Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

Emboldened by drink, Emma said, “I’ve missed yer kisses.”

Christopher lifted the candle closer. “Have you been drinking?”

“A little.”

“Who was the scoundrel who plied you with wine?”

“Lord Hereford, and it was Scotch, not wine.”

“Hereford?”

“Aye. He’s the reason why I’m here.”

Christopher shook his head. “Come, my dear, let’s sit, for I’m not sure I understand.”

She followed him to the enormous bed. He placed the candle on a table, picked her up by the waist, and settled her on the edge of the bed.

Standing in front of her with his hand on his hip, he said, “Now, let’s start over. Why are you here?”

“I need ye...” She paused as his eyes widened. “I mean, I need yer help.” She held in a sigh of disappointment as Christopher clasped his hands behind him. Emma’s eyes tracked the thin trail of hair that disappeared into his breeches. She leaned closer.

“You mentioned you are in need of legal advice. How is Hereford involved?”

If she was quick about her request, then mayhap there would be time for a kiss or two before she would have to leave. “I can’t read. I need ye to look over some papers fer me.”

“Documents?” he mumbled.

“Aye. Hereford’s will.”

Christopher sank on the bed next to her. “Why would you want his will reviewed?”

“He claims he’s arranged for me to inherit property and a sum of money, and this time, I’ll not be able to avoid his generosity.”

“This time?” He bundled her up and positioned her between his legs, so her back rested against his chest. Christopher’s warm hands rested on her shoulders. “My dear, I apologize for not keeping up, but I’ve not slept in days. I need for you to tell me all of it so I may assist you.”

Emma nodded. Safe in his arms, she took a deep breath. “Ye see, Hereford’s papa wanted to atone for his own papa’s misdeeds and bequeathed me a large sum of money. I asked Sebastian to give it anonymously to an orphanage run by the Network.” Emma fiddled with the edge of her cloak. “I don’t accept charity, especially from a bloomin’ lord.” She peeked up at him, and instead of pity in his kind brown eyes, she detected understanding.

He began rubbing her shoulders. She relaxed as his magical fingers eased the knots in her shoulders. Eyes closed, she said, “Tonight, Sebastian told me he has ensured I’d receive a cottage and funds upon his death. His solicitor assured him I’d not be able to gift the bequest to another.”

“And this has you in knots. Your muscles are strung as tight as the strings on a violin.” He shifted back towards the center of the bed and pulled her with him.

“What are ye doin’? I’ve still got me bleedin’ boots on. I’ll mess up yer nice bed.”

He shimmied out from behind her, and in a flash, the man had divested her of boots and stockings. Settling himself on the edge of the bed, he grabbed her feet and began to rub her arches. She flinched as his thumb stroked the bottom of her foot, tickling the sensitive skin.

Scowling, Christopher stood once more and hauled her to her feet. “You’re a bundle of knots.” He was annoyed with her.

He loosened the string that held her cloak in place and then, with one swift tug, removed the garment. Christopher inhaled as he took in the sight of her. “You are a beauty, Emma Lennox.”

She stared at him, disbelieving her ears. Oh, the flare in his gaze wasn’t from anger-—it was pure longing. He wanted her. The thrill of being coveted emboldened her. Her hands smoothed over his naked flesh, reaching up and linking her arms about his neck. She had been dreaming of kissing him. The sleepless nights tortured her days. Emma drew Christopher closer and brushed her lips against his lips. His tongue slipped between her lips, and she savored the heady taste of him in her mouth. Wanting more, Emma mimicked his bold movements, sticking her tongue out, and then pulled back, grazing her teeth along his lower lip. Christopher’s deep, hungry growl mixed with her moan of delight. Open-mouth kisses were delicious.

Christopher withdrew and looked down at her. His pupils were dilated and irises ablaze. He pointed towards the top of the bed. “Up, my dear. Rest against the headboard.”

She didn’t know what he intended, but she was certain she wasn’t ready to leave.

He knelt on the bed and arranged her skirts to lie just above the knee. “Who drafted Hereford’s will?”

Bending her knees to her chest and tucking her legs under her skirts, she protested, “Ye don’t need to be touchin’ me ugly feet.”

“They are not ugly. Let me ease the knots from them.” His hand moved to the edge of her skirts.

Emma blurted, “It’s yer fault.”

His hand stilled. “Mine?”

“Aye. Every time I’m near ye, me body gets tense.” She stared as his lips curved into a deceptively alluring smile. She licked her lips.

“If it helps, you have a similar effect upon me.” He placed his hand out palm up. “Please let me ease some of the tension.”

She placed her foot in his hand and replaced her skirts above her knees. “Will ye help me?”

Christopher cupped the heel of her foot with one hand while his other snaked up to knead her calf. “Do you have any idea who Hereford sought out to draft his wishes?”

Swallowing a moan, she replied, “Nay.”

“If perchance it was my brother, I’m afraid…” His hand stilled.

Emma opened her eyes and frowned. “Ye brother hasn’t worked in an age.”

“He still dabbles once in a while. Especially for those he deems friends.” Christopher switched legs and repeated the magic that had Emma feeling like pudding. “Not to worry, there is always a loophole. I’ll be happy to review once Hereford provides you a copy.”

She scrambled off the bed and retrieved the folded sheets of paper from her cloak. Emma stood before a befuddled Christopher and held the relevant parts of