Page 11 of A Wallflower's Christmas Wreath
She was no different.
Whenever he walked or rode into town, she had found herself at the window, hidden by shadows, watching him, admiring the view. That he had always looked in her cottage’s direction soothed the hurt she felt at his cut.
"I was not so very sad. How terrible do you think me now?" he said, letting out a self-deprecating laugh. "I did not love her. In fact, most of the time, I do not think I cared for her at all, but she would suit the title of viscountess and bear me children. How hollow and unfeeling I was."
"There is a woman out in the world for you, my lord, just as there is a man for me too, we merely have to find them."
He met her eyes, his attention dipping to her lips. "I do not like the idea of you marrying. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth."
Heidi swallowed, unwilling to be so honest and tell him the thought of him marrying Lady Emma had broken her heart.
She had lost her only friend in the process and possibly the only man she had ever wanted to fill the position of husband for her. Not that she could admit such a thing to him.
Nor could she ever.
For a moment, neither spoke before Matthew, with excruciating slowness, leaned toward her. He stopped just before his lips brushed hers, meeting her eyes. "I want to kiss you, Heidi. I've wanted to kiss you for so long. Please say you will allow me to," he asked her.
Her body longed to lean forward, close the space between them and kiss him back, but her mind halted her from doing so. Nerves fluttered in her stomach. If she did kiss him, she knew everything would change.
But is that a bad thing? Your life may change for the better, Heidi.
His hand cupped her jaw, and he moved closer still. Their breath mingled, and she could almost taste the brandy on his tongue. She had never kissed a man before, and trepidation thrummed through her.
What if she did not like it?
What if you do?
She closed the space between them, not bothering to answer with words, but actions instead, and kissed her long-lost best friend.
Her neighbor.
The lord of the manor, Viscount Levinstone.
And promptly lost herself in his arms.
Six
The first taste of Heidi was like a thousand gifts being bestowed upon him. Riches beyond his imagining, having her in his arms.
He deepened the kiss, needing to taste her, having wanted her in his arms for so many years.
Since he was a young boy on the cusp of adulthood, he had started to see Heidi in a new light. He had not been immune to her womanly curves that had formed overnight, her slim waist, long legs, and, not to forget, an ample bosom that was in perfect proportion to her body.
She was carefree about him. Her angelic smile, button nose, and large, blue eyes made watching her difficult. She was like an angel, gifted to the world, and him too.
He wasn't ashamed to remember the many nights he'd lain in bed, picturing this very kiss.
How had it taken them so many years to be here together? A waste, and one he was loath to repeat.
She clasped the lapels of his coat, inching close, and the kiss changed, morphed into something wild and hot. A kiss that spoke of years apart, of need and longing.
His head spun, and he reveled in the taste and feel of her. She was so passionate, met his kiss head-on, and mimicked his every move, making his body sing, and burn to have her.
"If you only knew how many times I've dreamed of this very moment," he confessed, kissing the sensitive skin beneath her ear. She shivered in his arms, tipping her head to one side.
"I've always wondered, too, Matthew," she whispered, gasping when he touched her lobe with his tongue. "What you would be like to kiss." Her hold on his lapels tightened. "I like what you're doing to me.”
Matthew reached for her, hoisting her onto his lap. Her hip settled against his ever-increasing manhood, and he did not try to hide how she made him feel.
