met with a sizzle that made her quiver with delight.Heat zapped through her, and her heart raced with excitement.She sighed and arched into his chest.Now that he wasn’t dressed for outdoors, she could get close to his body.She ached to get closer still.To dispense with clothing altogether.
By the time he raised his head, she was giddy and dazzled and breathless and eager for more.Her anger was forgotten.As she struggled to keep her balance, she caught his arms.Her attention focused on his face.Tom looked as overcome as she did.
She licked her lips, tasting him there.He groaned and briefly closed his eyes.“Don’t do that, or I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
Need extended between them, as tangible as a rope of gold.But then a burst of applause from the hall provided an unwelcome reminder that this was neither the time nor the place to succumb to their sensual impulses.
“I won’t call you Stanton,” she said.
The intensity faded from his expression.“That’s fine.”
“And I’m not making any commitments.”
“I understand that.I’m not proposing.”
That surprised her.“Ever?”
The teasing glint was back.“We’ll see.”
She couldn’t help laughing as she stepped away.“You’re a dreadful man.”
“The worst.”He caught her hand.“Now we ought to go and find Guy, who seems to have no concept of time at all.”
“I do love my brother.”
Tom laughed and reached out to tuck in a stray curl that the kiss must have dislodged.“The best of fellows indeed.”
“And the perfect chaperone.”
“Yes, we must employ his services again.I’d like to steal a few more kisses.”
