Page 52 of Tempting a Gentleman
Pushing at Christopher’s shoulders, Emma said, “Ye’ve got to leave. Me dad will be here soon.”
“I’ll stay with you until he arrives.”
“No, ye will not. Now off with ye.” Contrary to her words, Emma tilted her head as he lightly grazed the base of her neck with his teeth.
Christopher kissed his way up to her ear. “He won’t be pleased to know I’ve remained the night.”
“I’ll… I’ll handle him.” She moaned as he took her earlobe between his lips.
Releasing her, he whispered, “What if I want to?”
“Owya. To be wed to a barrister.” She shoved him back until they were eye to eye. “Are ye always goin’ to argue with me?”
Christopher gave her a brief kiss and said, “Not always.”
He slid from the bed and returned with a pink day dress. Hauled to her feet, she had no choice but to drop the coverlet to dress. Christopher's hands immediately went to her hips, bringing her an inch closer. His warm breath brushed over her breasts, pebbling her nipples. She wanted him to trail kisses over her chest like he had before. Her husband-to-be bent his head, took her nipple into his mouth, and suckled.
“Are ye trying to get killed?” She moaned her delight but kept her hands clenched at her sides. She looked at the faint stream of sunlight peeking through the curtains. “Me dad will be on his way.”
With one last swirl of his tongue, Christopher straightened and placed a chaste kiss upon her forehead. “Promise you’ll wait up for me after the ball.”
Grabbing the dress from his hands, Emma nodded. “Ye better not make me wait long.” Forgoing her stays, she leaned forward, brushing the tips of her nipples across his bare skin as she turned around and pulled the dress over her head. With her back to him, she slightly bent at the hips to shake out her skirts. Her bum brushed up against his erect manhood. Christopher sucked in a breath. But instead of reaching around to fondle her breasts like Emma wished he’d do, Christopher did the gentlemanly thing and helped her with the buttons at the back of her dress. It was nice to have help and not pull a muscle twisting and turning about. “Are ye nearly done?”
“Damnation, woman, stay still.” Christopher’s nimble fingers had excelled at releasing buttons, but he wasn’t as adept at playing the maid. He released a sigh and said, “Done.” Christopher hadn’t even finished saying the word when the pounding at the front door started. Stepping around Emma, Christopher headed for the stairs. Trailing right behind him, Emma avoided tripping over skirts as she tried to match his long strides.
Blast. He reached the front door first. Swinging the door open, Christopher let her dad into the shop. “Good morning, Mr. Lennox.”
“Humph. Was her mum not clear? No more nighttime visits.”
“I apologize. Mrs. Lennox was clear in her wishes.”
Her dad entered and shoved Christopher out. “I need a word with Emma…in private.” He shut the door and fastened the locks. “Ye two figure matters out?”
She wasn’t exactly sure what her dad was referring to, but she and Christopher were in accord. Emma said, “Aye.”
“Good. Did he share with ye the names of those he’s chosen to go abroad?
Emma squinted at her dad to hide her shock. Her dad wasn’t going to lecture her on having a gentleman stay overnight under her roof, and she wasn’t going to prompt him. “Aye. I know who’s to go.”
“Well…”
“That’s not for me to share. He’s asked for me opinion, but we haven’t had time to go over them all.”
Her dad’s beefy hands clenched, and his knuckles popped. “No time, huh.”
There was a light rap at the front door. Her dad peered out the window and mumbled, “It’s yer stubborn niece.” He released the locks.
The door flew open, and Lady Arabelle waltzed past Mr. Lennox, who crept out the front door and left without a goodbye.
“Where did your father disappear to?” Lady Arabelle asked as she removed her gloves.
“He’s off to work.” Emma went up the stairs to retrieve Arabelle’s gown. “Yer dress is ready. I’ll jus’ go box it up for ye.”
Arabelle followed her up to the loft.
Reaching over Emma’s shoulder, Arabelle pulled out the red gown. “You devil. Don’t tell me you plan on wearing this ruby creation.” She pressed the garment against her chest and twirled about. It absolutely divine.” The mischievous twinkle in her eye shone brightly. Emma braced herself for Arabelle’s request. “Let’s switch gowns. You wear the green, and I get to wear the red.”
Recalling how Christopher’s voice had deepened earlier while in her closet, Emma considered the outrageous request. She wanted to incite that devilish gleam in his eyes when he was just about to kiss her.
