“Since it is the end of the season, we will take a short break for a few months. I plan to stay in the Lake District during that time.” He looked down into her face. “Does that please you?”
One of her perfectly shaped eyebrows rose. “Why would you wonder if it pleases me?”
He chuckled deep in his throat. “Well, I hope it does, because we will have more time to get to know one another. Is that not why you are here with me now?”
Her lips twitched as if she was trying to keep herself from smiling. “I think you are jumping to conclusions.”
“Maxey? Are you not interested in me?”
She shrugged. “I have not decided.”
The moon gave enough illumination to show him her amazing eyes. He moved in front of her, circling his arms around her slender waist, pulling her body against his. A gasp sprang from her throat, but she obeyed his gentle prompt and rested her hands on his chest.
“You mentioned earlier that life is too short. If I find something I enjoy, I, like you, want to savor the moment. You, my dear Maxey, are one of the pleasures I seek.”
“How can that be? You have only known me for a short time.”
“But I have sung to you for a whole week. I have memorized every line of your face.” He traced his fingertip along the side of her jaw. “And every curve of your delicate figure.” He dropped his hand to her shoulder and caressed it. “How can you say I don’t know you when, in my mind, I have already touched you? In my dreams, I have kissed your sweet lips and held you tightly as your uncontrolled breath brushed the skin on my neck.”
Her breathing grew faster, almost as if she was preparing to run. Oddly enough, she seemed more relaxed in his arms. Seduction was within his grasp.
He lowered his head and swept his lips across her cheek. “And I know you have been thinking of me. Why else would you come every night to see the opera? Why would you look at me the way you do with your fascinating, angelic eyes?”
Her eyes closed, and he nearly cheered aloud.Almost there.Brushing his lips across hers, he hesitated, teased, and prolonged the sweet pleasure—if only for a moment. But he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to kiss her.
Nash stifled a victorious groan as he settled his mouth over hers. When she turned her face and his lips grazed her skin, he realized his victory was short-lived.
“Oh, you are good.” She chuckled low.
He looked into her glowing red face and arched an eyebrow. “Pardon me?”
Her smile widened. “Yes, you are very good indeed.”
“I thank you for saying that, but I have not given you enough by which to judge me.”
“No, I refer to your attempt at seduction, not your kiss.” She withdrew from his embrace and walked to a potted plant near the edge of the patio, glancing over her shoulder. “Your words are perfect, your timing precise, and your teasing kiss could not have been better. But I decide when I will let a man take liberties, and now is not that time.”
This beautiful creature amazed him. No other woman was able to see through his charade. He inhaled deeply. What other things could she see in him? Perhaps he should be careful around her. His suspicions made him want her that much more.
Perhaps she was a temptress who came to put a spell over him. That could be the reason he felt this way.
In an attempt to set her at ease and lower her guard, he gave her his best charming smile. “I assume, then, you are an expert at being seduced?”
“No, but I saw through your performance, which is somewhat surprising, given how impressed I have been with your acting ability.”
Leaning against the waist-high rock wall separating the patios, he relaxed and folded his arms. “You think I jest?”
“You are not being honest with me.”
Her silver evening gown of shimmering silk fitted tightly, enhancing her generous curves. Rows of glittering beads adorned the bodice and long sleeves. The sophisticated ensemble made her eyes sparkle greater than before.
“Maxey, you have placed a spell over me, and I find myself waiting…no, anticipating the very moment I have you in my arms, passionately kissing you.”
After the words left his mouth, he was surprised to find they were not lies. This woman affected him differently than most, and it intrigued him. Could it be because he suspected her charade? He had never met a more adventurous and secretive woman.
In the sensually charged silence, her gaze traced his face and traveled down his body briefly before she met his eyes again. The corners of her lips lifted in a mocking grin.
“Why don’t I believe you?” she asked.
