He lay on his side, bending his elbow and using the side of his arm for a pillow as he gazed up at her and attempted to slow his breathing. She took a corner of the sheet and wiped her cheek and chin, her breasts and belly.
“I’m sorry. I ruined it.”
“Oh, no.” She smiled and curled herself up, facing him. “That was wonderful. That was the best— You were perfect.”
“The best what?”
“You know.”
He wanted her to say it. “No, I don’t.”
“It will go to your head. Fine. Amorous congress.”
It did go to his head. It went there and fizzed like champagne. It also went to his cock, and he felt the fatigued organ beginning to revive.
“I’ll be even better next time.”
“I’m sure you will be. You’re an excellent pupil. But look how I’ve mussed your hair.” Her fingers began to comb his hair. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into him and lay back. She put her head on his chest. He closed his eyes. Franny’s hand grazed his belly, his chest. She began to hum.
Was thatfa-la-la-la-la?
“I love you,” he said.
The humming stopped.
A giggle. “You’re supposed to say that in the heat of passion, Kit. Then I’ll know you don’t mean it.”
“I do mean it.”
Silence.
“Don’t worry. I don’t expect you to love me back. I just thought you should know . . . how lovable you are.”
She moved, her breasts nudging at him and he felt her lips brush against his.
“You’re very lovable, too.”
He kept his eyes closed and just tightened his arms around her and kissed her deeply.You’re the only woman for me.
Twelve days of Christmas and it wasn’t even Christmas Day yet. He had thirteen days to get her to fall in love with him.
And he had a teacher right here to tell him how to do it.
Fifteen
He woke to an empty bed and sunlight and was immediately flooded with an irrational panic.
Stop.
Franny could have gone back to her own bed. She could have risen early. Taken Bevel for a walk. Tried to make coffee on her own.
He hastily dressed and made his way to the kitchen.
Dear Darling Duke of My Heart:
Kit, you have done wonderfully well with your lessons. In fact, you’re done! Congratulations! Full marks!
I’m sure you’ve realized this is a farewell note. I’m a horrible coward and couldn’t tell you face-to-face because I know I would have cried!
