He grinned wickedly, his white teeth gleaming in the candlelight. “I would have made certain that you did.”
Still his lips remained out of reach, even as his hands spanned her waist, holding her in place.
She linked her hands around his neck. “And what is stopping you now, Adam? Must we walk down to the lake to accomplish all of this?”
“Nay.” His breath warmed her bare neck, making her tremble all over again. “But there is a question I must ask of you first.”
Her heart started beating so hard she feared it might burst from her chest. He gazed down into her eyes as if he had forgotten what he was about to say.
“Ask me,” she whispered.
Hope made her knees weaken, so when he took his hands from her waist, she all but sagged against him.
“Esme de Neville.” He took hold of both her hands, and she realized, for the first time, that he was trembling too. “With your father’s permission, I would like to ask for your hand in marriage.”
She blinked. “Youwould liketo ask?”
“I am asking.” He tightened his grip. “Marry me, Esme. Make me the happiest man in all the land. And I will spend the rest of my days endeavoring to deserve you.”
Joy bubbled up inside her, robbing her of all proper responses so that when she first opened her mouth, no sound came out.
“I will,” she managed, gasping for air.
Adam let out a whoop before clasping her to his chest and holding her tight.
“I hardly dare to believe it,” he whispered.
“I told you to dare to dream.” She smiled tremulously, feeling happy tears brimming in her eyes.
My father has consented to our match!
Naught could stop them marrying now.
“And that is precisely what I did.” He gazed down at her with so much love shining from his eyes that they hardly needed the light from the wall sconces. “My bright and beautiful Esme.”
Esme cleared her throat. “Adam, there is something that I must ask of you.”
He stilled. “Anything.”
She rose up on her tiptoes to close the distance between them. “Will you kiss me now?”
His answer was to bring his lips crashing down onto hers, plundering her mouth until all strength left her limbs and she clung to him as wave after wave of desire rippled through her. His hands stroked her spine and cradled her breasts, the thin material of her night rail providing little barrier between them. His kisses were hot, matching the spiraling heat rising through Esme’s body. She gasped as his hands cupped her buttocks, bringing her hips into close contact with the part of him that strained hard at his breeches.
“You should most probably leave,” he said raggedly.
“Is that what you want?” Esme was busy tugging at his shirt, desperate to run her hands over the warmth of his skin.
“It is the last thing that I want.” He lifted her hair from her neck and pressed his lips to that sensitive spot until she writhed against him.
“Then I shall stay.” She smiled in victory as his shirt finally came free and her palms could caress the curves of his muscular chest.
“If you stay, I cannot promise restraint.” His words were muffled against her neck.
Esme’s wandering hands came over his shoulders before trailing a path downwards. “Good,” she breathed.
With a groan, Adam lifted her up and laid her gently on his bed. “If you are sure?” He unclasped her cloak, and she sat up so he could pull it away.
“I have never been more sure of anything.”
