She moaned, her head falling back against his shoulder.
How he wanted to taste her. His erection jerked in his pantaloons at the thought, pressing into her lower back, and her head came up.
Before she could ask any questions, he pulled his hand from her dress, turned her in his arms and kissed her.
He stifled a groan at her sweet taste. But when she lifted her arms around his neck and explored his mouth with her tongue, he growled deep in his throat. Instead of scaring her, it seemed to excite her, and she pressed her body against his.
He forced himself to allow her to learn, holding himself back even as she took it upon herself to suck on his tongue. Despite his best intentions, one hand slipped beneath her dress to cup her bare arse cheek, the round softness of it fueling his desire.
They had to stop.
He didn’t want to.
Her hands rifled through his hair, holding his head captive, before she nibbled at his lips then placed kisses along his jaw, against his neck, and on his chest. If she moved to his own nipples, he’d be lost. Gently, he cupped her chin and tipped her head to gaze into eyes the color of bluebells. And how long had it been since they’d seen bluebells? The odd thought recalled him to his purpose. “I must leave now.”
Myriad emotions passed over her face, from disappointment to irritation to resignation. Yet, she gave him a crooked smile. “Afraid of me?”
He grinned. “Very afraid. You could easily lead me astray.”
She gave a soft chuckle. “Just call me Delilah.”
“No. You are and will always be Amelia, beautiful, talented, kind, and provocatively passionate.”
Heat rose in her cheeks. She lowered her head, but then looked up at him through her lashes and pushed him away. “Begone.” She waved her hand toward the door, her head rising in haughtiness. “I’m done with you, footman.” When she brought her hand down, her dress slipped, and she snatched it to her.
He laughed. “Would you like me to serve as maid before I go?”
“Please.” She turned her back to him, and he forced himself to tie her dress once more. When he finished, he stepped back quickly, fixing his own attire.
“Will you return tomorrow?” She stood with her hands clasped, giving him an enigmatic look.
She never asked when he would come again. “Doubtful, but soon, I hope. Most likely not before the Enderlys’ Christmastide Ball. I understand they open the seasonal festivities here in Bedford. Sunnydale Manor has been cleaned from the ground floor to the attic.”
“That’s still four days away.”
At her disappointed tone, his hope rose. Could she perhaps be feeling something for him now? “I know, but I doubt I’ll be able to slip out. Lady Garmoyle is my biggest concern and both Harewood and I are unsure of what she might do. She always finds a reason to be with one of us. Luckily, Lady Enderly asked for her assistance in choosing decorations and they went into the village today.”
“Of course. I understand. It’s just that I hoped…”
She turned away, moving to the window farthest from him and looking outside.
“You hoped what?”
Her shoulder came up in her usual shrug. “I just wished to start the next painting.” She turned to face him, a smile on her face, but not one that reached her eyes. “I’m sure you have many people to make happy while visiting. I won’t expect you until after the ball.”
She’d withdrawn from him and it bothered him, but there was little he could do about it now. Glancing behind her, he could see the day was waning and he hadn’t brought Leonardo, not wanting him to stand in the frigid cold for the entire day.
How had she gone from passionate to teasing to polite within minutes? Not seeing any way to reverse her mood, he wound his way back to the door and pulled the borrowed cloak from its hook.
“Don’t forget at the Enderlys’, we must appear to have no more than a passing acquaintance.”
Her distant tone and reminder chaffed at him, but he nodded in acknowledgement. “Until then.” Moving to the door, he reached for the handle.
“Andrew?”
At her use of his given name, he halted, and turned toward her. “Yes.”
She smiled. “Thank you. For everything today.”
