Lost in a storm of his kisses yet anchored in the solid strength of his arms, Hattie’s mind spun out of her body while remaining acutely aware of fleshly pleasure. Impossible to believe a day, which had begun so routinely, was ending in this torrential downpour of ardor. She had broken all her barriers when she sought out Guy, and now she opened herself to him in every way imaginable. Tongues and teeth collided in their eagerness to kiss. After countless minutes when kissing was no longer sufficient, Guy swept her off her feet and carried her toward the stairs.
Hattie laughed and clasped her arms around his neck. “You won’t make it. The staircase is too narrow.”
“I’ll find a way,” he panted. And he did, with much shifting of position and grunting from effort. At the head of the stairs, Guy struggled to open the latch and after he released it, Hattie kicked open the door.
He staggered inside and nearly dropped her before she placed her feet on the floor. Leaning over, he braced his hands on his legs and gasped for breath. “You’re so heavy!”
“What a charmer you are,” Hattie teased. “Don’t tire yourself too soon. There’s more work to be done.”
He looked up at her from beneath his eyebrows, growled and lunged. With a shriek, she sidestepped him then ran in mock terror for the bedroom. But she didn’t try very hard to get away, and when he grabbed her and dragged her down on the bed, she tumbled willingly.
Guy slowed things then, lying beside her to look into her eyes as he unbuttoned her blouse. Hattie lay very still, concentrating on each movement and the sensation of her flesh being bared in increments. She sat up so he could pull her blouse off and helped him with the stays of her corset. When only her chemise remained, her chest rose and fell with her rapid breathing. Finally, he removed even that scrap of fabric so her breasts were bared.
His gaze slowly wandered over them, followed by his hands. Hattie’s nipples peaked in response to his touch, and the seed of lust between her thighs took root and grew. After Henry, she had suppressed her natural desires so deeply that she’d almost become convinced her youthful self had invented them. Now she was reminded of the overpowering urges that could drive a person into dangerous passion.
But this was Guy, not Henry, and she instinctively trusted in his basic goodness. His eyes crinkled at the corners in a habitual smile as he glided his hands over her body. He crooked an eyebrow to ask if he might go on, and waited for her slight nod before dipping his face to her breasts. Each nipple became a lightning rod of electricity. Hattie closed her eyes and moaned as she arched into his suckling mouth. Letting go of her inhibitions and surrendering was not easy after holding herself tightly reined for so long. But Guy made it possible, touching, teasing, kissing, and gently prompting her to surrender to sensation.
After a bit, Guy finished removing her clothing, and then his, leaving only his drawers. The sight of all that wondrously hard male muscle nearly made Hattie swoon. Bracing his weight on his arms, he moved over her, his body covering hers with warmth but not weighing her down. Hattie took the opportunity to do some exploring of her own, stroking smooth skin over firm muscle. His chest alone gave her palpitations, and the breadth of his shoulders filled her hands.
“Come closer,” she murmured, pulling him to her.
Every curve found an answering hollow, two pieces joining in a coherent whole. Their bodies rocked together, rubbing, gliding, spurring hunger. Soon, Guy’s drawers became an obstruction she simply must remove so she could see and feel the length and girth of his hidden member.
Hattie urged him to shed the rest of his clothes, then they took several moments to study each other’s bodies.
“Exquisite,” Guy pronounced.
“You’re quite pretty too,” Hattie teased. “But we have no protection.”
“Fear not. Just in case things, er…progressed, I stopped by a chemist’s before coming here.”
“Of course you did, clever man.” Hattie watched with interest as he prepared himself. Guy resumed his position on top of her, but rather than guide himself inside, he peered into her eyes. “You’re sure?”
She nodded. “Absolutely.”
“Thank God!”
They moved together once more, sliding flesh over flesh, as he spurred her with his touch to wetness and opening. When he finally entered, it was as if a part of herself she had not been aware was lacking had found its way home. The physical sensation was fine, but it was the man she’d chosen who brought such joy. She had lowered her barriers to let Guy in, and it felt absolutely right.
His groans of pleasure enhanced her pleasure, combining and growing, until she reached a precipice and tumbled over, a steep drop followed by an explosion of bliss.
She dimly felt Guy shudder against her, and when she came back to herself, he was at rest with his face buried in the crook of her neck. Hattie cradled his head, stroking soft hair and listening to his breathing.
“Are you satisfied?” His voice was muffled by her flesh.
“I believe so.”
He jerked up to look at her. “That’s hardly a resounding declaration of joy.”
“Wonderful! Perfect! Simply the best!”
“That’s better. Thank you for stroking my masculine pride.” He glanced down at their still joined bodies. “And other parts as well.”
Hattie had never guessed having relations with a man could be so relaxed and playful. She rose from the bed and went to get a towel and water. Arms folded behind his head, Guy watched her cross the room and gave a low whistle. “Hattie Glover, you are a beautiful woman—smart, capable and humorous all in one gorgeous package. Thank
