One Night with Prince Charming (Aristocratic Grooms 2)

this tale, the heroine wants to know what it looks like.”

And she wanted him to want her.

The thought flashed through her mind, and she couldn’t deny its truth.

She made a visual sweep of the room. “V-very nice.”

Dark, rich furniture contrasted with stripe and damask upholstery in varying shades of cream and green.

A four-poster bed was dominated by a scrolled wooden headboard.

She parted and then wet her lips.

Her eyes connected with Hawk’s, and she realized that he’d caught every reaction.

She wanted to say something, and then stopped.

“I hate my speech impediment,” she blurted inanely.

He gave a lopsided smile. “I love your verbal quirk.” He leaned close, a twinkle in his eye. “It tells me just how much I’m affecting you.”

She felt flustered because he was affecting her right now. “Mmm…y-you p-promised you wouldn’t bite.”

“Little Red Riding Hood and the Big, Bad Wolf?” he queried as he moved closer. “Okay, I can work with that story line.”

Despite herself, she laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

He reached out and caressed her arm. “I promised I wouldn’t bite, but that leaves much unbargained territory.”

“I am not Little Red Riding Hood.”

“Of course,” he agreed soothingly. “Not into role-play?”

She gave a helpless laugh.

He ducked his head and brushed his lips across hers.

He made to pull back almost immediately, but then his lips lowered to hers again—as if Hawk couldn’t help himself—and this time the kiss lingered.

Hawk’s arms came around her, and she slid her own up to his neck. They pressed close, hard planes meeting soft curves and fitting together without gap, despite their difference in height.

He tasted minty and fresh, and as his tongue invaded her mouth, she made a sound deep in her throat and met him eagerly.

The kiss was intense, but finally slowed.

“Pia,” Hawk muttered against her mouth. “It’s been too long. How could I ever forget?”

She didn’t want him ever to forget. She wanted him to remember her in the way he’d similarly always be with her.

She’d always remember him. Her first lover.

Suddenly Hawk bent and hooked his arm under her knees, and laid her on the bed. He came down beside her and took her in his arms again.

“Pia.” He brushed the hair away from her face. “You remind me of a nymph or a fairy.”

“I suppose it doesn’t help that I’m wearing ballerina flats today.”

He gave a short laugh. “Even when you’re not in flats, you’re petite.” He brushed her hair so that it fanned out over the coverlet. “I’ve never seen a wood nymph climb a rock wall before.”