Page 42 of How to Tempt an Earl

Her full lips pouted, and his gaze immediately lowered. Christ, the woman had a mouth made for sin. “Did the viscount’s son speak like that to you?”

“Of course not.” She barely knew the man.

“Then he’s not the man for you.”

Her eyes widened and she clutched his arm. “You don’t even know him. How can you judge him?”

“I’m an excellent judge of character. Years of running a gambling house has taught me. The sons of the beau monde are born with silver spoons in their mouths and nothing has changed.”

“You were born in the bosom of aristocracy.”

“I left and chose to earn my own living. Can you say the same about any of them?”

“No. I supposed not, but my options are limited.”

Ian scoffed. “I thought you said you’d only marry for love. Is there someone you do love?” He tensed, waiting for her response. A muscle tightened in his chest.

“Not yet.”

Ian shouldn’t care, but her response did little to put him at ease. “How affectionate do you think any fop or dandy will be after he learns of your father’s financial straits? I can only assume it’s impacted your dowry.”

She bit her bottom lip. “How would I even know if a man is interested in me or my dowry?”

His body was tightly coiled and tense. “A man will look at you a certain way. Kiss you like you are all that belongs in this world. Make your heart pound until you forget yourself.” The way he wanted to touch and stroke her, to rouse her passion, and make her forget propriety.

“Oh my.” Her eyelids fluttered and she swayed ever so slightly forward. When he made no move toward her, she opened her eyes and met his gaze. “Aren’t you going to kiss me good night?”

“What?” His voice was harsh.

“You’ve kissed me every time in the past.”

“Do you want me to kiss you?”

She shrugged a slender shoulder. “I think you’re right and the wine has loosened my tongue.”

“I promised myself not to touch you.”

“You did?”

“Yes.”

She reached out and ran a finger down his cheek. She’d forgotten to put on her gloves and he was happy for it. He wanted to feel her hands on him. On his naked skin. She grazed the divot in his chin and came perilously close to his lips. He clenched his fists at his sides before he grasped her hand and pressed a kiss against the center of her palm. When she didn’t pull away, he sucked the tip of her finger into his mouth.

“Yes,” she said breathlessly. “I think I do want you to kiss me.”

His eyes never left hers. “Grace…”

“Maybe I want you to kiss me now. I’m wondering why it feels so different with you than with another’s.”

“What?”

“You know I’m not a new debutante. I’ve had my fair share of private garden strolls. I’ve even been kissed.” She looked at him pointedly. “Before you.”

“By whom?”

“Is that important?”

“Where?” he asked.