Page 10 of Invitation to Pleasure
Daniel suddenly stopped, his breathing rough. He could not take advantage of her sorrow and concern over her horse. He held tight, his forehead resting on hers. His fingers continued stroking her leg. “Your skin is like silk beneath my touch.”
She rubbed against his erection, the pleasure sublime. He groaned. “Christ, I want you.”
She froze before melting back into his embrace.
His hand rose to the top of her thighs. He hesitated, but only for a moment. “Have you ever experienced pleasure?”
She shook her head and took a deep breath. “More.”
He needed no further encouragement. His finger stroked through her curls… she did not push him away.
“God,” he whispered, “you’re so wet for me.”
She merely moaned in his ear as she clung to him. He should stop. Billy could be back at any moment.No, it will take a while to heat the wheat.
His thumb brushed over her nub as his finger slid deep within her. Her breathing faltered, and then returned in little gasps. He briefly closed his eyes on a groan. At his touch she couldn’t stop her hips from lifting in time to the movement.
Soon one finger became two, his thumb continued to circle, and when he took her mouth again and plunged his tongue deep within, he felt her inner muscles contract around him. It took only a moment more for her to come apart in his arms and it was the most beautiful moment of his life. To know he’d been the first man to give her pleasure.
She came down to earth slowly. His hand was still stroking her bare thigh above her stocking. She finally opened her eyes and he watched the bewilderment and satisfaction on her beautiful face. She gave a shaky smile.
“For one wondrous moment you made me forget about Colton, my father, my mother—everything,” and she shyly stepped away from him and smoothed down her gown.
His mouth broke into a relieved grin but his body was still full of molten fire and his arousal pulsed in his trousers.
She turned to study her steed. “Will you take Colton to Hascombe tonight?”
“If you wish. You may visit any time you like—you can even see Apollo, as long as you promise not to try and steal him again.” Just then Billy reappeared and at Daniel’s words he dropped the roll of bandages in the hay. So, it was Billy who had helped her. “I take it I have you to thank for the bump on my head.” He didn’t feel so guilty now at what had just occurred.
“I’m right sorry about that, my lord. I thought you were taking advantage of Lady Georgiana.”
Daniel could hardly blame the man. He had just taken advantage of her but could not regret it. “Yes, well, never again. And stop trying to steal horses. You would get into a lot of trouble. As a lady, and the fact the horse belonged to her father, Georgiana’s behavior may have been excused, but no magistrate would have sympathy for a groom. I’m sure Georgiana has now considered that.”
“I admit I was selfish. I did not think of the risk to Billy. But I’ve learned my lesson.”
Daniel smiled as he took in her beautiful, contrite face. Even with hay in her hair and dirt smudged across her cheek she looked delectable. He loved that she did not care about the state of her gown or how she looked. Most ladies would be horrified to let a man see them when less than perfect.
It suddenly occurred to him that Georgiana simply didn’t care what anyone thought of her, and it was quite refreshing. He too didn’t care what anyone thought of him, but for the first time ever he wanted a woman, Georgiana, to care. He wanted her admiration and… what did he want from her? Why could he not stop thinking about her? She stirred something in him. Any woman who loved horses as much as he did was worth considering.
Worth considering?
Where on earth did that thought come from? He wasn’t looking to marry.Was he?He was far too young yet to settle down with one woman, and he had a horse stud to make prosperous. Plus his future was uncertain given Rheda’s situation. If he had to move closer to Newmarket, his whole life would be in upheaval until he sold Tumbury Manor and found an estate nearby he could afford to buy.
The poultice was soon wrapped round Colton’s elbow and the horse settled a bit.
Georgiana looked down at her gown. “I best go and change before father sees me like this and asks questions. What should I say if he asks where you are?”
“Tell him I rode here and that I was not feeling well so I left. I’ll walk Colton home once the poultice has reduced the swelling.”
“We could both lead Colton to Hascombe. It’s only five miles. We could ride and then I could bring the horses back,” Billy offered. “Saves walking.”
“Go.” Daniel said to Georgiana. “Billy and I will sort something out.”
She lifted her skirts and moved to the entry stall. “Thank you, Daniel. I will not forget this kindness.”
He gave one of his most seductive smiles. “I’m sure I can think of a way you can repay me.”
You’d think Daniel had asked her to give him her soul from the thundering scowl Georgiana suddenly sent his way. With a stiff nod of her head she took off running for the house.
