His thumb stroked the bare section of her wrist, just above her glove, making her shiver. Their gazes locked again.
“Are you interested in me, Miss Rare-Foure?”
She didn’t hesitate, not when faced with Charles Jeffrey Jeffcoat gazing into her eyes. Nor was she one to prevaricate. “Yes.”
He pulled her another inch or two closer and closed the space between them by scooting to the edge of his seat. In the next instant, he claimed her lips. Releasing her hands, he placed his upon her shoulders, holding her in place, while he cocked his head and fitted his mouth against hers.
His warm lips tasted faintly of strawberries and wine. His broad hands on her shoulders branded her through the fabric of her cloak and gown. His mouth covered hers, pressing gently but firmly.
She thought it would end as soon as it began, but it didn’t. To her delight, Charles began a slow examination of her lips, nibbling on her lower one, dropping kisses on the left corner, and then the right. Then she felt his tongue touch her upper lip, and she opened her mouth.
His body shifted closer, and she could feel his legs widen to encompass her skirts, his thighs pressing along the outside of hers.
When she gasped softly, unable to stop the trembling in her limbs and the flutter in her stomach, he slid his tongue inside her mouth.
With her lungs burning, she took a quick breath through her nose. A languorous kiss was, she decided, the perfect type of kiss once one got used to it. Then she could form no other coherent thought, aware only of how her body sizzled and her tongue wickedly stroked his in return, and how the man before her smelled divinely of rum and spice.
Heaven help her!
She heard the driver call to the horses just before the carriage stopped, continuing to rock for a few moments. Charles released her, not hastily, but gently, easing back and allowing her to do the same.
Oh my!
They stared at one another, both breathing heavily.
“I would like to ask you out again, Miss Rare-Foure.”
“I would like you to,” she responded, unable to keep herself from putting her gloved hand to her lips, which felt as if they were pulsing with heat.
“I also think we should have a chaperone in the future,” he added, watching her movements. “I believe now you can see why one is deemed necessary.”
She nodded, but she couldn’t help smiling. “Honestly, I’m glad we didn’t have one tonight.”
His mouth spread in a delightful grin, and his dimple appeared. “I must agree with you on that point.”
He tapped on the roof, and the next instant, the door opened and the footman pulled down the step. Charles climbed out first, then turned back to offer her his hand.
“Don’t forget the books.”
Scooping them up with her free hand, Charlotte alit from the carriage, landing on the pavement beside him, the length of her body swaying momentarily against his. She sighed.What a magical evening!
“You forgot to put up your hood,” he reminded her.
“Oh!” Charlotte started to fumble, since she didn’t have a free hand.
“Never mind,” he said, sounding half-exasperated, half-amused. “Let’s get you inside.” Lord Jeffcoat walked her to the door, which didn’t open at their approach. He looked surprised by such an insubordinate infraction, something she was certain never happened with his capable Mr. Phelps.
“Undoubtedly it’s unlocked,” Charlotte told him and tried the handle. Sure enough, the door pushed open.
The viscount frowned, his dark brows drawing together. “Will you lock it as soon as you enter?”
“I shall,” she promised. “Thank you for reading over the lease.” It was safely tucked in her bag, ready for her to sign.
“My pleasure. The entire evening was a pleasure, in fact, and I will not be remiss this time in sending you an invitation for another outing. That is, if you’re willing.”
“I am. That would be lovely. And thank you for the books. If I don’t fall asleep right away, I’ll start one tonight.”
He nodded, looking hesitant to leave her, and if they weren’t standing on her doorstep in plain view of the windows across the street, she could imagine rolling up onto the tips of her toes and planting a kiss on his attractive mouth.
