She closed her eyes as tingles spread over her skin. His mouth pressed harder, until his tongue slipped between her lips. She grasped his arms to hold herself up, her body feeling like melting ice cream when his tongue touched hers. Hesitantly, she tasted him, the punch he must have drank mixing with his own flavor. It was intoxicating. Anticipation built like a hot air balloon and as she breathed in his fresh scent, it floated her away.
His arms wrapped around her, pulling her flush against him, exactly where she wanted to be. His mouth on hers became more demanding, and she met his request with demands of her own. Lifting her arms around his neck, she grasped the hair at his nape, the silkiness adding to her senses.
She could feel his heartbeat against her chest and swore they matched. The heat she’d occasionally experienced with him seemed to rise higher and engulf her. This was passion, and she couldn’t get enough. She wanted to be closer, to feel more, taste more, touch more. A need started deep in her belly, demanding he satisfy it.
He growled deep in his throat, the vibrations sensitizing her mouth more before he pulled his lips away.
No! Out of breath, her knees weak, and her head light, she tried to calm herself.
He pressed his forehead to hers. “Jo, I didn’t mean…I mean, I did…I mean—”
“Shh.” She ran her hand along his cheek and through his hair. “I know what you mean.” She took in two more breaths before continuing, surprised she could even stand. Though she probably couldn’t without his help. “I think this is beyond our control.”
His lips quirked. “I think my ego protests your assessment, but I have no better explanation.”
She couldn’t respond, the view of his lips so close making it impossible to think.
“Joanna.” The whispering female voice coming from the terrace, had her snapping her head in that direction, but the fountain hid her from view.
James dropped his hands, but didn’t move.
“Joanna, are you still out here?” Mariel’s worry came through as she raised her voice a little.
“My sister.”
“Yes. She followed us out onto the terrace, which is why I brought you out here. I could not refrain from touching you.”
His words sent her heart racing all over again. She gave him a crooked smile. “She’s very good at protecting my reputation, when I get carried away.”
His brows raised. “Does this happen often?”
“This? No. Never. But I can become distracted from propriety on occasion.”
“Joanna, please tell me you’re still here.”
She grimaced, sorry for the worry she’d caused but not sorry for her actions. Glancing once more to James’ lips, she shook her head and took two steps back so she could see her sister. “I’m coming.” Turning, she hurried along the path they had taken.
Mariel raised her hand to her chest. “Oh, you gave me such a fright.” Her sister peered into the garden. “Is the duke still out here?”
As much as she hated to, she lied. “No, I think he went to the stable.” She hooked her arm in Mariel’s ready to return to the ballroom. “He said something about a new foal he wanted to check on.”
Mariel frowned, clearly not believing her. “After the way you two danced together, I’m surprised if the duke can think of anything but you.”
The way they danced? Surely no one else could feel what had seemed to occur between them. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Mariel resisted her tug on her arm. “Joanna, everyone could see it. There’s something special with you two. You danced as if you floated. It was as if you were of one mind.”
Split-aparts. “It’s probably because I taught him how to waltz, so he was used to me as a partner. Can we go inside now? I was warm before, but now I’m chilled.”
Her sister finally moved. “If anyone inquires, you and I were talking out here, and the duke went directly to the stables.”
She didn’t contradict Mariel since they had already entered the room, and more than a few pairs of eyes turned in their direction. That those same people continued to watch the doorway meant speculation was rife among them. Fudge, what had she been thinking? She led her sister straight to Lady Astor who stood with two other ladies of a similar age to forestall any untoward rumors.
The lady welcomed them with a smile. “Are you enjoying the ball?”
Joanna gestured to the vines seemingly growing around the half-column closest to them. “You have transformed this into such a beautiful garden.”
“I believe it’s a bit warmer in here though than the real one outside. I noticed you went out there with Lord Northwick. Do you know where he is?”
