Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,192

quite good at this," she murmured.

"Can you believe," he said, nibbling at her bottom lip, "I have not had a single lesson."

She chuckled. "Not a one?"

He shook his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Though if I am in need of instruction—"

She doubted Desmond would ever need guidance where her body was concerned. It seemed he knew it perfectly already, before she had even disrobed. He continued the gentle assault on her senses, eliciting another shudder, or perhaps it was caused by her anticipating what was next.

"You are certain we are quite alone?" she asked with a grin.

He made a big show of surveying the room. "The settee is empty," he reported, "which I can confirm since it is facing me. No chance of anyone surprising us there. And the bed is quite empty, too. At least for the moment. I cannot imagine anyone would try to hide in the wardrobe, but just to be certain—"

He pretended to take a step that direction, but Lorelei halted him, laughing at his antics. "They shall have to see to their own entertainment then."

She pulled his head towards hers and he responded with gentle kisses, trailing across her cheekbones and the shell of her ear. It felt as though he were worshipping her. She nearly pushed him away, warning him not to make more of this than it was. Yet the sensations were too thrilling. Her body responded instantly to each new caress. She craved another kiss as soon as the last one ceased.

How could she continue to resist when every cell of her being wanted just the opposite?

Desmond tilted his head back, studying her expression. She shook her head, smiling, not wanting her fears to spoil this moment. She kissed him, deeply, pouring all of her passion into it. He responded in the same fashion.

"I had envisioned a slow unveiling," she teased, "but you are making that a near impossibility."

"I am glad to hear it, since I am experiencing the same."

She stepped back a pace. "Shall I go first?"

"I can thinking of nothing I desire more."

She laughed and pushed at him gently until he was seated in a nearby chair. "In case you find yourself with knees that go wobbly."

He grinned and put his hand at her nape, drawing her towards him for another delicious kiss. "I appreciate your concern. And I promise to return the favor."

He placed his lips on hers. He took his time, nibbling and caressing, urging her to open to him. She sank onto his lap, not even aware at first that she'd done so, but it was the only choice after a kiss that completely stole her breath. It completely stole her wits, as well. She could not think of anything but kissing him, nearly forgetting the intimate contact was a prelude to even more passion.

She rested her forehead against his mouth. "You are fortunate I had the foresight to insist you be seated."

He chuckled, and the rumbling against her skin was comforting, even in the midst of the passion he incited. "Indeed, I am. Is there anything else you recommend I do?"

The wicked gleam in his eyes set her heart fluttering, and the rest of her body became more insistent for his attention. "For now you can remain where you are. I will be sure to ask for your assistance, however, if it is needed."

"I sincerely hope it is. I stand—er, sit—ready for your command."

She gave him another light kiss before leaning back, untying her bodice and letting it fall open. His eyes flickered with obvious interest but he did not reach toward her, as she expected. She tugged at the chemise underneath. "It does not appear to be cooperating."

"I would be glad to offer my assistance," he answered. It took only a moment to remove the offending article, displaying her breasts to him.

Lorelei shivered at the heat in his gaze. He gently cupped his hands around her, smoothing her skin with his touch, watching her expression the entire time. The intensity was too much to bear. She closed her eyes.

In the next instant, his mouth was on her nipple, inciting a riot of passion she had never experienced before now.

It rattled her. This was meant to be an enjoyable diversion, another one to add to previous pleasurable pastimes, yet it seemed Desmond had other ideas in mind.

She did not have the strength to resist these newfound feelings, however. She gave in, telling herself there would be plenty of time at a later date to examine