Confessions at Midnight

her hungry body.

Instead, however, he lifted his head. Confused, she opened her eyes and found him regarding her with that same intense expression.

She blinked several times, then reality returned with a thump. She glanced down the length of her body, taking in the gown bunched up around her waist, the pale skin of her abdomen, the light brown curls at the juncture of her widely spread thighs. His hips nestled tightly against her.

Surely she should be appalled at her wanton behavior, at the liberties she'd allowed him. Liberties her husband had never taken. Or even attempted. Yet instead of appalled, she felt more alive than she had in years. As if she'd emerged from a dark, lonely cave into a sunshine-filled meadow bursting with color and life.

The proper, sedate lady she'd been her entire adult life insisted she tell him this interlude was a mistake. One that could not be repeated. But rather than mistake, the only word she wanted to say was…

Again.

She could lie to herself, but the irrefutable truth was that she wanted more of the passion they'd just shared. Her mind acknowledged her guilt and tried to list all the reasons she shouldn't allow this to go any further, but she shoved all that aside and listened to her reawakened body, which refused to be silenced. She was attracted to this man. Wanted him-in a purely physical sense. So long as her heart remained uninvolved and they were discreet, there was no reason to deny herself this pleasure. He'd said he didn't want her heart, and had no intention of offering his own. They would share their bodies and nothing more. Just as the Anonymous Lady had done in Memoirs.

'The dogs are barking,' he said quietly, brushing his fingers over her cheek. 'Which means Samuel has returned.'

A fissure of panic rushed through her and she struggled to sit up, but he shook his head and gently pressed her back down. 'We have a few moments. Barkley will see to things, and neither he nor Samuel will come in here.'

'How do you know?'

'No one is allowed access to this room except me and Walter, my groundskeeper.' The pad of his thumb brushed over her bottom lip and he frowned, as if puzzled. 'I've never brought anyone here before.'

He sounded surprised to have admitted that last bit, and certainly she was surprised to hear it. 'Why not? It's such a beautiful room.'

'It's private. My… sanctuary. I told you I don't like to share.' His gaze roamed her face and he looked… troubled? 'Except, it seems, with you.'

His expression cleared and he leaned forward to nuzzle the sensitive skin behind her ear with his warm lips.

'My God… you are so beautiful,' he whispered, his words ending on a groan. His teeth lightly grazed her earlobe, shooting a barrage of tingles down her neck. 'My extremely lovely, very dear, greatly talented, highly amusing, extraordinarily intelligent, possessor of the most kissable lips I've ever seen as well as an excellent memory, and who tastes like flowers… everywhere, Lady Wingate.' He lifted his head and a whiff of amusement entered his eyes. 'Do you think we might perhaps be on a first name basis now?'

A heated blush suffused her entire body. 'I suppose… Daniel.'

His smile flashed. 'Thank you… Carolyn.'

The way he said her name, softly, slowly, as if savoring its taste upon his tongue, shivered a dark thrill of delight through her.

With obvious reluctance, he slid his hand from beneath her bottom then reached for her drawers. The ease with which he helped her don her discarded clothing proved he was as adept at dressing a woman as he was at undressing one. And he'd certainly proven he knew what to do once he had her disrobed. She wasn't entirely certain her liquefied knees would ever fully recover.

After he'd slipped her shoes back on her feet, he rose and extended his hand to help her rise. Her gaze riveted on the front of his breeches, which were directly on her eye level. The snug material clearly outlined his thick erection.

Perhaps it was the privacy afforded by this cozy, flower-scented room, illuminated only by silvery skeins of moonlight, that made her daring… as daring as she'd felt while wearing Galatea's mask. Or perhaps it was the way he'd made her feel… so lush and womanly and shockingly free. But whatever the reason, as she allowed him to help her arise, she boldly dragged her free hand up his muscled thigh and cupped his arousal. He sucked in a quick breath and his eyes seemed to glaze over.

'You pleasured me, yet asked for-and received-nothing in return,' she murmured, experiencing a deep surge of feminine satisfaction when he rolled his hips, seeking more of her touch.

'I hardly received nothing. Indeed the pleasure was all mine.'

She cocked a brow and shot a significant look downward. 'This…' She lightly stroked him through his breeches. '… indicates otherwise.'

He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, trapping her hand between them. 'If you're suggesting you're in my debt-'

'That's precisely what I'm suggesting.'

His eyes seemed to breathe smoke. 'I believe that makes me the luckiest man in England. Consider me at your disposal.'

'A very intriguing offer.'

'I'm delighted you think so, especially as you didn't when I first offered.'

'I was always intrigued. Just not willing.'

'But now you are.'

'Obviously.'

He rubbed himself against her hand. 'I'm extremely happy to hear it.'

Her lips twitched. 'Obviously.'

Clasping her wrist, he dragged her hand up and pressed a fervent kiss against her palm. 'Unfortunately, now is-'

'Not an ideal time.'

'No. I want to make certain all went well with Samuel's errand and that Cook and my maid are seeing to Katie. Then I'll escort you and Gertrude home.' His gaze searched her face. 'And as much as I want to continue this right here, right now, I want you to have some time to think. To settle things in your mind. I don't want you to have doubts.'

'You're not afraid that after thinking things over I'll change my mind?'

His fingers tightened over hers. ''Afraid' is a lukewarm word for the terror I feel at the possibility. Carolyn… the desire between us is the most potent I've ever experienced. I know we would be extraordinary together. But only if it isn't tarnished with regrets.'

'I don't regret what we've shared this evening.'

'Excellent. I just want to make sure you feel the same way in the morning.' He brushed his mouth over hers then continued along the curve of her jaw. 'And as hope springs eternal that you will, are you free tomorrow, around noon?'

With his body pressed to hers and his nipping kisses disrupting her thoughts, it was impossible to recall if she had any plans, but if she did, whatever they might be, she intended to reschedule them. 'I am.'

'Excellent. I'll plan a surprise.'

'What if I don't like surprises?'

'You'll like this one. I promise.'

A quiver of anticipation rippled through her. After one last lingering kiss, he stepped back. Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, he led her through the French doors then into the corridor and back to the foyer, where they encountered a pacing Samuel. He halted when he saw them.

'Cook's puttin' a broth together,' he reported without preamble, 'and Mary's in with Katie and Gertrude.'

'How is Katie faring?' Daniel asked.

'She's sleepin'. Gertrude said Katie was sore and tired, but otherwise fine. If Lady Wingate don't mind, Gertrude offered to stay until Katie wakes up, so she ain't frightened to see a stranger.' He looked at Carolyn. 'Real