Page 34 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Chapter Eleven

Caroline knew theinstant Luke decided to kiss her. The air surrounding them changed, suddenly charged with energy. His emerald eyes darkened with hunger. His fingers tightened on her shoulders. As his mouth gradually sought hers, she knew he was giving her time to turn her head. To say no. To shrug away.

She did none of those.

She wanted this kiss. Her first kiss. She’d been drawn to Luke St. Clair since she’d seen him from a distance when she’d arrived in London. Caroline instinctively knew that this moment had been destined to come. She wasn’t one to fight fate. Besides, her natural curiosity had her yearning to learn what it would be like for a man like Luke to kiss her.

And then he did.

It was nothing Caroline thought it would be. She thought a man pressed his lips to a woman’s and, after a few moments, they separated. Luke’s kiss was far different from her expectations.

First, his mouth hovered over hers, not touching it, merely building the anticipation between them. When he did make contact, he slowly brushed his lips against hers, increasing her longing. Then the exploration began. He would kiss her and then his tongue would come into play. Caroline had no idea tongues were involved in kissing but what Luke did caused her body to come alive. His tongue slowly outlined her mouth, causing her to shiver. He nipped lightly at her bottom lip and then licked away the sensation, soothing her. Her hands moved to his chest, her palms pressed flat against the hard mass.

Suddenly, he changed the game they played by dragging his tongue along the seam of her mouth, urging her to open to him. Caroline had no idea why but she trusted him enough to respond as he wished. His hands released her shoulders and moved up to cradle her face as his tongue entered her mouth.

Heaven...

The kiss now heated up considerably as his exploration continued. His tongue swept inside, tickling the roof of her mouth and gliding along her tongue. Her breasts grew heavy and she felt her nipples tightening. She latched on to his waistcoat to anchor her as she responded, allowing her tongue to mimic what he did. Luke emitted a low groan and his hands slid from her face and seized her waist, drawing her near.

He deepened the kiss, delving more into her, causing her heart to beat erratically and her bones to melt. If he hadn’t held on to her, Caroline feared she would have puddled at his feet. His intoxicating cologne filled her senses. From her scalp to her toes, a tingling sensation erupted. The place between her legs tightened and began to pulsate.

What was happening to her?

She couldn’t fall for him and be the woman she wanted to be. She wasn’t a typical woman of theton. Her experiences in America had changed her in ways too numerous to name. Her father losing all of his money and virtually turning his back on his family had also shaped her outlook. She didn’t know if she could trust a man. Any man. Even one who held her so lovingly.

Caroline released her hold on Luke and nudged him away. Reluctantly, he broke the kiss and stared deep into her eyes. She saw raw need burning in them.

“This can’t happen again,” she said, her breathing rapid and shallow.

“Why?”

“I must focus on opening Evie’s. It will be my livelihood. I can’t throw away the opportunity I’ve been given to use Aunt Evie’s inheritance. I don’t want to disappoint my investors. I need to do this for myself.”

He gave her a crooked smile, stealing her breath—and a bit of her heart.

“Don’t you want more than a business, Caroline?”

Before she could answer him, Evan and Alex returned. She heard them come through the door and wheeled away from Luke, hurrying to meet them. Immediately, she peppered them with questions about the dimensions. Anything to ignore Luke and what had just happened between them.

“We can finish talking about business in the carriage,” Luke told them and exited the store.

The three followed him after he locked the door. The footman saw them coming and set the stairs down and helped Caroline into the carriage. Evan followed behind her and took the seat next to her. She blew out a long breath, relieved that Luke wouldn’t be sitting beside her.

Unfortunately, it proved worse because he sat opposite her. She averted her glance and focused on her other companions, who’d asked to be dropped back at their club.

“You should consult Rachel on the renovations you wish done,” Evan volunteered. “She redid our London townhome and has experience directing a crew. I’m sure she can recommend a manager to you to oversee what little construction you need.”

“I’m eager to share the details of today with my man of business,” Alex said. He looked as gleeful as a small boy who’d stolen cookies from a jar without being caught.

“We haven’t gained the property yet,” she reminded them. “If Mr. Sanderson’s client doesn’t accept my offer, we will be back on the hunt again.”

“She will,” Evan said with confidence. “If she’s that eager to leave London and you’re offering all that cash, she won’t have a choice. And Sanderson said it had just come on the market. You’ll be the first bid. He’ll encourage her to take it and save them both time.”

“I should hear from him soon,” she said. “He mentioned being able to sign papers in the morning. If so, I’d like all of you to be at the signing with your solicitors or business managers.”

They pulled up at White’s and the pair exited the carriage, Evan promising to see her later at home. He closed the door and she was left alone with Luke, who hadn’t contributed to their conversation the entire ride. She averted her gaze and looked out the window, wondering if he would kiss her again. Wishing he would. Hoping he wouldn’t because it would further complicate things between them.

When they arrived at the Merrick residence, he jumped from the carriage and handed her down.

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