Page 51 of One Night of Temptation
Bringing her hands forward, she plucked at the knot of his cravat. When the silk was loose, she tugged it free of his neck.
He broke the kiss and narrowed his eyes at her. “What are you doing?”
She lifted a shoulder. “Helping you prepare for bed. You can’t sleep in your clothing either.” She peered into the armoire. “Is there a nightshirt for you, or will you be sleeping in the nude?”
“Pen.”
She arched her brow innocently. “What?” Dropping the cravat into the armoire, she spun around and presented her back. “Will you unlace me, please?” When he hesitated, she said, “I can’t do it myself.”
With a heavy exhalation that heated the back of her neck, he began to unlace her. He moved slowly and meticulously, but soon enough, the gown was loose. She stepped from the garment and hung it on a hook in the armoire.
Slipping her petticoat from her shoulders, she divested it next and hung it beside the gown. “My corset, if you don’t mind.” She presented her back once more.
She could practically feel the tension in his fingertips as he plucked at the laces. Or maybe it was the hitch in his breath. Or the raw desire emanating from his body.
Or maybe it washerdesire coming fromherbody.
Whatever the source, with each sweep of his fingers against her back, she was more lost. At last, the corset loosened, and she pushed it from her body. Placing it in the armoire, she turned to face him.
His face was tight and drawn, and she pressed her advantage. Slipping her hands into his coat, she pushed the garment off his shoulders. He shrugged it down his arms, and she put it in the armoire on a third hook.
Next, she started to unbutton his waistcoat. “Am I changing your mind?” Her voice sounded deep and sultry, not at all like herself. But then she didn’t feel like herself. At least not the Penelope she knew. This was a new Penelope. A Penelope who pursued what she wanted. A Penelope in love.
“No.” His voice broke on that short, single word, and she bit her lip to keep from smiling. “We are not pushing the beds together.”
“I suppose we don’t have to.” She gave him a sunny smile. “I am happy to share one bed if we must.”
“Tomorrow,” he croaked, closing his eyes. “Tomorrow will be soon enough.”
Not by half.
As she finished unbuttoning his waistcoat, she felt his pocket watch. Pulling it free, she looked at the time.
“Hugh,” she said softly, huskily. “Itistomorrow.”
His eyes flew open, and his nostrils flared. “I am marrying a wanton.”
A bead of apprehension stole over her courage. “Does that upset you?” She was afraid of his answer and braced herself for the worst.
“Not at all. Thank God.” He lifted her into his arms, sweeping her feet clear of the floor, and started toward the bed.Beds.
He stood between them and stared into her eyes. “Did you doubt yourself?” At her nod, he swore under his breath. “I will try never to cause you to do that again. I love that you’re a wanton and that you are impatient to begin our life together. I’m impatient too. I’m ravenous and maybe even deranged with lust, really, and I’ve no wish to frighten you. I’ve never experienced such strong feelings before.”
She looped her hands around his neck. “That’s good, isn’t it?”
“It’s certainly better than marrying for other reasons such as duty or expectation.”
Joy unfurled inside her and spread to every inch of her being. “I am so lucky I found you.”
“Not as lucky as I am.” He captured her mouth in a scorching kiss. “And don’t argue.” He smiled as he set her on one of the beds, then circled around the other before pushing them together. “Better?”
“Quite.” She kicked her slippers off the other side of the bed and lifted the hem of her chemise in order to unfasten her garters.
“Oh wait, please.” His voice was low and tortured. Moving quickly, he removed his dress shoes and waistcoat, depositing them on the floor. Next came his breeches, but he paused before he’d finished unbuttoning his fall. “Are you sure you want—”
Growing bolder with each moment, she moved to the end of the bed where he now stood. “If you don’t remove your clothing, I’ll remove it for you. In fact, I’d be delighted to provide assistance.” She put her hands on his and slid a button free of its hole.
He sucked in a sharp breath, and she felt the length of his shaft beneath her fingertips. Heat rushed into her face—and much, much lower—but she refused to be intimidated by the unknown.
