Page 45 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Caroline shrugged. “I’ve been on my own so long. I don’t really know any other way.”

She went to the bedside table and picked up a small painting. Luke came and stood behind her, looking over her shoulder. He saw two girls on the cusp of womanhood and instantly knew them as Caroline and Cynthia.

Caroline gazed at the portrait for a long time and finally said, “This was painted just before Cynthia came ill that last time. I’d decided to postpone my come-out so we could do it together.” Her finger touched her own image. “It’s hard to think I was once this girl. A naïve, shy thing who kept her nose in a book, trying to learn as much as she could to impress a father who always ignored her.”

He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I like you better now. You’ve matured into a beauty that’s only promised in this portrait. You are outgoing and outspoken. Strong and determined.” Luke brushed his lips against her hair. “You have become a thoughtful adult, Caroline. One who will never act as selfishly as your father did. You will cherish your family and love them well.”

She rested the portrait against the table and he heard her choke back a sob. Luke turned her in his arms and brought her close. Her fingers clutched his coat as she buried her face against him. Even through the material, he could feel the hot tears. He stroked her back, murmuring soft words to soothe and console her.

The heaving sobs subsided and she stilled. Luke relaxed his grasp on her without totally releasing her and Caroline lifted her tearstained face. Her gaze met his and his heart broke at the sadness he saw. Without thinking, he leaned down and kissed her, wanting to comfort her. That’s all the kiss would have been. Brief. Light. Reassuring.

Until she opened her mouth to him.

It was as if someone lit a match. Something sparked instantly between them. His tongue delved into the rich velvet and tasted her yearning. Her heat. Desire flared within him. His hands spread on her back and brought her against him. He wasn’t the only participant in the kiss. Caroline’s arms went about his neck, her hands locking together and pulling him toward her. Her tongue did battle with his, engaging in a strategy that overwhelmed him. Her light, floral perfume wafted about him and he delved even deeper with his kiss.

Her fingers pushed into his hair and fisted there as their kiss became more urgent. His hands slid down and cupped her rounded bottom, kneading it. He broke the kiss and allowed his lips to travel down her throat, finding where her pulse pounded wildly. He nipped and licked at the place, hearing her moan as she tossed her head back, giving him all the access he needed.

Her breasts, crushed against his chest, suddenly called out to him. Luke’s lips burned a path down her neck and went lower as his hands came round and cupped her breasts. He squeezed gently and dragged his thumbs across her nipples, slowly circling them as she whimpered. His mouth closed over one breast, his tongue finding the erect nipple through the thin material of her gown. As he licked at it, her fingers tightened in his hair, pulling him closer to her. Luke’s heart raced wildly. All he wanted was to strip her of her clothes and take her.

The thought took him back to reality.

That was the last thing he would do. He wanted her to want him but he couldn’t let their passion spin out of control and make the all-important decision for her. She must be clearheaded and determined to pick him to spend their lifetimes together without desire clouding her judgment. Luke wanted Caroline to feel confident and get her business off to a strong start. She must stand on her own and be comfortable with who she was before he could ask to be a part of her life.

Though how he was going to keep from blurting out that he loved her might be the greatest test he’d ever faced. In that moment, Luke accepted the fact that he did love her—and because of that, he would keep silent. For now.

Reluctantly, he pulled his mouth away. He saw her glazed eyes and fevered cheeks and couldn’t resist one final, quick kiss, hard and possessive. Then he released her.

“I’m sorry,” he said, grabbing her elbows when she swayed.

“Why?” she asked, her eyes pleading with him to continue.

“I meant merely to comfort you. You’ve faced such disappointment and loss. I’m afraid I took advantage of you in a weak moment. You’re a lady, Caroline. I’m a gentleman. I value our friendship. I would never compromise you.”

Hoping she was steady on her feet now, he let go. Reaching for the portrait, he picked it up and handed it to her, knowing it would give her something to focus on.

“You should take this with you back to Rachel and Evan’s. Place it by your bedside. Talk to your sister each night. Tell her all that you accomplished that day and how much you love her and wish she could see you. Know that she’s always proud of you, even if she can only look down from heaven at you.”

Caroline wiped away tears with the back of her hand and clutched the painting to her breasts.

“Let me see you home,” Luke said quietly.

They didn’t speak the entire way to his sister’s house. When they arrived, he said, “I will work with Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Baker tomorrow. I’ll see that the right ovens are purchased and that they finalize the menu so we can order some of the staples they’ll need in baking.”

“When will I see you again?” she asked.

Whenever I can keep my hands off you, he thought.

“Soon,” he promised.

Luke rang the bell and Kent answered almost immediately.

“Goodnight, Caroline,” Luke said and hurried away.

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