Page 30 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

Chapter Ten

Hudson hadn’t meantto kiss her.

But she had kissed him.

And the world came alive...

He led her to a seat, knowing how unsteady she was. Bloody hell,hewas shaking, too. She reached the closest chair and sank into it, staring off into space.

What had he done?

Kissed an innocent, to begin with. A total innocent. At least a young debutante making her come-out knew of the possibilities of being kissed, as she was surrounded by men attonevents. Some of those young misses might even wish to experience a kiss before they wed. Lady Mia, though, came from such an insulated life. One with her father as her only family, and his dementia had severely impacted their interaction. Beyond a few servants, she never saw anyone. She had no friends. Guilt filled him at taking advantage of her. She’d just lost her father and had been tossed from her home. Separated from her beloved pet. Emotionally, she was so very fragile. She also looked upon him as a business associate, not a rake who would ruin her.

He wouldn’t change what had happened, though. He’d never been more moved in his life, especially by a kiss. Though her inexperience shone through, Hudson knew a passionate creature lay just beyond Lady Mia’s surface. Their kiss had awakened it. Maybe he had done her a favor, allowing her to see there was more to life than the formulas she balanced and the machines she concocted.

What he would do is apologize.

He stood near her. Not too close because he didn’t want to overwhelm her or make her feel threatened. Then he thought better of it as he looked down upon her. It would be better to be on her level. With that, Hudson took a seat in the chair next to where Lady Mia sat. He started to speak and saw her bemused smile. It made him want to kiss her all over again. Longer. Deeper.

He shook his head, trying to toss those thoughts aside. It was difficult, though. The skirt of the borrowed gown she wore only struck her mid-calf. She had lovely calves and trim ankles. He longed to run his hand along her long leg. Or his tongue. The bodice of her gown wasn’t large enough to contain her beautifully rounded breasts. The fichu which had tried to hide them had come askew, revealing far more of the creamy expanse than should be on display. He hungered to touch them. Tease the nipples. Suck on them.

“I’m sorry,” she said before he could gather his thoughts to speak.

Their gazes met. Her eyes were a lovely chocolate brown with flecks of gold throughout them. He stared at them, knowing he could become lost in them. In her. In the beautiful curves of her supple body.

“I am the one who owes you an apology, my lady,” Hudson said sincerely. “I am known for my self-control. I—”

“I threw myself at you. My behavior was totally inappropriate.” Her cheeks bloomed with embarrassment, a soft hue of pink that only added to her appeal. “I was just so happy to see Nelson.”

At his name, the cat suddenly appeared and jumped into her lap. She chuckled and began petting him.

Hudson wished she stroked him like the lucky Nelson.

“I will forgive your exuberance if you will forgive my continuing to kiss you. I know you merely meant it to be a brief kiss of gratitude.” He paused. “You are very beautiful, though. I found it... difficult to stop.”

“I didn’t mind,” she said. “I’d never thought about being kissed. Now, I know what it feels like. As a scientist, I have a streak of curiosity a mile long.”

Hudson laughed. “So, I am classified as one of your experiments now?”

She flushed and looked down and then peered up at him through sooty lashes. “I’m afraid that wouldn’t be wise. Aunt Fanny has already warned me about the dangers of kissing and how it can lead to a woman’s ruin if she’s seen doing so. We are strangers, Mr. St. Clair, and fortunately no one saw our kiss. You are under no obligation to marry me.” She grinned. “Or serve as a test subject in a lab experiment. I’m afraid my experiments are very thorough and detailed. It would take many times and many ways of kissing before I could be satisfied with the results.”

Lady Mia paused. “I suppose that is what marriage is all about. Satisfying your curiosity with your mate. Learning through trial and error what pleases them. I’d never thought of it as an experiment but more afait accompli.”

He thought of all the ways he would like to please her. All the things he could do that would make her scream in pleasure. Desire ran through him.

He wanted Lady Mia.Wantedher. The thought shocked him. Surprised him.

Pleased him.

This wouldn’t do. She was a business partner. Or would be once she signed the contract. Now that was a safe topic.

“Have you had a chance to review the contract Mr. Davidson sent?”

“Yes, I read it this morning. Uncle Trentham and I met with his solicitor, Mr. Grant, only this morning. He was going to contact your Mr. Davidson to see when we could gather and sign it.” She paused. “I did mention that you had brought up the possibility of a second contract, one in which I would help test the steam engine and then supervise production. Is that still a possibility?”

“If you are willing to do so. Mr. Davidson has already written a contract to that effect. I’m delighted that you wish to pursue that.”

“Aunt Fanny will be horrified but my uncle told me to leave her to him. He understands how much my work means to me. He asked that I compromise and allow her to put me through a Season. I agreed to his suggestion but I have no plans of seeking a husband. My work comes first and foremost. I can’t be distracted by being a wife and mother.”

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