Kade trailed a hand down to her thigh, finding the top of her garter. “Too much?”
She hesitated, and then gave him a dreamy little smile. “No, it’s perfect.”
Placing a hand on her back, Kade brought her down for a kiss. With a happy sigh, she nestled close. She nuzzled his lips, sweetly playing. Her mouth was silky and warm and he knew he could spend hours kissing her—not just her mouth but also every delicious part of her. When the time was right he would do just that, lingering between her thighs and tasting the deepest, most intimate parts of her.
Soon.
When he gently bit her lower lip, she responded by wriggling her bottom. His erection thoroughly approved. Leaving her mouth, he kissed his way along her dainty jawline, nudging up her chin as he moved down her slender throat.
He paused to lick the tender hollow where her pulse fluttered. When she quivered, he held her steady. With his other hand, he gently tugged on her bodice. The tops of her breasts plumped up over her stays, partly exposing her nipples. He could see they were already flushed and plump, and oh-so-ready for his tongue.
“Now, there’s a sight to behold,” he murmured.
When he swiped a thumb across one nipple, Charlie let out a whimper. Kade leaned closer and—
“Ahem,” came a female voice from close by.
Charlie froze. A moment later, she pushed up and scrambled out of his arms, almost landing on the floor before she recovered.
Kade swallowed a curse and carefully sat up, trying not to wince. In her mad scramble, Charlie’s hip bone had dealt a glancing blow to his privates. Thankfully, she’d not fully connected, or he’d be writhing in considerable agony.
He glared at his sister-in-law. She was garbed for travel and regarding them with open amusement. “Ainsley, have you ever heard of knocking?”
“Dear boy, it’s the music room, which I believe is in a public part of the house. How was I to know you would be, er, indisposed?”
Charlie, cheeks now red as autumn apples, continued to yank her clothing back into some semblance of order.
“I’m so sorry, Ainsley,” she blurted out as she smoothed her wrinkled skirts. “I . . . we didn’t hear you. How embarrassing for you.”
Ainsley gave an insouciant wave. “Please, I am rarely embarrassed. But perhaps you and Kade might think about a more private setting in which to engage in such . . . intimate conversations.”
“Is that what we’re calling it?” he said as he tugged his own clothing back into place.
When Charlie shot him a dirty look, he held up his hands. “Sorry. Just trying to lighten the mood.”
She switched her attention back to Ainsley. “Were you looking for us?”
“Yes, to let you know that we’re leaving.” Ainsley eyed her. “I would, however, advise that you not come to the entrance hall to make your farewells. Both your parents will be there.”
Charlie’s shoulders went up around her ears. “Oh, dear, that’s unfortunate. I mean, well, do you think . . .”
“Never fear,” Ainsley replied. “I will simply tell your parents that we already said our farewells. Royal and Tira will perfectly understand the situation.”
Charlie blushed an even deeper shade of red, which Kade would not have thought possible.
“Um, thank you,” she said.
Ainsley opened her arms. “Give me a hug, my dear, and then be off with you. Via the back staircase, obviously.”
Charlie enveloped her in a fierce hug. “Thank you for everything. You’ve been so wonderful.”
Ainsley patted her back. “You’re very easy to love, Charlotte. Never forget that, nor that you deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you,” she replied in a muffled tone. Then she released Ainsley and fled the room without even a backwards glance for Kade.
He rubbed his forehead. “Well, that was fun.”
Ainsley crossed her arms. “Aren’t you going to get up and give me a hug?”
