“Does it indeed? That is a revelation I was not expecting.” A grin slit his lips as he bit into the sandwich she handed him.
“Nor did it ever cross my mind until now. However, if it is indeed your land, then it will thrill your mother to know it is haunted.” She popped a slice of apple into her mouth. Sweet and tart, it was heaven on an empty stomach.
He shook his head. “You’re determined to encourage her in this nonsense.”
“You continue to doubt me.” She stole the bottle from him and took a long swig. The wine was smooth and full-bodied. “This has a very nice finish,” she said, gripping the neck.
“I take offense to that. I proved there was a secret cave leading down to the caverns. Therefore, your ghost story is just that, a story.” He brought a piece of apple to his mouth, amusement bright in his eyes as he chewed the fruit.
“It must be very boring living in a world with no imagination.” With the firelight casting the room in a warm glow, hearty food, and good company, she was relaxed for the first time since they’d begun their adventure to the coast.
Lazy eyes drifted to her mouth. “I have a very active imagination, Mrs. Adare.”
Her imagination was sparked by his blatant innuendo. Food was the least of her needs at that moment. She lifted the bottle once more, savoring the anticipation of what would surely happen. Both of them were in agreement, she could read it in his expression. “Do you indeed? You have yet to prove it to me.”
“Is that a challenge?” he asked, a second slice of apple poised at his lips.
“It is merely an observation.” She placed the rest of the sandwich back into the basket, her breasts heavy in anticipation.
He hefted the basket and placed it behind him, leaving room on the velvet for only them. “I have an observation I would like to share with you.”
The husky timbre of his voice echoed the need growing inside her. She met his intense regard. He leaned forward, and she mimicked his actions, need flaring bright. “Do tell.”
Langdon lifted his hand and brought it to the back of her neck, palming her nape. “I would rather show you.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Elizabeth waited, breath held, for his next move. Langdon lowered his eyes and caught her mouth. The first touch of his lips brought about a sense of wonder, the gentle persuasion of his mouth paying tribute to her own. She cupped his jaw, his skin was firm against her palm, the heat of his mouth drawing her deeper into the moment. There was no denying the power of his kiss. Each stroke of his lips was a light caress that deepened with intensity. She opened her mouth, tongue tracing the seam of his lips. Goosebumps raced across her body, her pulse screaming for more. He answered with a throaty moan from deep in his chest.
Strong arms pulled her across his body until she sat on his lap. Her chest swelled with need at his semi-aroused state prominent under her bottom. She remembered the feel of him inside her and couldn’t wait to repeat what happened in the carriage. He deepened the kiss, his tongue delving between her lips.
Weeks had gone by since their encounter in the carriage and the kiss they shared the night before had not been enough to sustain her. She arched her neck, her hand moving to his chest for support. Tonight belonged to them and she’d savor the precious hours. “I believe your waistcoat is damp. Perhaps you would be more comfortable if you removed it?”
“I believe I would be very comfortable if you removed your bodice.” Husky laughter met her comment. He plucked at the tapes of her bodice, his mouth skimming her fervent lips. “Or better yet, I shall remove it for you.”
She closed her eyes as the bodice fell, a rush of coolness touching her heated chest.
“That is the better plan.” She pushed the waistcoat off his shoulders, leaving him in the fine linen shirt. Harold and she had enjoyed sharing intimacies, but rarely had she seen him without his clothing. He had been a thin youth, where Langdon was a man and she was keen to see what lay beneath his fine suits. Shocking, yes, but she was not a virgin bride, but a woman with a woman’s needs.
Hot lips scorched a trail down her neck, his broad palm cupping her breast. She swallowed, the need rising greater with each gentle placement of his mouth against her skin. Being with Langdon was much more intense than her encounters with Harold. She arched into his touch, her nipples aching for contact. Every stroke of his hand enhanced her need. He pulled her to him and rolling her onto her back, settled his hips between her parted ones.
Knees raised, her pelvis was flush to his growing need. He continued his downward trend, tongue sweeping over her nipple. She slipped her fingers down his side and pulled up his shirt to expose soft skin over hard muscle. “I believe your shirt is in danger of ruin. You should remove it before it incurs further damage.”
“There are other items of clothing I am more concerned over.” Tongue gliding along her areola, he drew her nipple into his mouth. The sensations shot through her core. Her cunny pulsated with unfulfilled desire and her heart pounded in a steady beat of need.
