Page 28 of Lady Elizabeth's Winter Stranger
“No,” she said.
“You don’t sound very sure.”
She placed one hand on his chest, feeling the gallop of his heart under her palm.He gave the impression of control, but that frantic heartbeat told her how desperate he was.“I’ve just never…”
“I know.”He kissed her again.“It’s my privilege to introduce you to all the wondrous things your body can do.”
Her hands curled against his chest, feeling the pleasurable tickle of hair.“You’re still dressed.”
“It reminds me to take my time.”His lips turned down.“It’s your first encounter with a man, and I believe that can be uncomfortable.”
Tom was being considerate.This time, the warmth that filled her had nothing to do with passion.She’d noticed his essential kindness from the first.It was one of the reasons why she’d fallen in love with him.“Mamma said it might hurt.”
“I never want to hurt you, Elizabeth.”
She smiled at him with all the love in her heart and laid her hand on his cheek.“It will be all right.”
He smiled back.“I’m supposed to be reassuring you.”
With a soft laugh, she moved her hand in a caress.“Do you know what always reassures me?”
“Your cook’s ginger snaps?”
Her laugh this time held a note of surprise.“You noticed how much I like them.”
Tom rolled his eyes.“How could I not?”
“They’re very good.”
“They are.As I remarked on the single occasion when you let me have one.”
“I am rather greedy.”
“A man wants a wife with an appetite.”
“We’re not talking about biscuits anymore, are we?”
“No, but you’ll be pleased to know after much begging and flattery, I’ve managed to pry the recipe from Mrs.Dawkins’s hands.”
Her eyes rounded.“Goodness, it must have been a lot of flattery.That recipe is a family secret.”
“I couldn’t have you pining away in Dorset, longing for your days of maidenhood when you enjoyed endless plates of ginger snaps.”
She curved up and kissed him with a deep gratitude that soon edged into desire.“I love you so much, Tom.”
It was charming that her declaration took him aback.“Is that because of the biscuits?I can try and get her pigeon pie recipe, too, if you like.”
“No, she’s going to the grave with that one.I love you because you’re the most wonderful man in the world.”
More charming self-deprecation.“Perhaps not in the world.”
“The world,” she declared and reached down to pluck at the waistband of his breeches.“I think it’s time you gave up your modesty, my lord.”
Through the teasing conversation, she’d remained achingly aware of the hard masculine flesh straining against his breeches.She was curious and eager, and ready to take the next step on their journey into married life.
“In a minute.What reassures you?You didn’t say.”
Her smile reappeared.“Your kisses.Right from the first.”
