A Kiss At Christmastide by Christina McKnight

Author:Christina McKnight
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

P ippa noticed the sliver of light escaping the edges of her draperies the moment her eyes fluttered opened. She’d hurriedly donned a morning gown with an apron and pockets before pulling the heavy fabric aside—scared she’d be disappointed to find the storm still lingering. She was pleasantly surprised to see her first instinct was true. A patchy blue sky greeted her with the grey storm clouds clinging at the horizon, not completely ready to move on from Somerset. The tops of the trees stood tall with no wind pushing them to and fro—and below, a thin layer of snow dotted the landscape.

At least for today, the storm had been pushed aside.

The roads should be passable very soon. That meant three things: her parents would be arriving shortly, she’d be free to deliver her gifts and baked goods to the village, and Lucas would be journeying on to Lady Natalie’s Christmas party. Her excitement for the first two diminished with the thought of Lucas’s departure—from her home and her life.

It was irrational to think a man, this complete stranger, would happen upon her house during a storm and become a permanent fixture in her life. Their paths had only crossed for these short two days—they would both move on from here, each forgetting the other. There was the possibility of them meeting again when Pippa returned to London. Would they nod to one another—possibly dance a set, or share refreshments at the opera—or would they both look the other way, agreeing to keep the memory of their time together intact without ruining the specialness by seeking to continue their acquaintance?

An acquaintance that would lead nowhere.

Regardless of what their futures held, today, they would go their separate ways. She to the village, and Lucas to his party—although, two days late, yet still in time for the holiday.

Pippa smiled, realizing that, although times would return to normal, she’d fulfilled what her parents had found…love during the Christmastide. That she’d kissed a man most unsuitable did not matter, did it? When in his arms, he did not feel the least bit as Pippa imagined a rogue would feel.

Their kiss had been everything she’d anticipated, and yet, far exceeded her expectations. His lips had been warm and intense. His hands had caressed her bum, kneading in gentlest of fashions. His scent had invaded her senses—he smelled of all things manly, pine and leather with a hint of sandalwood.

He’d been in control of their kiss; however, he hadn’t sought to prove his dominance—nor take their intimate moment further than Pippa was prepared for. If Lucas would have asked, or led, she more than likely would have allowed him any liberties he sought.

It was a startling thought, and confirmed that he needed to go immediately; move on to Lady Natalie’s party. If he stayed, it would not be him leading her to ruin, but Pippa walking into her own undoing—with no reservations.

Did every man’s kiss affect women in such a way? Pippa did not expect so.

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