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He settled on the frankness in those same brown eyes. “You’re determined to make me lose mymind, aren’t you?”
Mischief in her smile, she shook her head, then turned serious. “I enjoyed our time in the gazebo. It’s probably going to be the only real passion I’ll know for the rest of my life. Is it wrong that I want more to hold on to?”
He didn’t know how to respond.
“Cole and I don’t desire each other. There is no physical attraction. That isn’t why we’re marrying. You showed me passion, so truthfully, this is your fault.”
“Blaming me, are you?”
“You were the man kissing me in the gazebo.”
“So, what is it that you want, Lady Hellion?”
“A night, an evening—with you.”
“I’m not taking your innocence, Valinda.”
“That isn’t what I want. My mother says that part is awful anyway. She told my sister and I that when my father insists, she recites the alphabet until he’s done.”
His jaw dropped, and he laughed. “The alphabet!”
“Yes. She said it’s usually over by the time she reaches the letter P.”
Laughter erupted again, and he couldn’t stop.
“What’s so funny?” she asked, grinning.
Still laughing, Drake felt his knees weakening and his ribs vibrate on the edge of pain. “Oh, lord. I’m going to die right here in Reba’s kitchen.” He finally pulled himself together and with amused eyes viewed her like the treasure he considered her to be. “No lover worth his salt should have his woman so bored she’s silently reciting the alphabet.”
“No?”
“No,cheri. She shouldn’t be thinking anything other than how good a time she’s having.”
She looked confused, then said, “This is why I need more tutoring.”
“You’ll not get your completion certificate from me though. No matter how you and Cole feel about each other, that’s not my place.”
“I understand.”
“But do you agree?”
“Is this a contract?” she asked.
“You could think of it that way. I don’t want you angry with me when we’re done.” He studied her. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“I am.”
“Positive?” he asked softly.
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Then let’s eat. I’ll tutor you when we’re done.”
The thought of gifting her with the pleasure she’d requested made him want to cancel dinner and carry her up to his room then and there. No man in his right mind would say no to a sensuous evening of play, even with the limits he’d set down. But he wanted to court her, seduce her, give her the full measure of how earth-shattering desire could be, so he set aside the urge of having her immediately. With Reba away, they had all evening.
Standing outside on the terrace connected to his room, Valinda watched the night roll in. The wind had picked up. A storm was on the way. She could hear him moving quietly around inside. She didn’t know what he was doing. Preparing things, maybe. Not that she knew what that might be. Having never been in a man’s room before, she was more nervous than she’d ever been in her life. So much so, she toyed with the idea of telling him she’d changed her mind, but truthfully, she hadn’t. She wanted whatever was to come. With him. And then, he was behind her. His arms gently encircled her waist and the initial touch and feel of him closed her eyes.
“Storm coming,” he voiced quietly.
