He leaned closer as his face moved to her neck. She held her breath as her heartbeat sped out of control. His fingers brushed away the ringlets resting on her shoulder, and his knuckles touched her neck. Pleasurable shivers ran through her, and she couldn’t stop them. She didn’t want to.
He inhaled deeply before very slowly pulling away. When his eyes met hers, she recognized the look of passion on his face. But whether it was because she was so tired or if it was because she really wanted him to kiss her, she didn’t know... as long as a kiss followed shortly.
“Your scent is unforgettable,” he whispered. “I smell you everywhere, it seems. Even in my dreams.”
Her mouth grew dry again, and she licked her lips. His gaze dropped to her mouth. She was breathing so heavily, she might just put herself to sleep. And yet, her body and mind were awakening, and she wanted to taste his sweet kiss one more time. But was she ready for it? Kissing Adrian would make her feel things she’d hoped to forget.
“Wha... what happened next?” she said in a shaky voice.
“What happens next?” The corner of his mouth stretched higher than the other. “Well, my love, I would think a kiss would be what would happen next. Don’t you?”
Oh, heavens!He was taking her words and twisting them again. “No, I mean, with your brother and the unknown person?”
“You think I should kiss the unknown person?” He laughed loudly and leaned closer. “My dear, that’s simply out of the question. Besides, I’d rather kiss you, Lyndsey. I’d rather have you constantly on my mind. It’s more pleasurable that way.”
“But what if... if...” She swallowed the cotton that had somehow formed in her throat. “What if your brother comes in? How do we explain it to him?”
His fingers moved to her forehead and then trailed across and down the side of her face, going further to her neck. She loved his touch but was worried that if she didn’t stop him now, she might never want him to stop.
“Tell me honestly, Lyndsey,” he said softly, “how do you feel about my brother? Are you still hoping he’ll propose?”
“I... I...”
“Do you love him, Lyndsey?” He moved his hand up, cupping the side of her face. “Because if you do, I’ll back away and not get between you and Collin.”
Her mind felt dizzy, but it was because he was forcing her to decide. Who did she really want? Could she admit to him that she’d never had feelings for Collin? And yet, if she told Adrian that, she’d have to confess that he was the man who’d been on her thoughts, even when she disliked him?
“You... would do that?” she asked.
He nodded. “Just tell me that you are in love with my brother and I’ll stop trying to win your affections.”
Her heart twisted. What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she tell him? Perhaps she was still afraid he’d break her heart.
THIRTEEN
Adrian saw the hesitationon her face, but she couldn’t possibly love Collin. When Lyndsey and his brother were together, Adrian had noticed that she was uncomfortable around him. Adrian knew her body language by now, and if she told him she loved Collin, he’d know it was untrue.
