Page 16 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

“Very well.”

“I asked this of you before, but you neatly dodged the question. Why is a beautiful woman like yourself not married?”

She leaned her chin on her fist and responded, “Why is a handsome man like yourself not married?”

Lord Hawkins burst out laughing. “Touché, Miss Moore.”

He stood and held out his hand. “The sky looks a bit threatening out there.” He nodded in the direction of the window. “I think we have used up all our good luck. It appears we are about to be drenched.” He tugged her forward and, placing his arm around her waist, hurried her to the carriage waiting for them.

Heavy rain came down, and they were both wet by the time they climbed into the carriage. The driver snapped the reins to head the horses back to the estate.

Lizzie couldn’t help herself and began to giggle at the sight of the two of them. Water dripped from Lord Hawkins’s hair, running down his aristocratic nose.

She wiped the moisture from her cheeks with her palms. He grinned back and withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.

“Thank you.”

She began to wipe her face and glanced down at her bodice when Lord Hawkins’s eyes grew wide. The cold rain had plastered her gown against her body, making her chemise and the tips of her breasts visible. She gasped and tried to cover herself by crossing her arms.

“Here.” He shrugged out of his jacket, moved to sit next to her, and draped the garment around her shoulders. Instead of returning to his seat across from her, he continued to hold her. “You are shivering.”

Her heart thumped so loudly, he must have heard it. Her reaction to his nearness frightened her. His warmth, scent, and soft breath on her cheek wreaked havoc with her breathing.

She continued to shake, either from her emotions or the cold. Slowly, almost as if in a dream, his eyelids slid closed and he lowered his head, placing his warm lips on hers.

Chapter Seven

Hawk was convinced. Without a doubt. He had lost his mind. That was the only explanation for the enticing Miss Moore to be wrapped in his arms as he kissed her soft, plump lips…

He’d tried all afternoon to resist the rising desire to crush Lizzie against him and kiss her senseless. For hours, he’d fought to remember she was his cousin’s employee. It was not only difficult to keep that thought in his head, but impossible. The woman had the bearing, attitude, charm, and manners of a lady. Although there were ladies who were forced into seeking employment as a governess or companion, Lizzie had claimed otherwise.

She was no vicar’s daughter.

Something was off, and he intended to learn what. However, before he could question her further, he gave in to the desire he’d been holding in check almost since he’d first laid eyes on her.

Unbelievably, her body relaxed, and he took the opportunity to nudge her lips with his tongue. Either she understood what he wanted, or he took her by surprise. She opened, and he swept in, tasting the sweetness of her mouth, skimming his tongue over the most sensitive parts.

She made little squeaky sounds as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist and the other around her shoulders, so she was flush against him. Her lips were just as plump and warm as he’d hoped. He moved his mouth over hers, devouring the softness, nibbling on the plushness, then soothing with his tongue.

He slowly released her lips and drew his head back to study her. Her face was flushed, her eyes closed, the epitome of a woman experiencing passion. Slowly, her eyes opened and grew wide as she no doubt recalled where she was and whom she was with. She shoved his chest, and he released her. Lizzie scurried to sit across from him, her breath coming in gasps, her chest heaving. “My lord! That was totally inappropriate.” She scooted so far into the corner she was practically climbing out the window. “I am fully aware of your reputation as a rake, but I am not someone to toy with. I am your cousin’s employee.”

“I agree, Miss Moore. I am most apologetic.” He ran his hand down his face. “I never should have taken advantage of you, and that is precisely what I have done.” He might be apologizing and saying whatever was necessary to soothe her ruffled feathers, but he certainly did not regret his actions. It had been quite some time since a mere kiss had aroused him so.

“We will not speak of it again.” She smoothed out her skirts and looked out the window. Her face was still flushed, and her breathing had not returned to normal. He could only hope his erection would ease before he was forced to stand and walk her back into the house, since she still wore his jacket.

Whatever had he been thinking? Well, he hadn’t been thinking at all. At least not with any part of his body above his neck. He reached across the space separating them to touch her hand. She drew back as if burned, and he raised his hands. “As much as I want to, I will not kiss you again. I am merely gaining your attention to suggest you fix your hair.”

“You may gain my attention by addressing me.” She sniffed.

“Quite so.”

She smoothed her hair back, re-pinning loose strands, and adjusted her bonnet, all while avoiding his eyes. What a beauty she was! All righteous anger. If he were to stay at Wycliff’s house, he must keep his hands to himself and remember it was not done to seduce a staff member of one’s host.

Would that he had met her on a ballroom floor in London. Would she be so enticing? He’d grown quite bored with the usual ladies of the ton. Married and unmarried. He was ashamed to admit that after a while it had become hard to remember who was in bed with him, although he was certain had it been Miss Lizzie Moore, he would have no problem in that regard. The lady had him twisted in knots and was truly unforgettable.

The rain had continued to pour by the time the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the estate. The front door of the house opened, and the butler, Monroe, hurried out, holding an umbrella.

“You go first, Miss Moore. I have no need of the umbrella. I will make a run for it.”