Page 36 of Courting Claudia

“Men and women are not friends.”

“That’s not true. Poppy has a dear gentleman friend she’s known her entire life.”

“All right then. I am not friends with women. I’m not looking for an acquaintance either; I have plenty of those. I picked you because you fascinate me.” He took a step closer to her.

“There is nothing fascinating about me.”

“On the contrary. I find it absolutely annoying that I cannot simply walk away from you. You are the most fascinating woman I’ve ever met. Layers of contradiction. You live your life trapped in a web of propriety, yet I’m positive you have more passion in you than any other woman in that ballroom.

“You seemingly have no vanity, yet you garnish yourself in ruffles and bows.” He flicked the ruffle at her bodice, sending chills across her chest. “Not to mention you’re an extraordinarily talented illustrator.”

“Now you’re just appealing to my vanity.”

“Is it working?”

She smiled. “A little.”

“You have very kissable lips.” He ran his thumb along her bottom lip. “In fact they’re so kissable, I’m not quite sure how I can resist them for much longer.”

“Indeed?” His eyes were mesmerizing. Like pools of water so deep, she’d never find the bottom.

“I need to know if Richard ever kisses you.”

His words brought back the humiliation of Richard’s rejection. “Why?”

“If he’s kissed you, then I’ll know that he’ll marry you, and I will agree to step aside.”

She tilted her head in confusion.

“No man who’s kissed those lips could walk away from you. I don’t think he has. Tell me, Claudia, I need to know.” His voice was low and gravelly.

She couldn’t say the words, so instead she shook her head.

“Has he ever come close?” He moved so that he stood right before her. “Tried to sneak a kiss and ended up grazing your cheek?” His lips moved close to her mouth, then just as quickly brushed below her right eye.

She could feel the sting of tears against her eyes. Richard had never come close to trying to kiss anything of hers but her hand. And even then his lips barely brushed her skin. Why had Richard rejected her advances? Would Derrick do the same if she tried to kiss him? She didn’t think so.

There was only one way to find out.

She tilted her head so that she met his lips. Her hands ran up the length of his chest and grabbed the front of his coat, pulling him closer. Unlike Richard’s reaction, Derrick kissed her back, slanting his mouth over hers.

Deepening the kiss, she darted her tongue out and ran it against his. She was being bold, brazen, and she loved it. Fireworks sparked through her blood, igniting shocks of pleasure throughout her body. A tingle started at the apex of her thighs and increased until she thought she would scream.

Derrick’s tongue swirled through her mouth, and she heard herself moan. She tried to situate herself so that something, anything pressed against that ache between her thighs.

He broke off the kiss long enough to pull them farther into the shadows on the balcony. She knew this was wrong, but her body felt so alive that she couldn’t stop. Didn’t want to. Not yet.

He kissed her again, but this time he let his mouth trail down her neck to right behind her ear, where he placed tiny licks and bites until she thought she would melt into a puddle at his feet. Across her collarbone, down to the swell of her breast.

Gracious.

She arched against him, giving him more access. His hand cupped her breast through her dress while he continued to lave kisses on her skin. She moaned again.

No one had ever touched her like this. She felt her breasts peak beneath his touch, and she nearly tore at her dress to give him access to her bare skin. Thankfully Derrick was more controlled and was able to appease her without ripping any material. His hand slipped beneath the neckline and brushed against her skin.

He found her lips just in time to muffle the moan that tore though her at his touch. His rough, warm hands moved against her breast, rubbing her hardened nipple. Moisture gathered between her legs, and she bucked against him.

Derrick removed his hand from her dress, but kept her close against him. His ragged breathing tickled her right ear. He gave her one last kiss on her neck, then took a small step back.