Page 63 of A Scandalous Bargain
She brought her leg up onto the settee, bending her knee as she fully faced him. “You should come.”
He let his hand drift back to her shoulder. “You tempt me.” He trailed his fingertips along her collarbone. “In so many ways,” he murmured.
“Is that bad?” She leaned forward and licked her upper lip.
Was that an invitation? “Did you do that on purpose?”
“I don’t know. It was unconscious.” She leaned toward him more and brushed her lips across his. “Thatwas on purpose.”
She didn’t retreat. Thomas clasped the back of her head and kissed her. It was a quick connection, but dazzled him all the way to his toes. He looked at her to make sure this was what she wanted.
Her hazel eyes glinted with desire. She put her hand on his shoulder and tipped her head slightly to the left, bringing her lips nearly to his.
“Beatrix,” he breathed before claiming her mouth once more. This time was not quick. Nor was it gentle. Their tongues clashed, stoking the fire that had been smoldering inside him practically since they’d met. He gripped her waist with his other hand and squeezed.
She cradled his neck and clutched at his side. The kiss was electric. Her touch fed his soul. Her hand skimmed up over his chest and tugged at his cravat.
Yes.
He guided her back against the settee, coming over her as he deepened the kiss.
“Papa, what are you doing?”
Thomas and Beatrix jerked apart. Christ, he hadn’t even heard Regan come in. She stood in front of the settee. How long had she been there?
“Well, I’m, ah…visiting with my friend.” Thomas moved to the opposite end of the settee from Beatrix and perched on the edge. “You remember her.”
“Yes. She’s pretty.”
Straightening her spine and scooting as far to her edge of the settee as possible, Beatrix blushed. Rather, she blushed more since her cheeks were already quite pink. “Thank you.”
Regan continued to stare at Beatrix. “Why do you always dress like a boy?”
“It’s comfortable.”
Regan transferred her stare to Thomas. “Papa, can I dress like a boy?”
“We’ll discuss that another time. Why are you awake?”
“Alice woke me.” She held up her doll.
Beatrix seemed to have composed herself. The color in her face had returned to normal. She leaned forward, lowering her head to Regan’s level. “Why is that?”
“She wanted a story. Papa tells good stories.”
“Does he?” Beatrix’s kiss-swollen mouth curved into a heart-stopping smile as she looked over at him.
“Will you tell me a story?” Regan asked Beatrix. “Then it will be new.”
“Yes.” Beatrix didn’t hesitate before answering, and Thomas didn’t think his heart could swell any more.
Smiling, Regan turned and padded toward his chamber.
“Where are you going?” Beatrix asked.
“Papa always tells me a story in bed. That way, I can fall asleep easier.” She said the last as if it should be patently obvious. Thomas couldn’t help but laugh.
Beatrix grinned. “Your daughter is rather brilliant.”
