Page 30 of Pursuing a Duke
“And that made you blush so deeply?” he teased.
Leaning very close so no one could hear, her lips touched his hair, and she inhaled his sandalwood scent and whispered, “No. That is only part of my thoughts. The other part was thinking you would look even better... without... clothing.”
His hand flew to his mouth as he smothered a choke, cough, or laughter—she couldn’t tell which. All she knew was that she had shocked him with her honesty.
Taking her hand in his, he hurried them out the double doors to the veranda and the gardens beyond until they reached a private area of the gardens surrounded by shrubbery and flowering plants. It gave the illusion of being in a magical forest. Facing each other, he had both her hands in his, his thumb stroking where her gloves met skin. The connection traveled throughout her entire body, and she found herself leaning forward and holding her breath.
“When you see me naked, I pray I don’t disappoint.” The green in his eyes had gone dark and intense with desire. And she couldn’t look away as the breath she had been holding escaped her lungs. “I have pictured you without clothes for the past ten years, and when I do finally get to gaze upon your luscious,naked body...” His voice cut off for a moment. “I will be the most fortunate man alive...” His voice cracked, and she could see him struggling with emotions. “I will treat your body with reverence. Worshiping it and licking every single inch of your skin. When I finish, I will know your body better than you or anyone else.”
His words had her heart pounding and heat flaring between her legs. There wasn’t a speck of her body that didn’t tremble in anticipation of his words. Desire awoke deep inside her belly, craving his touch. “Come to my room tonight,” she said before she lost her nerve.
One masculine brow rose in silent question to her statement. “I will do my best not to be seen, but even the best-laid plans can go wrong. If I’m seen, people will talk and gossip.”
Her stomach did a silent tumble at the idea of people gossiping about her. But if she was being truthful with herself, she knew it was time to throw caution to the wind and live again, whatever the cost.
“I have lived my entire life cautiously and it is time I took control and did what I want to do.” She cupped his closely shaved cheeks with her hands. “I am no debutante or blushing bride. I know firsthand the pleasure two people can experience when their bodies come together, and I want that with you.” Rising on tiptoes, her lips brushed his briefly. “I want the ethereal connection that comes when two bodies, two souls come together in magical bliss.” She kissed him deeper. “I want you to take me to the place where lovers go to experience the fulfillment of the flesh.” Her lips took his again. His tongue joined with hers, and he made love to her mouth. She experienced his desire, his need, his want. Everything he craved was gathered up in that kiss. The connection of their mouths, tongue and lips told her everything she needed to know. Andrewwanted her as much as she wanted him. Words were obsolete. His actions proved everything.
Breaking the kiss, Andrew placed his forehead against hers and groaned. “I don’t know if I can wait.”
Feeling bold, she grazed her hand across his groin, finding his manhood straining against his breeches, and she swallowed down a moan. “I’m just as ready.”
He stood back, his eyes wide as he ran his hands down his face. “Don’t say things like that. I’m barely holding on.”
Teasing, she batted her lashes again. “I know. My hand found the truth. I can’t wait to take it into...”
“Blackstone,” Caldwell’s voice rang out through the quiet garden, cooling Emmeline’s body instantaneously. “The dinner gong rang ten minutes ago. People are wondering where you two have gone.”
“We are here,” Andrew said as they hurried down the garden pathway, approached the veranda and faced Caldwell.
His eyes took them in, and he grinned. “No one is looking for you. I lied. But still, dinner is served.”
Andrew shoved Caldwell in the shoulder. “Don’t do that again.”
Emmeline inhaled and exhaled. The panic she’d felt at Caldwell’s words evaporated. He hadn’t changed at all in the past six years. He had teased her and Aiden relentlessly when they would sneak off for private moments. It appeared he was going to do the same with her and Andrew. Not that she minded, as it brought back good memories of her and Aiden.
Her heart stopped. Perhaps being reminded of memories of her and Aiden when she was with Andrew wasn’t a good thing.
Dinner was an informal affair served from a buffet where guests could eat as they pleased. The games and charades began while Emmeline and Andrew were still picking at their plates, so they passed on charades and sat down to play backgammon.They played several games with Andrew winning them all. Emmeline’s mind had been playing around with what she hoped would happen tonight with Andrew. Her body had as well. Her nerves hummed and her skin tingled, making her want to strip off her clothing and rub her naked body against Andrew’s equally naked body to ease the sensation. All that stimulation made it impossible to concentrate on backgammon, making it easy for her to lose.
“One more game?” Andrew asked with a lopsided grin. “I know a proper gentleman shouldn’t take pleasure in beating a lady at a parlor game, but I’m not feeling very proper tonight.”
Her cheeks warmed at his insinuation. “No. Let’s sit here and watch the guests make fools of themselves playing charades.” So that’s what they did. They watched charades, laughing at the antics of the other guests. As the games began to wind down, Emmeline retired with a promise from Andrew that he would visit her around midnight.
*
Sitting up inbed, the hour close to midnight, Emmeline’s body trembled with nerves. When would Andrew come? Would he come? When she’d retired to her room an hour ago, several people were still gathered in the game room playing cards and chess. Perhaps he could not get to her room without being seen. Eyes heavy, she closed them for just a moment, and the next thing she knew, the bed was dipping. When she opened her eyes, it was to see the handsome face of Andrew illuminated by the one candle she’d left lit on the bedside table.
“I’m sorry to be so late. Several young bucks didn’t see fit to retire tonight. I fear large quantities of drink and coin passed hands during their game of whist.” He kissed her lips. “I gave upand left them to their own devices. They will no doubt be there in the morning having fallen asleep due to their overindulgence.”
“Do you always worry about others?”
“I do when it comes to gambling. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did. Gambling is all fun and games until someone bets their future away. I was lucky. Others are not.” He kissed her again. “But enough of that.”
He rose from the bed. His eyes were in shadow, but she could still tell he was unwaveringly staring at her as he began to undress. His coat first. Then his waistcoat. Next came his cravat, and then he slipped his linen shirt over her head, and her mouth watered at the sight of his well-defined chest, arms, and abdomen. He sat on the bed to remove his shoes and stockings. Dressed only in his breeches, he peeled the covers back, exposing her in her sheer, pale-blue night rail. She’d worn it just for him. She had packed it in the hope that this would happen.
His eyes traveled from her loose hair draped across her pillow to her toes peeking out the bottom of her night rail, and she shivered in her awareness of him. He hadn’t even touched her, and she was ready for anything he wanted to do to her.
He scrubbed his hand down his face. “You are... so beautiful. I’ve pictured you this way many times in my head, but reality far surpasses anything my imagination envisioned.”
