Betrothed in Haste to the Earl by Liz Tyner

Author:Liz Tyner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-05-25T13:04:43+00:00

* * *

Inside the room, he looked around and studied the many framed pieces of embroidery on her wall. It was a room a grandmother would feel comfortable in. ‘You like stitching.’

‘It’s how I often spend my time, and some are gifts from friends.’

He took her hand and walked around the room, studying the different frames. She told him which ones she’d completed, and her relationship with the people who’d sewn the other ones.

He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. ‘I suppose I should tell you goodbye. I only told your father I’d stay longer to irritate him.’ He moved to the door.

‘Perhaps you should stay another day.’

‘Are you sure?’

She closed the sitting room door, holding it shut with her hand. ‘Yes. It will help things settle after the argument you had with Father, but that’s not the real reason. I enjoy being with you.’

‘Isn’t that risky for you?

‘More for you. You are the one who keeps getting bruised.’

‘True.’

‘But every time two people meet and go deeper into their relationship, they are always taking a risk.’ She couldn’t stop herself from wanting to spend more time with him. She laughed softly. ‘So the secret of a successful friendship might be simple—not to know each other well.’

‘I don’t let most people close to the true person I am, but I want you to feel free to ask me any questions you want. To talk about whatever you want.’ His eyes were serious.

‘Even embroidery?’ she jested, wanting to lighten the moment, and hoping to feel closer to him.

‘Well, perhaps most things. Not all.’ Then he moved closer. ‘On second thought, don’t tell anyone, but I would even take up embroidery to spend more time with you.’

‘You don’t have to,’ she said. ‘But it might be enjoyable to watch you struggle with a needle and thread.’

‘I would not want to imagine how the stitching would appear.’

‘I suspect you would be good at anything you tried.’ And it was true. He just seemed so competent, assured. Not even flustered when things erupted around him. Sturdy.

‘If I ever take up embroidery, I will be sure to let you know.’

They stood so close she could hear the slightest rustle of his clothing, and note the soft scent of his soap.

‘What I would really like to know is what your skin feels like.’

‘I already know what yours is like.’ He leaned in but stopped just before his lips found hers. ‘Soft.’ He kissed her, and it was not the kiss of a man wanting a brief encounter. His lips caressed hers and she felt the warmth begin to spread about her body. He had a gentleness about him and she touched her hand to the side of his face. She felt the growth of his beard and the firmness of his skin.

At that touch, his kiss strengthened, his body moved to touch hers and he pulled her against him. She felt the length of him touching her.

His arm ran down her back and he pressed her to him, but the movement did not seem to please him.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.