Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,69
do,” she whispered. “Last night we were exhausted and fell right to sleep. But now—”
“Relax, love. That’s all you have to do. I’d like to touch you if you don’t mind. You have the softest skin I’ve ever felt. I won’t force you to do anything you feel uncomfortable with. That’s not my style.”
She barely breathed past the thunder of heartbeat and mounting anxiety.
Sliding a hand behind her ear, he lowered his mouth. His breath whispered along the seam of her lips and aroused every nerve ending. The kiss made her weak with hunger for everything he had to offer. She melted against him, desire burning like a strange fever along the edges of her mind.
Addie parted her lips, and he slipped his tongue inside to court hers, and she tasted the wild Texas land he loved.
“You’re so beautiful, Addie.” His quiet words brushed her face. “And you don’t even know it. When I look at you, I wonder if I’ll ever be the husband you deserve.”
“You’re everything I want, Ridge. I couldn’t ask for more.”
The barest tips of his fingers explored her face, throat, and across one shoulder. His gentle caresses set a flurry of butterfly wings whipping in her stomach and along her ribs.
“That feels so good. Will you touch me more?”
“Tell me where.”
“Everywhere. I want to learn your touch.”
“Simply wish, and I’ll try to fulfill it.” Very slowly and deliberately, Ridge’s hand followed the curves of her body still clothed in a gown. His fingers aroused quivers every place he caressed, and Addie thought she’d die from sheer longing for more.
“I don’t know where you learned such a tender caress, but I don’t want you to stop.”
He nuzzled behind her ear. “I never reveal my secrets.”
“More’s a pity.” She placed her palm against his jaw, loving the strength, then left a dawdling path down his thick neck to his chest, savoring the different textures of his skin—some places smooth, some rougher with bone and muscle underneath.
“I’ve never felt a man before. Or had one touch me.” Her soft words filled the quiet.
“I hope you like this, because I plan to do it a lot. If you’re willing of course.” The deepness of his voice vibrated beneath her fingertips. “Your satiny skin is addictive.”
Feeling bolder, she slid her hand down to that narrow strip of fine hair that had intrigued her. The long, velvety patch reminded her of baby hair. How would it feel to have his naked body pressed to hers? A delicious shiver wove through her. If that was anything to go by, she’d want this feeling again and again. Not for procreation, but for enjoyment.
The sudden switch replacing his hand with his mouth brought a new and startling awareness. The flutter of his warm breath in the hollow of her throat, his hot kisses on her lips, stole her thoughts and sent a new kind of heat surging through her, this one threatening to drive her insane.
Her breasts ached, and wetness formed between her thighs. If she could stay right here—
But he moved his attention lower and flicked a fingertip across her straining nipple, and intense pleasure burst through her. She gasped. All that stood between them was the cotton of her nightgown, and she yearned to rip it off.
She slid her hand down the silky strip of hair, following the path south until she encountered crisp hair and a firm erection. She jerked her hand back.
“Touch me, Addie. Don’t be afraid.” He placed his moist mouth over her nipple, collecting the fabric of her gown in his lips along with the raised, hard nub.
She arched her back to give him greater access. “Ridge.”
The sensations seemed to be drawing all her inhibitions out, and she knew she wouldn’t be satisfied unless she went further—to whatever pleasures lay beyond this.
“Make love to me,” she begged. “Make me your wife.”
Ridge froze and raised his head. His eyes met hers in the dim light of the room. “Do you know what you’re asking?”
Her gaze didn’t waver. “Yes. I want you to fill me, claim me for your own. As it should be between a husband and wife.”
Bold as could be, she reached down for the hem of her gown and pulled it up to her hips. They sat up together, and Ridge tugged it off, then ran his hands over her bare skin, across her upper chest and down to cup her naked breasts. Addie put her arms around him and pulled him closer until the hard plane