A Man Obsessed by Alan Edward Nourse (comprehension books TXT) 📕

of lust, but one akin to being shocked into motion. As if his body had been dormant, waiting solely for her. None of his reactions or thoughts made logical sense, but it was exhilarating, and he wanted to experience more. His body clearly desired to get closer to the woman, yet she remained distant and aloof. The thought of lowering her to the bare wooden floor and pleasuring her tempted him, but he was a gentleman, and she was Bronwyn’s closest friend. He had never failed to lure a woman into granting him a kiss, yet he suspected his usual effortless charm and smile would garner him a solid left hook instead. Network women did not suffer fools, and he was here to dance, dammit, not kiss the woman.

But he needed a willing partner. Dancing required loose, fluid movements, and Emma’s ramrod-straight back and stiff muscles would not do. Intuitively, he sensed he’d need to gain her trust first. The woman had remained wary ever since they went above stairs.

He turned to her. “I apologize. This is my first attempt at being a dance master, and I realize now I’ve come utterly unprepared. No music. No directions. Might I suggest we adjourn our lesson until tomorrow?”

She searched his features. “Did I do something wrong?”

“On the contrary, it is I who has gone about matters incorrectly.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Seems to me ye’re just bein’ nice and ye’ve changed yer mind about teaching me. Ye’re not the first gentleman to not want anythin’ to do with me or to come near me.” Shoulders straight, she whirled about and began descending the stairs.

Without time to ponder her words, he grabbed his garments and clattered down the stairs behind her.

The woman moved fast in skirts. She was waiting for him at the door. “I’ll sort everythin’ out with Bronwyn on the morrow.”

He reached for his coat and slung it over the top of his arm along with his cravat and waistcoat. Grabbing his hat, he sauntered over to the door and stood next to her, closer than he should. His body once again reacted to her in perplexing ways.

“I’m uncertain what gave you the impression I’ve changed my mind, but I can assure you, there is no need to involve Bronwyn. I don’t need her help. I’m quite capable of arranging for us to meet at an appropriate location that will allow us to properly conduct our lessons.”

Emma raised her chin and said, “Mr. Neale, ’round these parts, we say wot we mean. No pretty words, just to the point. Ye understand?”

“I do.” Instead of feelings of rejection, her fierce determination and bluntness made him want to get to know her better. She turned reached for the latch, but before she could open the door, he put his hand over hers. “I’m not ready to leave.”

Her whole body shivered. The room temperature was pleasant, yet his blood ran hot with Emma mere inches away. Aghast at the idea she might fear him, he snatched his hand away. “Please allow me to stay, and we can discuss how we should move forward.” As the words spilled out, Christopher questioned his own meaning.

Shoulders slumped forward. “I’ve got a full day tomorrow, so be quick and to the point.” She glided past him and flopped into the wing back chair facing the dying fire.

He dropped his clothing on the settee, crouched by the embers, and blew. The flare of red told him the fire could be stoked back to life with a little encouragement. But could its mistress?

Once he had the fire roaring again, he turned back to see Emma intently staring into the flames.

She asked, “Do ye fink we could skip the lessons if I beg off sick the night of the ball?”

“You want me to lie to my brother?” He stood and commanded his feet to remain in place.

“No. Why would ye need to lie?”

“Because I’m expecting Landon to be waiting for me in my office at first light tomorrow. He’ll be expecting a full report on our progress.”

“Wotcha gonna tell him about this eve then?”

With a half-baked plan in mind, he replied, “The truth, of course. That we became acquainted, and that I intend to have directions with illustrations of the various positions sent over to you to study, and that we shall reconvene after work to practice.”

“Where’re ye getting these directions and pictures from?”

He puffed out his chest. “I’ll be drafting them myself.”

She let out a very unladylike guffaw. “Ye! I’m not sure stick figures will help me better understand yer long-winded explanations.”

“Long-winded?”

“Aye. That's wot I said.” She approached with a smirk that caught him off guard. Intrigued, he waited to see what she’d do next. Emma was beautiful when she let her guard down. She ran her hand along the outside of his arm. He slipped his hand into her small one and let her guide it to fall upon her waist. She looked straight into his eyes. “Ye didn’t flinch. I don’t bite either, but I heard ye might want to smile while ye dance.”

He let her take the lead as she positioned his other hand on the other side of her delicate waist. He grinned and said, “I thought you said you had no experience.”

“Is this how ye waltz?”

“Nay.”

“I didn’t fink so. But if yer not to be skittish about touchin’ me, I thought this might set ye at ease.”

Flinch? Skittish? Good lord, he wasn’t a colt to be tamed. He was here to guide her. She was to be the student and he the master. How did matters get so turned about?

When she rested her gloved hands upon his upper arms, she fitted him perfectly. He swayed slightly, and she froze.

“To dance, we must move in unison. Follow my lead.”

With the light pressure of his hands, he indicated which way she should move. Humming a melody, he pressed closer and led with his right leg forward, and within moments he found himself weaving her about the cramped room effortlessly.