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

Arms loaded with plates piled with food, Christopher asked, “Would you mind reviewing the list in detail with me later this eve?”

“We can’t this eve. We are to attend Bronwyn’s ball.”

With a stubborn jut of his chin, Christopher suggested, “After the ball then.”

The temptation to spend another night with Christopher was too great. She nodded and said, “I sorted out the names, but I couldn’t read yer reasoning.”

Emma took the offered plate of cheese and bread. Christopher pinched the roll of bread she’d been eyeing. He took a bite and then offered it to her. She wasn’t sure if she was angry or happy at his actions. “Are ye going to take half the cheese as well?”

He shook his head and winked at her as he left once more. Emma’s attention remained fixed on his backside as he strode away. He had a fine bottom with cheeks that filled her hands. She flopped back onto the bed and closed her eyes. Memories of him filling her had her hips wiggling. Her eyes popped back open as his warm breath brushed against the tops of her breasts. Christopher loomed over her holding out a wedge of cheese. Disappointed to see he had donned his lawn shirt, she frowned at his offering.

Arching a brow, Christopher asked, “Is the cheese not to your liking? Or were you wanting something else?”

She grabbed the cheese and lowered her gaze, and his manhood twitched in his breeches. She wasn’t the only one remembering the events of the previous night. Licking her lips, she took a bite. Christopher’s chuckle turned into a groan.

“You are pure temptation.” Christopher dodged behind the screen that formed her makeshift dressing room. “Is this fine mint-green colored gown the glorious creation you will be wearing to Bronwyn’s ball?”

He must be referring to the exquisite dress she had created for Arabelle.

“Nay. I shall be daring in a red gown with—”

Emma's words caught in her throat. Christopher reappeared, shirt tucked into his breeches, highlighting his trim waist. His hair finger-combed back into place, and a smile that could warm an entire room.

Standing before her with his hands behind his back, Christopher said, “It would be an honor if you allowed me to escort you to the ball.”

She shook her head. “Bronwyn has requested I arrive early, along with Theo and your mama.” The coverlet slipped down, exposing the tops of her nipples.

“Four Hadfield women gathered together,” Christopher croaked out before his eyes fell to her chest as she grappled with the material to cover up her breasts. He grabbed his lawn shirt and pulled it over his head.

Emma scooted back to make room for him on the bed. “I’m not a Hadfield yet.”

“Yet. But after last night…” He pulled her into his arms. “You’re mine forever.”

She had wished and dreamed of a devoted husband like her dad. Christopher was as caring and protective of his family as the man who had raised her.

Her dad. Blast! He had mentioned he’d check in on her in the morn.

The Neale household staff would have already noticed he’d not returned last night. Arghh… she was going to get an earful.

Pushing at Christopher’s shoulders, Emma said, “Ye’ve got to leave. Me dad will be here soon.”

“I’ll stay with you until he arrives.”

“No, ye will not. Now off with ye.” Contrary to her words, Emma tilted her head as he lightly grazed the base of her neck with his teeth.

Christopher kissed his way up to her ear. “He won’t be pleased to know I’ve remained the night.”

“I’ll… I’ll handle him.” She moaned as he took her earlobe between his lips.

Releasing her, he whispered, “What if I want to?”

“Owya. To be wed to a barrister.” She shoved him back until they were eye to eye. “Are ye always goin’ to argue with me?”

Christopher gave her a brief kiss and said, “Not always.”

He slid from the bed and returned with a pink day dress. Hauled to her feet, she had no choice but to drop the coverlet to dress. Christopher's hands immediately went to her hips, bringing her an inch closer. His warm breath brushed over her breasts, pebbling her nipples. She wanted him to trail kisses over her chest like he had before. Her husband-to-be bent his head, took her nipple into his mouth, and suckled.

“Are ye trying to get killed?” She moaned her delight but kept her hands clenched at her sides. She looked at the faint stream of sunlight peeking through the curtains. “Me dad will be on his way.”

With one last swirl of his tongue, Christopher straightened and placed a chaste kiss upon her forehead. “Promise you’ll wait up for me after the ball.”

Grabbing the dress from his hands, Emma nodded. “Ye better not make me wait long.” Forgoing her stays, she leaned forward, brushing the tips of her nipples across his bare skin as she turned around and pulled the dress over her head. With her back to him, she slightly bent at the hips to shake out her skirts. Her bum brushed up against his erect manhood. Christopher sucked in a breath. But instead of reaching around to fondle her breasts like Emma wished he’d do, Christopher did the gentlemanly thing and helped her with the buttons at the back of her dress. It was nice to have help and not pull a muscle twisting and turning about. “Are ye nearly done?”

“Damnation, woman, stay still.” Christopher’s nimble fingers had excelled at releasing buttons, but he wasn’t as adept at playing the maid. He released a sigh and said, “Done.” Christopher hadn’t even finished saying the word when the pounding at the front door started. Stepping around Emma, Christopher headed for the stairs. Trailing right behind him, Emma avoided tripping over skirts as she tried to match his long strides.

Blast. He reached the front door first. Swinging the door open, Christopher let her dad into the shop. “Good morning, Mr. Lennox.”

“Humph. Was her mum not clear? No more nighttime visits.”

“I apologize.