“Thank you.” She put her hand on his arm, and he smiled again.
“Do you want to take a walk through the gardens?”
“I think I’ll rest for a few hours. The ship has tired me.”
“Of course.” He waited for the footman to drop her luggage and leave. “If you need me, don’t hesitate to tell me. Grandmama can instruct the housekeeper if you want to rest.” He leant closer and whispered, “I believe she enjoys giving orders.”
She acted on impulse. Maybe because his kindness reached her heart and stayed there. Or maybe because she was tired of being sad. She rose on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. His eyes widened as he remained frozen. Shock? Surprise? Kissing him had seemed natural.
She stepped back from him. “Was I too bold?”
“Too perfect.” His thick eyelashes fluttered.
She trailed her fingers over the scar. “Then I’ll kiss you more often.” She kissed him again, this time lingering.
He held her up by taking her waist and pressed his mouth against hers. They parted their lips at the same time. She darted the tip of her tongue out, stroking his lips, and he shuddered, his chest rising.
His fingers gripped her waist more tightly, and she put her hands on his chest, wanting to be closer to him. The fatigue that had never left in the past weeks vanished as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. She expected him to be rowdy or dominating. Instead, he gently stroked her tongue with his, never pushing her for more.
The kiss was gentle and powerful, as he was. When he inched back, she was dizzy with tenderness and desire. Why hadn’t she kissed him before?
“I’ll see you later.” He kissed her forehead before letting her go.
His fingers trailed over her waist, leaving behind a tingling path on her sensitive skin.
