Confessions at Midnight

it has been my intention, but you keep disrupting all my fine plans.'

'Are you scolding me?'

'Yes, although by 'scolding' I actually mean 'don't ever stop.'' He slipped his hands from beneath her gown and framed her face between his palms. He looked into her eyes with an expression she couldn't decipher, then slowly leaned forward. Their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss that tasted sweet and delicious, flavored with blueberry ice. He ended the kiss as slowly he'd started it, then lifted an edge of the curtain to cast a quick look out the window.

'We'll be home soon.'

She heaved a sigh and wriggled against him. 'Which means I have to move.'

His lips twitched. 'Not necessarily. My staff knows not to open the door until I draw back the curtains.'

His words stilled her. She knew he meant them only to reassure her that they wouldn't be caught in dishabille, but they also made it patently obvious that while making love in a carriage was a new experience for her, it wasn't for him.

A jolt of something that felt exactly like jealousy stabbed her, and she inwardly scowled at the ridiculous sensation. She knew he'd had previous lovers-many of them, according to everything she'd heard. She also knew he'd have more lovers after their liaison ended-a realization that seized her insides with an uncomfortable sensation that resembled a cramp.

She tried to shove aside her thoughts as she moved off him. Accepted his proffered handkerchief to wipe away the evidence of their spent passion. Rearranged her skirts while he realigned his clothing.

Yet her disturbing thoughts continued and a frown puckered her brow. It didn't matter how many women came before her, or how many would come after her. Or if he made love to them in his carriage. It didn't matter at all. Not one bit. This was nothing more than a temporary affair. Edward was the love of her life. Daniel-and the Memoirs-had merely brought her passions back to the surface, and naturally they'd be strong at the moment, after having been suppressed for so long. Her mind knew it, yet somehow the area surrounding her heart still felt… bruised.

'Carolyn? Is something wrong?'

She blinked away her unsettling musings and looked at him. Noticed the concern clouding his blue eyes. And before she could stop herself, she said, 'You've done this before.'

The instant the words passed her lips, she wished she could recall them. It was none of her concern, and truth be known, she didn't want to know. Especially if she and their tryst lacked in comparison.

His gaze searched hers then he said slowly, as if carefully choosing his words, 'As I've no desire to lie to you, I won't deny I've… had relations in a carriage before.' Then he leaned forward and grasped her hands, squeezing them tightly, his serious eyes pinning her in place. 'But I've never wanted any woman as much as I want you, Carolyn. I said that I make you melt, but the truth of the matter is that you make me melt. Every time you touch me.' He raised her hand and pressed an ardent kiss against her palm. 'Please do not ever compare yourself to any other woman, because you are absolutely incomparable. In every way.'

To her mortification, hot moisture pooled behind her eyes. She blinked it away then gave a quick laugh, one comprised mostly of relief. 'Even though I disrupt all your fine plans?'

He smiled. 'Actually, because you disrupt all my fine plans. In the most delightful ways.'

Of course he tells every woman that, her inner voice taunted. She shoved aside the irritating voice with another forceful reminder that this was nothing more than a temporary arrangement with a very charming man who would soon move on to the next woman who caught his fancy. So she'd concentrate only on the here and now and enjoy her time with him while it lasted.

'In that case,' she said, 'do you have any plans for the next hour or so?'

'All my plans for the rest of day involve only pleasing you.' He waggled his brows. 'What did you have in mind?'

She couldn't help but laugh at his exaggerated lascivious expression. 'Do you ever think of anything besides… that?'

'Of course. Only a moment ago I was wondering what you wore to bed at night.'

She tried to suppress a laugh and failed. 'I'm afraid that qualifies as a sensual matter.'

'No, that is a clothing matter.' His gaze wandered over her. 'So… what do you wear to bed?'

'I couldn't possibly tell you. After all, a woman must have her secrets.'

'You realize you're enticing me to find out.'

She hoisted a teasing brow. 'From what I can see, you are excessively easy to entice. Now about your plans for the next hour or so-I have a request.'

He reached out and brushed the backs of his fingers over the outward curve of her breast. 'Whatever it is, I shall do my utmost to oblige you.'

'Without even knowing what it is?'

'Yes.'

'What if I were to make an utterly outrageous demand?'

'I would do my utmost to oblige you. Does your utterly outrageous demand include removing our clothing?'

She gave his arm a playful swat. 'See? Another sensual matter.'

'No, another clothing matter. But whatever your request is, rest assured, you've only to ask.'

Even under their lighthearted banter, she had the impression that he was completely in earnest. 'You must be taken advantage of quite frequently by making such generous offers.'

'On the contrary, I've yet to be taken advantage of because it isn't an offer I make frequently.'

His words, spoken in that soft, serious voice… that voice… that deep, sensual voice… Botheration, where was I? Oh, yes her request.

She cleared her throat. 'I'd like to discuss Katie with you. And meet your family.'

A wary expression crossed his features, then his expression went blank. 'My family? I'm afraid that's impossible, as they are traveling on the continent.'

'I meant your animal family. Your pets.'

'Ah. That family,' he said, sounding relieved. He lifted her hand and pressed a warm kiss on the sensitive skin of her inner wrist. 'I'd be happy to discuss Katie or any topic you wish. As for my pets, it would be my honor and pleasure to introduce you, although I must warn you, they are an unconventional lot.'

The carriage jerked to a halt and Daniel flicked back the curtains. 'Ready?' he asked with a smile.

'Ready,' she agreed.

But was she? To enter his home, yes. But her inner voice shouted a warning that she wasn't in the least bit prepared for what entering into this affair with Daniel would ultimately entail. What continuing it would mean to the carefully constructed existence she'd built for herself. And in spite of her best efforts to tamp down that voice, it continued to whisper through her mind.

Chapter Fifteen

Everyday items took on entirely new and sensual meanings with my lover. Jam and honey spread on skin made for delicious midnight snacks. And my silk stockings made perfect ropes for tying my lover to the bed…

Memoirs of a Mistress by An Anonymous Lady

The instant Barkley opened the door and Daniel and Carolyn entered the foyer, they were besieged by his 'family,' all of whom barked or meowed in assorted octaves with varying degrees of loudness. He wondered if his