Page 33 of Kissed By a Scoundrel
Sebastian glanced at the door before stepping closer.
“I believe the duchess and Paula are most likely still on their walk,” she murmured.
He pulled her near and gently cupped her face. “Katie…” he began, his voice sounding husky and ragged. “Would you mind if I kissed you? You see, I just can’t seem to help myself—I’ve imagined myself kissing you so many times.”
No, I don’t mind at all. In fact, I desperately want you to kiss me, Sebastian.
For the first time, she noticed specks of green in his sable brown eyes. She marveled at the masculine beauty of his face. Marveled at everything about him. Most of all, she marveled at how he made her feel. Cherished. Protected. Since there had been no movement or sound outside the door, Katie assumed Millie might have dozed off.
Even if Millie is awake, I don’t care…
So strong was her yearning to be in his arms, it felt like a craving. She craved the heat of his touch—the touch she remembered from their waltz. But more than that she craved his lips on hers.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I would like?—”
Before she could finish speaking, Sebastian lowered his lips to hers.
Her heart pounded in her chest, and her knees felt so wobbly she feared they would buckle on her. But this was no dizzy spell from anxiety. She did not fear her reaction, she welcomed it. The heat of his hands on her back sent butterflies swirling in her stomach. Her eyes fluttered open and she noticed the beautiful, long dark eyelashes that fanned out beneath his eyes.
I want to know more about this wonderful man—this man who cares enough to give me fencing lessons because it is important to me. This man has made me feel safe and strong at the same time. I want to remember these moments with him forever. I want to see him like this in my dreams.
His tongue gave a gentle nudge to her lips, and she opened up to him as a flower does to the heat of the sun, savoring the feel of his tongue in her mouth and the heat of his breath on her face. She loved the taste of him. A woodsy taste mixed with lemonade. She sighed and pressed herself closer to him. His responding groan made her feel heady with a blossoming passion she’d never felt before.
She vaguely heard the sound of footsteps outside the ballroom. Sebastian pulled away, his breathing deep and heavy. His forehead touched hers. “Thank you for a most unforgettable kiss,” he whispered.
Katie blinked, feeling quite dazed. “You’re welcome.”
He chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. Stepping away he picked up their foils just as Millie stepped into the ballroom.
“Miss Latham,” Millie said from the doorway. “Luncheon is ready in the dining room. The dowager duchess and Miss Gowans are awaiting you and Lord Soren.”
“We’ll be there right away,” Katie said, doing her best to slow her racing heartbeat.
“Do you need my help, Miss Latham?” Millie asked.
“I’ll assist Miss Latham with her vest,” Sebastian volunteered. He had already slipped on his waistcoat and buttoned it.
“We will be directly behind you, Millie,” Katie said.
“Very good, milady,” Millie said with a bob and then turned to leave.
“I believe I have worked up quite an appetite,” Katie said as Sebastian helped her remove the vest.
Eyes sparkling, Sebastian smiled down at her. “As have I, Katie.”
Chapter Nine
Three Days Later
Katie stood in the middle of her bedchamber, still in her nightgown, holding her parasol. Pressing the button on the underside of the handle, she slid out the foil. It felt light in her hand. She moved her wrist and swirled the epee left and then right. She smiled, pleased with her progress. Over the past week, the foil had become more comfortable in her hand, and her anxiety had lessened. Now, when she stepped out of the dowager’s townhouse, she felt almost like her old self.
Or rather, my new self.
She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat as her thoughts turned to Wendel. She had loved Wendel but realized she no longer thought of him daily. For the first time in more than a year, she had begun to let go of the burden of pain and guilt that she’d carried on her shoulders. And wonder of wonders, she’d begun to envision a happy future for herself.
A different life than she had envisioned with Wendel.
Her love for Wendel had been warm and familiar. Wendel had been her best friend. They’d shared a lot in common, and they enjoyed spending together. Marriage to Wendel would have been good—a life of contentment.
