“Indeed.” He stroked his thumb along her lower lip. “It is the only way I can truly learn what pleases you. Of course, I can observe you, but requests are most welcome.”
She kissed his thumb instinctively, and his eyes grew hooded as if it had been the right thing to do.
How strange.
“Will, may I see you without your clothes?” she blurted before she could stop herself.
But from his pleased look, she was quite glad she had not.
He blinked but then smiled. Oh so slowly. “It would give me a great deal of pleasure. Let us start there.”
He took a step back, then began removing layers. First his dark coat. Then he unbuttoned his waistcoat, which he allowed to join his coat.
He tugged at his cravat and unwound it.
She bit the inside of her cheek, having absolutely no idea what to do with herself or her hands as she watched.
With each layer that he removed, she grew warmer and warmer…and her skin positively tingled.
She was alone with a man who was growing ever closer to being naked.
“Come,” he said softly, holding his hand to her.
“What?” Surely he was not about to cease?
“Will you help me with my shirt?” he asked.
“You don’t need help,” she scoffed.
He laughed. “No. But you might enjoy it.”
“Oh.” She blushed. “I see.”
This was so odd. Usually she felt so in control. So capable. Not now. This was unknown territory.
Tentatively, she reached out and took his linen shirt in her hands.
She pulled gently. It did not budge. She smiled at him, then tugged, and the hem flew out of his breeches.
He pulled her to him, stealing her lips in a hot kiss.
She melted to him, savoring the feel of his mouth on hers as his hands roved down her back.
His embrace was voracious, and she was shocked at how much she loved the feel of his hand cupping her bottom, cradling her hips up toward his. Amazed, she felt the hardness of his sex through his breeches.
Before she could think twice, she lowered her hand and gently caressed that hard length.
He groaned.
Her mind went blank, but instinctively she worked his shirt upward until at last, due to his significant height, he assisted her with pulling his shirt over his head.
It spilled from her fingertips to the floor.
His mouth still on hers, she traced her hands over the hard planes of his body. They were both discovering each other, using their hands as their guides.
The wildness of it charged her with a need. Oh how she loved the feel of velvet skin against her palms. She wanted to feel him skin to skin.
“Your turn,” he whispered against her mouth as if sensing her desire.