He shook his head. “There you go again, talking all educated. Especially for apoor relation.” Leaning over, he propped himself up on his elbow. “Sometimes I feel that things are uncomplicated between us because of the way we get along so well, almost like one friend to another. Then you turn completely around and start acting like a well-bred woman, which makes me feel differently about you.”
He was entirely too close, and feeling his warm breath against her face turned her insides to mush. His eyes were the dark brown she loved gazing into, and at this moment, she never wanted to look away. He appeared so relaxed as he met her stare. His expression was so very tender, and she melted the longer she gazed at him. “Howdoyou feel when I’m acting like a well-bred lady?”
A lazy grin touched his mouth. “I feel the same way I did that first night after we met.”
Her heart hammered quicker. “That night when… you kissed me?”
His eyes slowly traced her face before coming to rest on her lips. “Yes.”
She swallowed hard. “Why would you feel like that about a lady’s companion?”
He grinned. “Because sometimes you can be so desirable, and all I want to do is take you in my arms and kiss you.”
Tightness consumed her chest, making it hard to breathe, yet her breast rose and fell so quickly, testifying that she was breathing just fine. She didn’t know what to say. Maybe she didn’t want to say anything.
His attention moved over her face and came to rest on her mouth. Perhaps she should let him kiss her. Yet her mind argued that they were on a bed and the situation was very improper. The longer she studied his lips, so full and inviting, the more she could actually feel herself being lured into temptation, and right now, she almost didn’t care if they were in their nightclothes and on a bed.
“You… wouldn’t… dare,” she whispered, then wondered why she’d said that. Was she trying to goad him into doing it?
Chapter Eleven
Broderick’s grin widenedand his eyes sparkled. “I wouldn’t dare?” He moved his head closer to hers as he took a lock of her hair and caressed it. “Are you certain of that?”
Emmie sank into the bed, but his face continued closing in. Did she really want him to kiss her? Heaven help her, yes, she did!
She closed her eyes just as his mouth touched hers. His lips were so soft this time, and she wasn’t prepared for the jolt of passion shooting through her. She wasn’t going to fight him, especially when he moved his upper body and lay across hers, pinning her down.
He slid his hand around her head and brought her face closer as he continued with the astonishing kiss. Pleasure filled her. She had been kissed a few times by other men, but they had always disgusted her. Not Broderick. He was completely different.
She relaxed and released the blanket she’d been clutching, sliding her hands up his broad shoulders to his neck. She stroked his rippling muscles and marveled again over how well he was put together. He was such a strong man, yet lying on top of her he was very gentle, and she wasn’t frightened in the least.
“Oh, Emiline,” he mumbled against her lips. “You are so adorable.”
She held on to him as she met his urgent kisses, loving the heady sensations building inside her. She loved the way he stroked her neck, moving his fingers to the neckline of her nightshirt as he toyed with the embroidered collar. Heat flowed through her faster, and she yearned for more. This new feeling was so exhilarating, so pleasurable, that she didn’t want to stop. Ever.
But she had to. This was improper, and she shouldn’t even be with him on the bed. They were wearing their nightclothes, for heaven’s sake. Her father would certainly have Broderick’s head on a platter for this stunt, and probably hers as well.
Before she could pull away, there was a knock at the door.
“I brought your meal up.”
Georgia!How could Emmie have forgotten about her?
She and Broderick pulled away at the same time, staring at each other in silent communication. His hot breath fanned her face, and she knew her heavy breathing matched his perfectly. He gave her a sly smile then quickly moved off her and slid underneath the covers.
“You can come in, Georgia,” he called out.
Emmie hoped she didn’t look as ravished and confused as she felt. Hopefully, Georgia wouldn’t mention it if she did notice.
The older woman brought in a tray of food and took it right over to the bed, setting it down on top of the quilt. It was an assortment of meats and cheeses, and even some fruits and bread.
“This looks wonderful,” Broderick said. “God certainly blessed us by leading us to your doorstep.”
Georgia’s cheeks turned pink. “I’m the one who is blessed. Do you know how long it has been since I have had any real company? My children and their families don’t visit me enough, and I rarely get out and visit with my neighbors. My body is just not what it used to be.” She patted her hips gently.
“Then we are happy that you are happy,” he told her.
Georgia turned her gaze to Emmie in a slow inspection. She prayed the older woman couldn’t see the passion still lurking inside her. Slowly, she pulled the blankets up to her neck.
