Chapter Eight
JONATHAN WAS SURE THAThe’d never tasted anything as sweet as Fanny as his mouth moved over hers. He had denied himself of her for too long. While in London, he had kept his liaisons temporary to ensure nothing ever went further than the bedchamber. But he was starting to find that Fanny was different from the rest, and curiously... refreshing.
When he’d sat in Elliot’s study the day before, sipping on a brandy, he realized that no one had ever challenged him like Miss Grouseman.
As he reluctantly pulled back from her now, those dark eyes slowly opened on a swirling mix of desire and pleasure. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to keep her in his arms.
Perhaps forever.
It was a sentiment that was completely foreign to him, and one that was particularly disturbing. He should be retaining his distance, and yet he hadn’t liked the sight of that revenue officer’s hands on her either. Not. One. Bit.
Until he could figure out what it was he wanted, for now, he was content to look into that lovely face. He tucked a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear with a gentle smile. “You didn’t show up for your dance lesson today.”
She colored adorably. “I wasn’t sure if I would be... welcome.”
“I think I just proved that you are.” He crooked his arm to her. “Shall we resume?”
Fanny hesitated before she accepted his offering. “I shouldn’t wish to detain you if you were heading somewhere.”
His grin widened. “The reason is already here.”
The blush that had touched her cheeks blossomed, causing his chest to constrict with something foreign, something rather... pleasant.
Without a word, he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her onto his saddle before he climbed on behind her. He heard her gasp lightly as his arms encircled her waist to grab the reins. Feeling entirely too wicked, he allowed his forearm to brush the side of her breast. He was rewarded with a sharp inhale.
“Are you ready, Miss Grouseman?”I certainly am.
“Erm... yes.”
He closed his eyes to relish the scent of her, a mixture of lilacs and a fresh spring day, before he whispered in her ear, “Then just relax, and hold on.”
A small shiver rippled through her as he urged his mount to walk onward.
***
FANNY COULDN’T IMAGINEhow any lady could possibly relax with a strong, handsome gentleman’s arms around her. And this wasn’t just any gentleman. This wasJonathan.
She tried to concentrate on her breathing, but when his arm had brushed against her breast, a spark of awareness shot through her, causing her lungs to freeze. She had the feeling that it hadn’t been an accident. Even worse, she wanted it to happenagain.
