Page 108 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

“What about you, love?” Her heart beat faster as he placed his hands on the bed beside her hips and leaned forward to kiss her stomach through her chemise.

“Are you aroused?” he asked, his warm breath filtering through the thin material.

“I-I think I am.”

A smile slowly spread across his face. “I think you are, too. Do you want to know how to tell with a lady?”

She hesitated briefly, but she was truly curious. She nodded once.

“Your skin is flushed, and you’re breathing harder,” he said as he slipped his hand high on her waist, stroking the underside of her breast with his thumb.

Her skin heated in his thumb’s path; her gaze locked with his nearly black one.

“And I can see your arousal here.” He cupped her breast, brushing his fingers across her nipple.

She closed her eyes, moaning softly.

“Do you like when I touch you here?”

“Yes,” she said, her voice airy.

He captured her hips and slowly dragged her to the edge of the bed. “Untie your chemise so I can see you better.”

She fumbled with the drawstring bow at her neckline, but he waited patiently. When it was loosened, she pushed the fabric aside. A flush spread from his chest to his neck, then his face.

“Beautiful,” he murmured and touched her again. She arched into his hand, reveling in this new pleasure. “Do you want to know another way to tell?”

She nodded, eager to learn more about her body.

When he pushed the hem of her chemise over her hips, she bit her bottom lip. He climbed on the bed beside her to link their fingers, his hand on top of hers. “Have you ever touched yourself, love?”

“No,” she said so softly that she wondered if she had truly spoken.

“May I show you?”

She turned toward him slightly to kiss him and whispered her consent. He slowly slid both of their hands between her thighs. Their fingers brushed soft curls and silky warm skin.

“You have a treasure, too.” He kissed her cheek and caressed a special place that made her gasp. “It’s smooth like a pearl. Do you feel it?”

“Yes,” she sighed as they stroked her lovely treasure and she sank into the mattress. Her breathing grew deeper, more ragged.

“I want to bring you to completion,” he said as he unlaced their fingers to prop up on his elbow.

She met his smoldering gaze and stroked herself again. Flames flared in his eyes. Smiling, she did it once more before surrendering.

He urged her to sit up so he could remove her chemise, then he stood at the edge of the bed to untie her stockings, slowly gliding them down her legs. When he pushed his trousers past his hips, they puddled on the floor. She wrapped her arms around his waist and placed a kiss to his chest. He hugged her, nuzzling her hair.

“Is this enough for tonight?” he asked softly.

She released him, tipping her head back. “I want it all.”

Groaning, he bent forward to capture her mouth, cradling her face. Urgency and desperation fueled his kisses, and she gripped his shoulders to pull him back on the bed. Instead, he grabbed her bottom and lifted her. She wrapped herself around him, wildly kissing him as he moved toward a small chest of drawers next to the bed.

He broke the kiss, laughing softly. “Keep that enthusiasm, love.”

After lowering her to the mattress, he opened the drawer and pulled out a dark green bottle sealed with a cork. He held it up. “Sweet almond oil from the apothecary. It’s supposed to ease any discomfort on the wedding night.”

He was the perfect husband, thoughtful and patient. She, however, wasn’t patient at all. Reclining on the pillow, she reached for him.