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He had too many to count. He briefly considered which one might be best and, landing on the perfect plan, he gave her a devilish wink. “Follow me, my lady. Trouble awaits.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Breathless excitement filled Natalie as Ethan pulled her through the crowd and into a dark hallway.
Where were they going? What did he have in mind?
He must already be having an effect on her, because for the first time in her life, she didn’t care that she was breaking a hundred rules. She was alone with a rake in a dark hall, heading off to do something mischievous. But she didn’t feel at all worried. Instead, excitement pulsed through her.
This was fun. Thrilling even. And it grew more exciting when Ethan stopped in front of a large mahogany door, pulling her close.
He gave her that playful look that always managed to steal her breath as he reached a hand up. She expected him to trail his fingers over her cheek again.
Could she admit, despite her many assertions that she was not interested in him, that his touch—well…it had melted something inside her. It had been gentle and exciting and a bit… She searched for the word and finally landed on thrilling. Though that wasn’t exactly right either. His large hand on her skin was both masculine and comforting.
He was beyond handsome and even if his attention was temporary, these lessons were about seizing opportunity, and she had a moment here and now where Ethan Somersworth was hers.
He did not touch her cheek again, and she had a flash of disappointment, the air rushing from her lungs, but his fingers drifted over her coif of curls before he reached into the mass of pinned strands. “I’m going to need to borrow one of your hair pins.”
“For what?” she asked, breathless once again, the feelings of his fingers on her scalp better than she’d ever imagined.
“To pick this lock, of course.”
“Of course?” Her lips parted in question but his fingers were searching her hair, and she found her head tipping back into his touch, exposing the column of her neck.
He rumbled low and deep, his hand stilling as his face dropped. For the span of a second, she thought he might kiss her mouth and a rush of anticipation she’d never known coursed through her.
But he didn’t. Instead, his cheek brushed hers, his stubble scraping against her jaw and then down her neck until his lips pressed to the pulsing vein below her ear. She was so exposed, but it wasn’t fear that throbbed through her but desire. “You smell fantastic.”
She shivered, tingles racing through her at his touch. His scent had filled her nostrils too. Sandalwood, leather, and some masculine essence that had her breathing in deep. “So do you.”
He leaned back then. “Did you just compliment me?”
A smile twitched on her lips. “You deserved it. You do smell…” Intoxicating. That was the word that came to mind.
He pulled his fingers from her hair, her head feeling heavy without his palm holding it up. “Please finish that statement,” he said as he began to bend the pin.
She searched her mind for an acceptable word while he stuck the pin into the lock, twisting it gently about. “You smell like…” How did she share without revealing too much. “How a ride on horseback feels.”
The lock clicked and Ethan straightened. “How interesting.” He swung open the door, grabbing her hand and pulling her into the room. “Tell me more.”
“I think it’s your turn,” she replied, letting him close the door behind them. She was truly alone with this man, no mother just on the other side of the door, no footman just out of sight.
Just her and him and a closed door. It was the most exhilarating thing she’d ever done and blood rushed in her ears as she attempted to slow her racing heart.
Her eyes, having adjusted to the dim light, glanced about, and she noted that they’d made their way into the library. Shelves of books filled the walls, several pieces of furniture filling the middle of the room.
Ethan still stood just in front of her, his gaze intent upon her while she continued to study the walls, the ceiling, anything but him.
He blew out a long breath, the warm air tickling her cheeks. “You smell like a bouquet of wildflowers. Some sweet, some pungent, all delicious.”
Her gaze snapped to his. It was a lovely description. The sort a woman wanted to hear. Which is likely why she blurted out, “This is the baddest thing I’ve ever done.”
He pulled her close then, his body pressing to hers, hand splayed out on the small of her back. “Want to make it just a little badder?”
For a moment, she ceased breathing. Would he kiss her now? Was she obsessed with the idea of kissing him? He’d suggested it before and she’d told him that she’d not allow him to do so, but the longer she knew him… The more curious she became.
And besides, this was about breaking rules. Finding her strength and her heart. Wouldn’t kissing a rake help with both of those?
