To Dare a Rogue - Lana Williams (novels for beginners TXT) 📗

path might have been to take him away from the fireworks. But that didn't keep him from thinking about taking her into his arms, kissing her, touching her.

His pulse quickened as they started along a path. There were only enough lanterns to make certain the meandering trail could be seen. The darkness added a layer of intimacy to what was otherwise a lovely walk in the daylight.

The trees were taller and thicker the farther they walked, creating a canopy above them, leaving only hints of the starry sky visible. A sweet, heady fragrance filled the air from some exotic bloom.

“It’s so dark.” Charlotte eased closer, her voice breathless.

“I believe that is intentional.”

She laughed, just as he meant her to.

Benches were positioned along the path, set back slightly from the walkway.

James passed the first one, uncertain whether Charlotte would want to make use of it. Perhaps she preferred the experience of walking along in the dark. They continued their stroll and soon the muffled sounds of an amorous couple could be heard.

“Oh,” Charlotte exclaimed quietly. “For a moment, I thought a strange beast lurked behind the bushes.”

James chuckled. “Nothing so frightening. Just another couple enjoying the evening.” By the sounds of it, they were very much doing so. Thank goodness the darkness hid them.

“Have you ever brought a young lady here?” Charlotte asked.

“I have not.” Though James couldn't imagine telling her if he had. They came to another bench, this one sitting more in the open. He considered the view. “From here we should be able to see the fireworks if you'd like.” From a bearable distance.

“That would be lovely,” she said and released his arm to take a seat then patted the place next to her.

He joined her, appreciating the feel of her alongside him even as he told himself to keep his hands to himself. He glanced up at the sky, hoping the fireworks started soon before he gave in to the lure of Charlotte.

“I would think they should begin any moment,” he said to fill the silence as he kept his gaze on the blanket of stars above them. Anything to keep from drawing her into his embrace.

“James?”

“Yes?” When she didn't answer he slowly turned to look at her.

“I don't want to watch the fireworks.” Her voice was a soft lilt that beckoned him.

“You don't?” His entire body heated as the spark of desire deep within flickered into a flame.

“No. I would much rather kiss you.”

How could he resist? He placed his arm along the back of the bench and held her gently. “As would I.”

Then he leaned close and pressed his lips to hers. Though he meant for the moment to be sweet, the desire that swept over him in a hot rush was anything but.

He deepened the kiss, thrilled when her lips parted beneath his. Their tongues met, then danced, throwing fuel onto his already burning desire. She was both sweet and spicy. Gentle and aggressive. She was everything he ever wanted and more.

The realization had him jerking back.

“What is it?” she whispered then glanced about as if expecting to see someone.

“I thought I heard something.” He looked around as well, drawing a gulp of air with the hope it would clear his head.

This was Charlotte. His friend’s younger sister. She was special, and he was supposed to protect her. Not allow his own wants and needs to overcome him.

“Where were we?” she asked, her breath a rush of air along his skin.

Before he could utter a word, she kissed him. As if she meant it. As if she couldn't get enough of him. He recognized it as he felt the same way.

The touch of her fingers on his shoulders then along the back of his neck sent his thoughts spinning. He drew her closer, his hand tightening on her waist. Before he realized what he was doing, he eased her onto his lap. His body hardened at the sensation of her soft curves against him. Could she feel how much he wanted her?

He lifted one hand from her waist to the bottom of her breast. The longing to touch her was more than he could stand. He cupped her breast, loving the weight of it. Loving the way she arched into his hand. He ran his thumb back and forth over the tip of her breast through the silk of her gown. Unable to resist, he rang a finger along the inside of her neckline, dipping lower to touch her bare nipple, wishing for more.

For a brief moment, he imagined lifting her gown and trailing his fingers along her thigh before touching her intimately. But despite the passion building inside him, he forced himself to simply hold her.

“James,” she whispered as he kissed her jaw then the soft skin beneath her ear. “Oh, James.” She tilted her head to give him better access.

Then she wrapped her arms tighter around him, shifting on his lap, which brought forth a groan from him. She pressed kisses along his cheek and on his neck, causing chaos as she went.

He couldn’t remember ever wanting a woman this much before. He could hardly think, his hands trembling with need as he held her, grasping tightly to some semblance of control.

When her lips found his once more, he devoured her, wanting to show her how much he wanted her. How much this moment meant to him.

A muffled bang sounded in the distance, jerking his thoughts back to the moment. He looked up along with Charlotte to see a burst of white light fill the dark sky.

With a sigh, Charlotte tipped her head against his as they watched the fireworks together.

Peace and contentment flowed into James, a sensation he hadn’t experienced fully since he’d left home years ago. A voice in his head told him not to become accustomed to it, that Charlotte wasn’t his, nor would she ever be.

For the first time, he hushed it and simply enjoyed the moment. This was a memory to tuck away and pull out later