“What you meant when you talked of stolen touches.” Her whisper brought a bold smile to his face.
She thinks of such things too!
He leaned toward her a little more. There was barely any distance between them now. They were so close that despite the lack of light, he could see that blush at last, and he could hear her breath escaping her in soft pants.
“If you want to know what can happen between a man and a woman, ask, and I will tell you, Julia. I promise you that.”
His mind was going mad. He couldn’t stop thinking of what could happen between them. He imagined what could pass if there was no one outside of the carriage. Could he pull Julia into his lap and kiss her? Could he reach beneath the skirt of her gown and let his fingers wander, to show her what passion could truly be like? Could he bring her that peak of pleasure as she gripped at his shoulders?
“Tempting indeed,” she whispered softly.
“There are many tempting things here,” he confessed.
“We are not performing for anyone to see now. Yet you are holding onto my hand regardless.”
“That I am, and I find I am not in a hurry to let go.” He smiled at her, angling his head a little. “Do you remember part of the conditions of the deal that we made, you forbade any kisses?”
“Yes, though you are already stretching that rule by kissing my hand as many times as you do.”
“Would you permit me to stretch the rule a little more?” he asked, holding his breath as he waited for her answer. He didn’t know if it was the champagne from the assembly that had given him courage to ask, or the sight of her blush, yet now he was nervous, waiting for her answer.
“You wish to kiss me again?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“Just one kiss, but if you say no, a word from you will silence me on this matter, and I promise not to ask again.”
Yet she didn’t say no. She continued to look up at him, with those striking eyes flicking between his own.
One kiss… please.
He moved toward her a little more, testing the waters. When she didn’t retreat, he grew bolder, moving his lips to hers. He had though it would be gentle, yet the moment his lips found hers, he felt a fire had been lit in his gut.
Julia clung to him, her hands reaching for the tops of his arms. That grip was all he needed to heighten the excitement. His hands went for her waist and lifted her off the bench, moving her body against his. As he kissed her, begging permission past her lips to deepen the kiss, he could feel her curves pressed against his own. Her hands lifted from his shoulders, with one clinging to the lapel of his jacket and the other toying in his hair.
This kiss – it is fire itself!
Edward was too busy basking in the thrill to notice the sudden sound. Julia pulling away from him was the first encouragement he had to notice what it was. They stayed there, panting in each other’s arms as they listened to voices shouting.
“What is that?” Edward murmured in surprise.
“My parents. They are arguing,” she whispered. She looked down between them, her eyes widening when she saw their bodies plastered together. “I should go.”
“Julia, wait, please –” Yet he couldn’t keep her there. She was gone quickly, stumbling out of the carriage, leaving him sat there alone. Without her, he felt cold, but his body still thrummed from the excitement she had caused.
He nearly went after her, he was that tempted to do so. Instead, he sat back, lifting his hands to cover his face as he thought of that kiss.
What is happening? I shouldn’t be kissing my false bride, should I?