He reached out to take my hand in his. “If it’s any consolation, I’ve worked with some very experienced actresses who struggled with these intimate scenes. It’s not unusual.”
I looked at him. He was so good looking and his lips so inviting. Then why was I still so averse to the notion of kissing him. I should be jumping at the chance.
“Come,” he said as he stood and urged me to do the same with the slight tug on my hand.
I stood up and faced him, my breathing short and shallow, my cheeks flaming hot.
We looked at one another for a tense moment, then he licked his lips.
“A short, slow kiss,” he said, then a teasing twinkle came to his eyes.“I promise...no tongue.”
He winked, leaving me uncertain what to expect.
I pressed a tight grin as he brought my hand to his lips. His other hand slithered around my waist to the small of my back, and he gently eased me closer to him.
“I thought you would be happy to see me,” he said as Henry Crawford.
“I’m neither happy nor sad,” I replied as Fanny.
“I have news that I believe will please you.”
“And what would that be?”
“I’ve spoken with some very influential people, and I think you’ll be very happy with what I’ve done.”
I looked at him expectantly.
“I’ve succeeded in securing a very impressive promotion for your brother.”
“For William?”I said. “You did this for William?”
“I did, indeed, and I do hope it pleases you as well.”
“I’m touched, truly I am. And I’m certain that William will be pleased to hear the news as well.”
He leaned closer. “It’s just my way,” he said in a quieter and husky voice, “of showing the affection I have for you.”
I froze. Fanny was the furthest thing from my mind. It was me. I was the one who was there.Darling, myself, with him, Ricky Stone.
He came in closer still, his eyes slightly hooded. And then his lips touched mine, so light. Just barely a feather touch that caused a thrilled shock to run through me.
He pulled back, and a strange sense of disappointment took over me. Was there not to be more?
“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?”he said.
“No,” I said, my voice a strange, unrecognizable croak.
“Think you might want to try it again?”
I shook my head as I slowly regained my senses...my common sense. “You’ve got it wrong. Henry kisses Fanny on the forehead first. It’s a very simple and pure kiss. Only later does he kiss her on the lips, a rather passionate kiss.”
“Like this.”With only those words as warning, he cupped my cheeks and came in for a more profound kiss.
Stunned, I froze under the warmth of his mouth. His lips toyed with mine, sucked slightly and beckoned me to respond.
And for a second, I did. I let myself get caught up with the embrace and kissed him back. But just as quickly, I pushed him away.
“That’s quite enough, Ricky. Quite enough, indeed. You’re getting far ahead of yourself.”
