President Darcy

She sighed heavily. “I understand. With the things Lydia said…and now it looks like there will be hearings….Of course, you don’t want to be associated with me…”

What?

He placed his hands on both of her shoulders, waiting until she glanced up at him. “Elizabeth, I do not hold you responsible for something your sister did. She’s just a pawn in Wickham’s twisted vendetta against me.”

“But she wouldn’t have been a useful pawn if you and I hadn’t—” Her voice broke off. She swallowed and continued. “If I hadn’t told her just enough to give them a weapon against you.”

Darcy caught and held her eyes. “If it hadn’t been that, Wickham would have found something else to use against me. I can’t express how sorry I am that my relationship with your family brought Wickham into your orbit. If it weren’t for me, he never would have learned of Lydia’s existence.”

Elizabeth’s lips twisted. “They’re living together now.”

Shit. Darcy closed his eyes briefly. “I’m so sorry.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “She never did have the best judgment.”

“I’m still sorry.” Darcy smoothed back hair from her eyes.

“You don’t blame me for this mess?”

“Of course not. Although I wish to hell it hadn’t ended like that, I wouldn’t have traded that night for anything.”

She stared at him for a moment. “Wow.”

He gave a little chuckle. “Do you think chemistry like this happens to me all the time? That was the best night of my life.”

She peered up at him through her lashes. “The best night of your—really?”

Inching closer, he took her hand, kissing her fingertips. “Really. It was spectacular and lovely, and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Her eyes fell to the floor, and she shook her head. “Will…”

He needed to be sitting down for this. Grasping her hand, he led Elizabeth to the sofa.

But once they were seated side by side, rational thoughts dribbled out of his mind, and resolve flew out the window. Misgivings were forgotten. Reservations melted away. All supplanted by the overwhelming need to touch her. It was bliss. She nestled against him, relaxing into his touch as he stroked her hair, her shoulder, her neck. Each touch reassured him that she was real, and her presence wasn’t a dream.

Her hand traced his knee, his bicep with feathery, soft touches. Tantalizing feelings teased his senses, prompting a desire for more…more. A shudder ran up his spine, and goosebumps rose all over his skin. Her touch stimulated every nerve in his body so that every part of him was coming alive.

Unable to bear more teasing, he covered her mouth with his and pressed her into the sofa. Her body was warm and pliable beneath his as her lips parted. He was drowning in her taste, her scent, every sensation from his tongue…his fingers…every inch of skin pressed against her. She moaned, exciting him even further. His hands reached around, tugging at the zipper on the back of her dress.

Elizabeth sat up, pushing him back. His hands reached out, but only caught empty air. “Will, we can’t—w-we need to talk.” Every line of her body had stiffened; her hands shook as if they were suddenly very cold.

Darcy righted himself, gripping the sofa cushions to avoid reaching for her. “I can’t apologize enough for the cameras, the reporters, everything. That’s why I avoided dat—hooking up in office.”

Her lips pinched together. “Was it just a hook up for you?”

“God, no!” She couldn’t believe that. “I-I—If I weren’t the president, we’d be on our tenth date by now.” He hesitated. “At least as far as I’m concerned.”

“Yeah, I’d like that,” she said softly, staring down at her hands folded in her lap.

“Unfortunately, I am the president.” He laughed ruefully. “I had resolved not to date during my presidency; it’s just too messy. But then I met you, and you made me want to break all my rules.”

Her body curved toward his. “That may be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

The sweep of her neck was so soft…so tempting…. “I’ve broken so many of my rules since I met you…” He nuzzled her neck, inhaling the sweet fragrance of her skin.

“Will…” she breathed.

He pressed her against the back of the sofa for another kiss.