Page 93 of Time To Learn

“Court me? That’s ridiculous,” I laugh. “Nobody says that, let alone does it, in this day andage.”

His lips turn up in a crooked smile.

“Well, then let me dateyou?”

I wet my lips as I wrap my arms around his neck, teasing the nape of his neck with my nails. The sound that rumbles from his chest is my new favourite sound in the whole world.

“Can I take today to think about it?” I ask, careful not to hurt his feelings.

He shrugs lightly as he brushes his mouth overmine.

“Sure, I’m good withthat.”

Touched that he’s so patient with me, I swallow the thickness in my throat.

“Thankyou.”

We kiss for a while, but then reality sets in, and, reluctantly, I push his shoulders. At the questioning look in his eyes, I give him an apologetic smile.

“Ailith,” I whisper.

His eyes warm as I say hername.

“Ailith.”

He gives me one final kiss and then turns away to lie on his stomach. I breathe as I take in his naked body, revelling in its beauty, before I toss the duvet to the side and leave thebed.

Quickly, keeping my back to him, I pick up my discarded nightgown and get dressed.

“While you’re thinking about us today,” Kristian says, “are you going to tell her aboutus?”

I close my eyes briefly before I turn to look at him. Surprised to see the shuttered look in his eyes, I shrug lightly.

“I’m not sure yet,” I hedge. “Though it’s probably best to keep it quiet for now—she’s not exactly used to me dating.”

Kristian pushes up straighter in bed and rests his head on his upturned palm. He nodsonce.

“You’re probably right.”

As I pick up my wellies, a heavy silence settles betweenus.

I twiddle my thumbs as I try to think of the right way to do this. What’s the protocol here? Do I kiss him goodbye? Or do I just smile and leave?

Gaaah, this is all so confusing.

Kristian decides forme.

“Sweetheart, come here,” he whispers.

As if I’m a puppet on a string, I pad softly towards him and sit down on thebed.

“Give me a kiss that’ll last until tonight,” he winks atme.

A small laugh escapes my lips at the hint of the dare in his voice, but then I lean down, curling my hand around hisneck.

Game. On.

Keeping my eyes open as I tilt my head, I watch as warmth and lust settle in his gaze. Once our lips touch, I push my tongue inside his mouth, sweeping it around from his gums to his teeth. Everywhere.