She turned toward him and as their lips met, he traced a small circle on that one delicate spot.
Elise moved closer. Her kiss became bolder.
He didn’t want to pressure her or cause her to experience any regret. He wanted her to enjoy what they were doing. To want it as much as he did.
Kit was also aware that Elise was a virgin. He needed to think of her pleasure above all else.
He slid his fingers along those delicate folds, and to where he wanted her to open up to him.
Her arms came around his shoulders.
He broke the kiss. Their gazes met. That small worry line had appeared between her brows. He kissed it. She seemed to relax and his fingers slid inside her.
Deep muscles tightened around him. He didn’t know who was more excited. “Is this all right?” he asked.
Elise nodded. She released her breath as if she’d just realized she’d held it. He touched her intimately, teaching her what she needed to know. Her gaze never wavered from his. Her trust was a gift.
Her hips began moving. She stopped as if she should be still. He kissed her shoulder and brushed his lips across her breasts. “It is all right. Let yourself feel.”
Her expression turned dreamy. She nuzzled his hair. He brought his attention back to her lips and this time, he let his tongue mimic the movement of his fingers.
Her skin grew flushed. Her arms tightened their hold. “Kit?”
He found her ear, nipped the curve of it. “I’m right here. It is all good, so very, very good.”
And it was.
He’d never given to a woman this way before. He’d always taken. But this was better. Her enjoyment created his.
Her knees bent. Her whole body quivered. The tension of her, the way it broke, he could feel the depth of her release, and see the beauty of it in the dazed expression of her eyes.
For a long time, they stayed in each other’s arms.
“Thank you.” Her voice was so hushed, he could have imagined the words.
She pushed up. She looked enticingly wanton. Her skirts were almost to her waist. The bodice of her dress was pushed down below her breasts.
It was the early evening, right as the moon was beginning its rise. A full moon.
“I hadn’t imagined it would be so—” She broke off as if words failed her. Her nakedness didn’t bother her. She had no self-consciousness.
Kit smiled and traced the smooth skin of her cheek. “You are a miracle.”
She smiled as if both pleased and embarrassed. “Why do you say that?”
“Because,” he said, half sitting up, “you make me happy.”
Her eyes lit up. “That is how I feel with you.” She came up on her knees and pushed her hair back. She pressed a hand against her lower abdomen. “This is so strange. My body is still humming.” And then she said, “But that is not all there is?”
“Elise, we’d best not go that far.” That was the hardest statement he’d ever had to make.
“Kit, I’m a country girl.” She leaned toward him. Her hand brushed the length of his erection pushing against his breeches. “I know what should happen between a man and woman.”
At her words, his whole body went on alert. God help him, he had unleashed a siren.
“Elise, I would not hurt you. You have a reputation to protect.”
“For what? Some old duke?” She looked into his eyes. “Can’t you tell that I love you? I love you in a way I’ve never imagined a person could feel for another—”
