By accident, a giggle escaped her. He was quite a dear man. “Is love all you feel for me?” Oh, why did she ask that? From his own admission, this relationship wouldn’t be about anything other than companionship.
Would it?
“Honestly?” When she nodded, he grinned, and her stomach executed a freefall. “All I’ve been able to think about since I met you has been kissing you senseless. You already have me topsy turvy about you. Anything else is window dressing.”
Merciful heavens.This man just might be good for her after all. But those dratted walls around her weakened heart continued to stand. Too many people could be hurt with this decision, including him. Possibly her family. “I…”
“Answer me this.” Emotions clouded his stormy eyes that she hadn’t the courage to puzzle out. “Have you felt the attraction between us, that invisible pull that connects us, but you don’t know why?”
“Yes, but—”
“And haven’t I been able to make you laugh?”
“Of course, but—”
“And haven’t I already proven I can comfort you when you are upset, without the benefit of time between us?”
Perhaps he had a point. “You have, and you’ve apparently made a tremendous impression on Hannah. That is no mean feat. She is quite selective of her friends.”
“Good.” He nodded, and a tiny grin curved his mouth. Oh, why wouldn’t he kiss her instead of talk? “And according to your own admission, haven’t you married your previous husbands after very little time in knowing them as well?”
“Yes.” Obviously, she couldn’t deny that truth. He’d successfully routed her lock, stock, and artillery, and had an answer for her every objection. Just like a man of substance should. Finally, Sophia sighed. “I don’t know why you wish to do this. I will imminently expire. There is nothing for you to look forward to.”
“That’s where you are wrong, especially when one lives his life day by day without thinking too much of the future.” Amusement lit his dear, gray eyes. “Have you always been this stubborn?” he asked in a soft voice seconds before he released her hand in order to cup her cheek, leaned into her, and claimed her lips with his.
“Oh.” A sigh shuddered from her. Just like when she’d kissed him a few days ago, an electric sort of energy shot down her spine to bury itself between her thighs. Pure, unadulterated want rushed through her body, and that was something she hadn’t been cognizant of for years. When they parted, she could only stare at him for a few seconds. “I believe I told you that all the Winterbournes are willful. It would stand that we’re stubborn as well.”
Oliver snorted with amusement. “Point taken, and that explains the conundrum of Hannah.” He grinned. “Can I assume from the reaction between us that you accept my suit?”
“I have one more question first.” Oh, this was the very definition of insanity! I cannot believe I’m actually contemplating this. But one look into his face and seeing the slight steam in his spectacle lenses had the decision swinging more toward one direction. “How experienced are you at kissing?”
“Oh, I’m quite experienced in that.” His chuckle sent heat sailing through her chest. Answering warmth danced through those stormy eyes merely waiting for a match to be dropped. “However, my skill doesn’t usually translate past kissing.”
Poor thing, but the fact he hadn’t lain with a woman intrigued her more than it probably should. “Why not? You are handsome enough and possess a sense of humor as well as often spend time reading. You have an interesting livelihood and are well-traveled. Any woman would jump at the chance to be with you.”
“If only that were so, but sadly, I’m not the type of man who inspires carnal endeavors.” He shrugged and looked so wry that she couldn’t help but laugh. “I suppose since I’m not physically inclined nor am I titled or rich, I don’t garner a second glance.”
“Then all of those other women have fluff for brains.” How fun would it be to initiate this man into the wonders of intercourse? It would certainly distract her from the worries of her own life. As long as those bouts weren’t too strenuous. “You are quite the catch, Ambassador.” Feeling wildly abandoned but cautious, Sophia took hold of Oliver’s cravat and tugged him closer. Then she framed his face with her hands and proceeded to kiss him back.
For a few seconds, she took the time to explore the shape of his lips. She ran the tip of her tongue along that bottom piece of flesh, and when he groaned, she giggled and moved to deepen the kiss. In next to no time, he’d encouraged her to open for him, and she did so gladly, for it had been far too long since she’d felt the rush and warmth that came along with kissing. As soon as his tongue slid against hers, she was lost to the clouds of desire filling her head. Over and over, she moved on his mouth—seeking, questioning, and finally asking for his surrender.
And the dear man gave it spectacularly.
He let her boss his tongue around and then when she drew a hand down his chest, he moaned and took control of the kiss, doing all the things she’d just done to him. Oh, how glorious it was! She’d missed this sort of intimacy too much, and he was right. It didn’t matter how little they’d known of each other, for in this, they were well-matched. So it had been with her previous two husbands.
Why did I doubt that?
Eventually, she wrenched away, a tad breathless, and stared at him with a grin tugging at the corners of her lips. “I would say that you indeed know how to kiss, Oliver.”
“Thank you.” He was adorable with that flush on his cheeks and neck, and when she glanced downward, the impressive bulge at the front of his trousers fired her imagination as well as her blood. “Can I safely assume this means you will marry me?”
“Yes.” When he would have uttered a whoop of victory, she laid a hand on his chest. His hard, warm chest that she would give anything to peek at right now. What would his body feel like against hers? “But I want you to know something before we go forward.”
“Oh?” Worry creased his brow.
“If we marry, I want everything such a union comes with. I don’t want the convenience of it. I don’t want you to merely lay beside me in the dark so that I might sleep. There is no time for that. I want you in every way a woman can have a man, but I also want your friendship, your companionship, your support.” She stumbled over the last words. “If I am alive long enough for love to form between us, then that is merely the frosting on the proverbial cake. If you are not prepared to give me everything you are, then I must decline.”
“Ah, Sophia, there is much fire left in you. You don’t do things by half, do you?” Respect reflected in his eyes. “I will give you whatever you wish as long as you’ll agree to be my wife, for I only want you. After all, I’m already infatuated.”