Page 12 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

“That’s a part of flirting,” he said.

“It is?”

“Most definitely,” he assured her. “It calls a gentleman’s attention to your mouth.” He stared at hers so intently that butterflies exploded in her stomach. “And it makes a man want to kiss you.”

“It does?” she asked breathlessly.

He nodded. “It does. So, that’s your first lesson tonight. If you do feel that spark with a man and want him to kiss you, you may lick your lips.”

Rachel did it again, testing him.

Evan laughed. “Stop. We’re going to work up to it.”

“How long will this take? The house party is only two weeks long,” she complained. “At the rate you’re moving, it will be Christmas before you even think to kiss me.”

His fingers tightened on hers, causing her to stop breathing again. Evan lifted their joined hands and pressed warm lips to her knuckles. A good kind of chill rippled through her. He released her hand and then his fingers lightly touched her wrist, turning her hand over so it faced palm up. Slowly, he moved his head toward it as Rachel watched in fascination. Just before his lips touched its center, he gazed up at her.

She swallowed. The heat in his eyes stole her breath. He lowered his gaze and brushed his lips against her palm. She thought they’d be warm but, instead, they were scorching hot. Then he pressed a long, lingering kiss directly onto her palm. Rachel was glad she wasn’t standing for her knees would’ve have given out and sent her tumbling to the floor.

Evan lifted his lips and stared at her. She couldn’t help but stare helplessly back at him.

Then his mouth touched the underside of her wrist. Rachel froze. He pushed up the sleeve of her dressing gown, his lips trailing up her arm. Odd sensations ran through her. He stopped at the crook of her elbow and pressed a final kiss there before sliding the sleeve back down.

“That’s your first lesson in kissing,” he said softly. “Kisses come in many forms and on many places. Not just your mouth.”

He placed her hand back in her lap as she looked at him wordlessly.

“Will you meet me again at midnight for another lesson?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Good.”

He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Rachel closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of clean soap and warm man.

“Until tomorrow night,” he said and rose.

When he reached the door she called out, “Wait. Won’t I see you during the day?”

His smile melted her heart. “You’ll meet Lord Merrick tomorrow, Lady Rachel. He will be distantly polite to you. But it will be Evan, your tutor, tomorrow at midnight.”

*

Rachel dressed withcare, knowing Evan would be present in the breakfast room. She’d finally fallen asleep shortly before dawn, thinking of his lips scorching her palm. Even with only a few hours of rest, her body thrummed with anticipation.

“Are you ready?” Leah asked.

“You know me. I’m always famished.”

Together, they made their way downstairs as the clock chimed nine. Only a few guests from last night were up this early, though she knew more would stream in during the next hour. It didn’t matter. The only guest she was interested in sat talking with Alford.

The earl saw them and rose. Evan did the same. She and Leah went over to them.

“Good morning, ladies,” Alford said brightly. “I’m very pleased to introduce to you my best friend, the Marquess of Merrick. Evan, this is Lady Leah Crawford, my fiancée.”

Evan bowed to her and smiled. “Alex wrote to me about you, Lady Leah. I can see why he was so taken with your angelic beauty.”

“Thank you, Lord Merrick. I’m so glad to make your acquaintance. Are you on leave from the army?”

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