Page 59 of The Duke of Distraction
“Not tonight.And I probably shouldn’t ever.”His face creased, making him look pained.“This was rather ill-advised.”
“I don’t regret it, and I never will.Please don’t tell me you do.”She looked at him intently.“I’m quite serious—don’t tell me.”
He took her hand and lifted it to his mouth, pressing a kiss into her palm.“I could never regret anything with you.”His words were as heady as the things he’d done to her, as the promise of the things he would do.
“I would like you to show me more.And next time, it won’t be entirely about me.”She leaned forward and kissed him, her lips lingering against his for a moment before she pulled back and looked into his eyes.“It can’t always be about pleasing others, Felix.You must let someone please you.”
“And that someone is you?”
She gave him a saucy smile in response and stood from the settee.She pulled her dressing gown closed and tied the sash as she made her way from the sitting room.
Once inside her chamber, her heart began to pound as the enormity of what had just occurred slammed into her.Things had changed forever when they’d kissed at Darent Hall, and they’d changed yet again tonight.
One thing was certain: her relationship with Felix would never be the same.
The wind whipped over Felix’s face as he rode across his estate at a breakneck pace.The exercise felt good, both in his body and his mind.He’d spent most of the night tossing and turning—and staring at the ceiling—contemplating what in the hell he’d done.
But not regretting it.
He slowed his horse to a walk and patted his neck as they picked their way along the edge of the forested part of his land.After days of fine weather, today was overcast and cool, but it felt good.Probably because he was still overheated from last night.
He hadn’t meant for any of it to happen.She’d been upset.He’d wanted to comfort her.Somehow, he’d kissed her temple.He hadn’t even thought about it.His body had simply reacted to what she needed and provided what he thought would help.
And then she’d kissed him back.
He didn’t think they could pretend this event hadn’t happened, but then they hadn’t been able to pretend the one at Darent Hall hadn’t either.What the hell was going on?How had he become so desperately attracted toSarah Colton?
Was it more than physical attraction?He couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her in ways he never had before.Ways he’d never thought of any woman.
Felix wiped his hand over his face as if he could physically banish the thoughts and memories, but they were forever emblazoned on his mind.Forever?
He couldn’t say, but he was certainly tormented by them.All night, he’d thought of her, even after frigging himself the moment he’d returned to his chamber.Images of her doing what she’d all but promised—pleasuring him—claimed his thoughts, both waking and sleeping.Even now, he was growing hard thinking of the provocative smile she’d given him.
“You must let someone please you.”
“And that someone is you?”
God yes, he wanted it to be her.But how could he allow that?He had no intention of marrying her, and her brother was his best friend.Plus, their parents hadjust died.She was vulnerable, and he was a prick for taking advantage.
Maybe they could pretend it hadn’t happened.Like they’d been able to pretend Darent Hall hadn’t happened?He scoffed at himself.
He could only hope that she’d awakened today and recalled last night in horror.He inwardly flinched at that, but it would be for the best.What he really ought to do is stay clear of her.But how did he do that when he was committed to helping her—and Anthony—work through their grief?
He didn’t have an answer, but what he did have was a plan to stay away from the house all day.Which was how he found himself at the dower house to meet his uncle.
Martin was already on horseback awaiting Felix as he rode up.“It looks as though you’ve already been for a ride,” Martin said.
“Yes.Shall we go?”Felix had sent a note earlier requesting Martin tour the estate with him.
“Of course.”Martin urged his horse forward and joined Felix along the track.“I was a bit surprised to receive your note.”
“Why?I always take a tour in the summer,” Felix said, continuing to walk his horse.
“True, but with guests in residence, I assumed you would be busy.”
“I don’t know why you would assume that.I never have guests.”
“That’s true.”Martin cocked his head.“Why is that?I hope it’s not because of me.”
