He arched a brow. “Simply to avoid me.”
“Not necessarily, but if I find a riveting novel in the morning, I may be so engrossed when you call that I may not be at home to you.”
He was done with her teasing.
Seth set his cup and saucer on the table and came to his feet.
Frances’ eyes widened as she looked up at him. Did she fear she had pushed too far?
“Do you enjoy tormenting me, Franny?”
She bit her bottom lip, which was a true sign that she was trying not to smile.
“I believe you do.” He marched around the table and then took a seat next to her.
“Were you not comfortable on the other settee?” she asked innocently.
“I cannot convince you to be at home tomorrow from over there.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I cannot do this.” He then placed a finger under her chin and gently lifted it before placing his lips against hers.
Frances had no idea what had gotten into her, but she had enjoyed teasing Seth. Besides, she did not want him to think that she would eagerly be waiting whenever he called. She’d done that for ten years but she was not going to do so now.
Further, she did not want him to think she would fall so easily back into his arms or be taken advantage of again.
However, she had not expected him to end up kissing her.
Of course, Frances had no objection, but pulled away.
Seth frowned at her. “Should I have not kissed you?”
Oh, she adored the concern in his blue eyes. “Not while I am holding a cup of hot tea.” She then leaned forward and placed the cup and saucer on the table.
“I apologize,” Seth said right before he slid his hand behind her head and brought his lips to hers again.
Frances relaxed and sighed. Oh, she did enjoy being kissed by Seth.
It also did not take long before they grew more heated as he delved and she accepted. And even though she was sitting, Frances had to hold onto him as she grew dizzy. In fact, there was a moment that she felt as if she were falling and clutched onto his shoulders even tighter only to realize that she had been when her back connected with the pillows at the corner of the settee.
This was certainly not proper at all and she should object but could not find the will to do so.
When Seth took his lips from hers, Frances expected him to sit up and then assist her; instead, he trailed kisses along her jaw and down the side of her neck.
Goodness, he scorched her skin everywhere his lips touched. Who would have thought that lips on a neck could heat the blood in her veins and she turned her head to offer better access uncertain what else she should do.
He also didn’t stop at her neck but trailed kisses along her chest and just above her bodice as one hand came up and cupped her breast.
Frances couldn’t help but moan as she arched against his hand.
This was seduction and it was heavenly.
“Frances, are you in the parlor?” Bethany called from the stairs.
In an instant, Seth was sitting up then assisting her before he moved back to where he had originally been sitting and placed a napkin on his lap.
She could not understand why until she glanced down and smirked.
