James helped her back onto the dickey, and she groaned. He got on the seat beside her.
“We both need a hot bath to ease our aches, and then I think a good rub down.”
He flicked the reins, and they started forward.
“My lord, only think of my reputation. If I go to this inn alone with you, I will be well and truly compromised. You would have to marry me.”
“Yes, Miss Talbot, I am well aware of that.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
If this be not love, it is madness,
And then it is pardonable.
–Love for Loveby William Congreve, 1695
RELAXED FROM THE BATHJames had ordered, Glynnis wrapped herself in her robe and waited while he took his turn. He’d left the room when she’d stripped off and settled in, but he’d returned to tease her with his eyes, and then with his mouth and hands.
They’d sloshed so much water onto the oilskin that had been placed under the bathtub, he would have very little water for his turn.
When she’d emerged, he had groaned before handing her a towel. Sitting on the end of the bed, she took down her hair, loosening the plaits then combing through them with her fingers.
And then she watched.
Having already removed his riding coat which held most of the road dust as well as his boots, he now stood in the everyday clothing of a gentleman. With his gaze fixed on hers, he stripped off, down to his breeches.
She swallowed, fascinated by his chest and flat nipples, eager to see her first view of a naked man, but also slightly apprehensive.
When he unfastened his breeches, he shook his head.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been anxious when undressing before a woman before. But I want you to like everything you see.”
“I understand.” For she felt the same way, hoping she met with his expectations. “I’m sure I will. Besides, I have nothing to compare you to except pictures in books and a statue of Napoleon as Mars.”
That made him laugh, easing the tension, before he slid his breeches down his long, lean legs.
