Souvenir of Love (The Souvenir #2)

The Seduction

James Dinsmore’s eyes followed the dip of her collarbone down the smooth slope of her breasts into the concealing wrap of her mantelet. “You must be warm, sitting so close to the fire.”

“I like the heat,” she said, even as she loosened the velvet around her waist, letting the fabric slide ever so slightly down her shoulders.

Then let me show you more. The words sprang to his mind but would not leave his mouth. “Don’t you think you should return to the dance?”

“I’ve had enough of dancing,” she said, lowering her glass. “Haven’t you?”

“Elizabeth…your reputation…”

“Is safe. I doubt anyone saw us leave. And speaking of reputations, aren’t you supposed to be a notorious libertine?” Still seated on the floor, she wriggled closer to where he sat on the fainting couch. “I’ve never been kissed by a libertine.”

He reached down and grasped the fabric gathered about her elbows, pulling it—and her—closer toward him. “You have much to learn.”

“I know that.” She smiled impishly up at him. “Why else would I be here?”

“Then let the lessons begin,” he whispered, burying his regrets within the sweet recesses of her mouth.