“Someday, I will be.” Henry notched his chin. "For now I am relegated to the pony."
"I learned on a pony, too." Alex gave him a smile. "Someday you will ride a great stallion."
Daphne shooed Henry, waving her hands toward the Chesterfield’s house. “Run along now. Your aunt will soon be waiting.”
“Very well, Mama.” Henry turned and raced away.
Daphne watched him as he grew smaller and smaller against the horizon until, at last, he faded from view. She stepped from the water onto the warm, plush grass. "I suppose you want your kiss now?"
"No." He shook his head.
Much to her dismay, her heart tumbled at his simple reply. She could not deny she had come to enjoy his kisses and wanted more—even if only a few. Absolutely only a few for she needed to stop wasting time with him and start looking for a husband, but she did not want to ponder that now. She want to reach out and grab passion with both hands. Indulge herself with the handsome rogue who had stormed into her life.
Instead, she turned questioning eyes on him. “What do you mean, no?”
He took her elbow and led her away from the creek. “For now, I would like to sit and talk. Later, I want your kiss.”
She shook her head, grinning. “I should have known. Not that you wanted to talk, but that you would wish to collect your due.” Flames fanned her cheeks, though why she should be embarrassed was beyond her. She’d already kissed him twice, and was quite certain they had both enjoyed the last one.
He took her hand and pointed to a large, knotted oak tree with thick roots that extended into the grass. He pulled her closer, and they both lowered themselves onto the dense carpet of grass. He rested on his elbows, his legs slightly crossed at the ankles as he stretched out.
She couldn't look away from him, admiring the contours of his chest and strong shoulders while her gaze followed the tantalizing line of his thighs.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked, his tone sensual and teasing.
Unabashed, she gave a saucy smile, and said, “Quite.”
His eyes changed from a bright emerald to a sultry forest green as he held her gaze. An unspoken invitation hung between them as he waited for her to act.
She leaned in closer, her lips seeking his with an eagerness that made everything else fade away. Her arms curled around his neck as their kiss deepened, sending a fiery rush of heat coursing through her veins and bringing her entire body alive.
Daphne pulled back and he groaned causing her blood to grow hotter. “Hands,” was all she could utter before her lips found his again. Desperation driving her, she trailed her own over his waistcoat and up to his neck.
“Alex, touch me,” she demanded once more, craving his hands on her body. She no longer wanted a tame kiss. No longer cared about guarding her reputation. Not in this moment when everything seemed so perfect. She only wanted him, only cared about sharing this moment with Alex. Consequences be damned.
He drew her close, and she felt the warmth of his body, the solidity of his arm around her as he rolled them onto their sides. Their eyes met, and Daphne felt a thrill run through her as their lips moved hungrily against one another’s. She shifted so that one leg rested over his thigh and in response she felt him urge her closer to him. Her skin tingled beneath his caresses; for the first time in years, every nerve was alive with pleasure.
She was caught up in an undeniable wave of passion. Something deep within her stirred and an irresistible urge to surrender to the moment consumed her.
He made her feel, and in turn made her realize how much of life she had been missing. Losing track of time, she suddenly remembered where they were: in the middle of the lawn, with the sun sinking lower and no one else around.
Daphne glanced away as she came to her senses. “I should go.”
He nodded, his touch gentle as he brushed the hair away from her face.
Eight
Daphne's stomach tightened as she stepped into the ballroom. She had spent the previous two days doing her best to stay away from Alex and Almerry Castle. She had come dangerously close to giving in to his charms at their last meeting, and knew she couldn't trust herself if they were alone again. Her feelings for him were growing deeper than mere physical attraction. It wasn't just about wanting his touch, it was about yearning for his companionship as well.
His roguish charm and gentle demeanor clouded her judgment, and it wasn’t just physical desire that drove her toward him. It was his kind eyes and ever present smile. The way he was with Henry - playful and kind and full of laughter.
Daphne sighed. She wished more fervently than ever that Alex could be someone different, someone other than the rogue she knew him to be. A marriage minded gentleman who desired a wife and children.
Since coming to know him better the distasteful part of him, the devil may care rogue, had been overshadowed by the man who played with her son. The man who listened when she spoke and laughed along side them. The one who worked with his hands and cared for his family.
Heaven’s, she had grown to see him as an honorable, kindhearted man. The sort she could easily give her heart to. She could not allow that. Would not. And therefore, she had avoided him.
As Daphne scanned the crowded ballroom, her eyes locked with Alex's. He had been watching her for some time but had not made a move to speak with her.
