Michelle Willingham Quote

Are you going to put your feet in? he asked. She shook her head. I don’t think so. It would be foolish. Besides that, I’m already breaking too many rules by sitting here alone with you. Though if anyone finds me, I shall claim that I was abducted by a pirate. And then you would be forced to wed me to save your reputation, he suggested. Which is not so very dreadful. I disagree, she countered. You, Lord Ashton, are a very wicked man with no sense of propriety. But her eyes revealed her amusement. If I worried about what others think, I would not be sitting with a beautiful woman on a sunny day, now, would I? He leaned back with his arms crooked behind his head. He had the feeling that Lady Rose had a rebellious side to her, buried beneath her years of good manners. She shook her head and sighed. Then she lifted up one foot and began unbuttoning her shoe. I must be mad. A rebel indeed. He grinned and helped her with the other shoe, until she was clad in stockings. No more than I. But it was an invigorating swim. You ought to put your shirt on, she reminded him. Someone will see you and think you are intent on seducing me. You did accuse me of being a pirate, a chara. He kept his voice light, but leaned a little closer. We aren’t known for being gentlemen. In response, Rose dipped her hand into the water and splashed it at his chest. Then I’ll be forced to defend myself from you. The frigid water spilled down his bare chest, dampening his waistband. Iain rested his arms on either side of her, trapping her against the rock. Now that wasn’t fair, Lady Rose. Her smile faded instantly. I was teasing, Lord Ashton. Were you? He was feeling rather bold at the moment. He drank in the sight of her—those wide brown eyes, the delicate nose and sweet lips. Her hair was hidden beneath the bonnet, and he took it off, setting it aside. You don’t need this. My face will be covered in freckles if I don’t wear it. But she didn’t appear to mind his interference. And instead of shoving him aside, she was watching him with interest. Sunlight gleamed across her brown hair, revealing the hints of auburn. He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. Her eyes widened, but she remained fixed upon his face. Did Burkham ever kiss you? Of course. Her voice held a hint of panic, but she didn’t pull away. He was caught up in the beauty of her. Her breath warmed his mouth, and for a moment, he remained near to her. She was forbidden to him, and he would not intrude where he wasn’t wanted. And yet, every part of him was entranced by her. Tell me to leave you alone, he said in a low voice. But she remained silent. Her hand moved up to touch the roughness of his face, and it only deepened the intimacy. She trailed her fingers upon his jaw, and the simple touch undid him. Iain bent and brushed his mouth against hers. It was the barest hint of a kiss, the promise of more if she wanted it. He pulled back immediately, searching her expression. He never wanted her to feel threatened by him. Tell me if you’re wanting me to stop. He leaned in again, nipping at her lips a second time. He waited for a long moment, giving her more than enough time to refuse. She could tell him no at any moment, and he would pull back. Instead, her eyes were wild, as if she didn’t know what to say or do. She tasted of summer, a softness and warmth like sunlight. Her eyes were caught up with his, her expression emboldened by a taste of the forbidden. Iain bent and claimed her mouth deeply, framing her face with both hands. He didn’t stop kissing her, learning the shape of her mouth and drawing her even closer.