Page 68 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

Kissing her second viscount in just two days.

“This is a bit cramped,” he said, causing her to fear he would stand as he set the basket on the ground beside his feet. Instead, he asked, “Would you mind if I place my arm along the back?”

“That would be perfectly fine, my lord,” she told him.

He turned slightly and rested his arm along the back of the bench. It rested partly against her shoulders, which she didn’t mind. He seemed at a better angle.

For both talking and kissing.

“I suppose you are feeling the exertion from our lawn bowling.”

“That is very true,” she agreed. “While I enjoy walking every day and have begun riding daily since I have been at Cliffside, I am not use to lifting bowls and rolling them about.”

“You will most likely be sore tomorrow, Miss Goulding. The strain on your muscles having done something they are unused to.”

She laughed. “It was worth it because we won.”

“It certainly was.” His voice was low. His eyes darkened.

Oh, he was going to kiss her. Her heart began racing at the thought.

Then she asked herself if it was because she anticipated the kiss or was excited by the thought of his kiss. She blinked several times, trying not to overthink the situation.

“Do you have something in your eye?” he asked, concerned.

Louisa blinked again and swiped a finger over her lashes. “There. I seem to have gotten it.”

“Probably an eyelash.”

“No doubt it was,” she agreed, moistening her lips and then mentally chastising herself for doing so.

“I am glad Their Graces invited me to this house party,” Lord Hurley said.

“Yes, it has already been successful.”

“I meant I was glad becauseyouare here, Miss Goulding. I would have hated to wait until next Season before having met you.”

She merely nodded, not quite sure how she should reply.

His hand smoothed a stray lock from her face and then his palm settled against her cheek. “I am most happy to be in your company now. I would like to see more of you.”

Nerves rippled through her. “We can see quite of bit of one another at the house party.”

His thumb stroked her cheek. “I would like to see more of you than that.”

She knew that he was about to kiss her. His eyes had deepened from blue to almost black and he leaned toward her. Closing her eyes, she waited for his lips on hers.

He kissed her for several minutes, not using his tongue at first, which she thought was nice. His kiss however, left her cold. Nothing sparked between them. It would be foolish to let this go on so she turned her head slightly and opened her eyes.

Lord Hurley looked down at her, desire written across his features.

“I need more,” he said, his mouth lowering to hers again.

“No, my lord. I think that is plenty,” she said lightly.

His hands clasped her shoulders a bit too tight and she frowned.

“I said I need more.” His lips met hers again and Louisa squirmed.

---