Page 70 of Courting Claudia
It had in fact been quite effective. Enough to lure her into that first kiss.
“It’s rather unfair,” he said. “The entire courting situation. Women do nothing save look pretty, and men must put forth all the effort.”
“Until there is a wedding, and then the women do the work for the rest of their lives.”
He narrowed his eyes. “That might be true. But only partially. Courting is difficult.”
“How would you know? You were only pretending to court me.” The truth of that still stung, but she hoped that joking about it would lessen the pain.
“Touché.” He placed a kiss on her hand. “I did give it my full attention. My intentions were not entirely noble, but I never intended to hurt you, and I meant everything I said to you.”
“I might be persuaded to believe that. But I will have to deliberate about it further.”
“Fair enough. In the meantime, why don’t you give it a try.”
“What?”
“Courting. Let’s see how you would do if the shoe were on the other foot. How would you lure me in, get me interested in you?”
She shrugged. “That’s a silly game.”
“But it will be fun. Or do you not think you can do it?”
Two weeks ago, she would have faltered under such a request, but she was a different woman now. Stronger, not necessarily bold, but bolder than she’d ever been in her life. Trying her hand at courting might be fun. She’d often daydreamed about the perfect courtship.
“Very well, but no laughing at me.”
“I promise.”
“I suppose I would tell you that I find you very handsome.”
He nodded. Giving her no indication as to whether that would win him over.
“In particular your eyes. Intense and haunting, eyes that keep me up at night, eyes that feel as if they can peer into my very soul. Sometimes with merely a glance you send shivers dancing across my skin.”
He folded his arms across his chest, and his face settled into an expression that very much resembled a cat who’d devoured a mouse.
“There are other aspects of your appearance that I find attractive, but one must not strictly focus on the physical attributes. I find you intelligent and respect the way you run your business. Your dedication to bringing news to those who typically cannot afford newspapers is quite noble. It is one of the reasons I accepted the position. When I saw the advertisement, I knew I must apply. I never dreamed you would hire me, but figured I stood a better chance if you and everyone else thought I was a man.”
He gave her a smile.
Her heart flipped in her chest. “Gracious, and that smile. I hate to admit how you affect me. It’s not like me to be so bold.”
“Come here.” He leaned across the carriage and pulled her across his lap. “You be as bold as you like. You affect me, too.”
He pulled her face to his and kissed her, his mouth slanting across hers in a full assault on her defenses. She opened to him and swept her tongue against his. She’d never tire of kissing him.
“I want you now,” he said.
His hands slid under her skirts, and he found her through the slit in her drawers. His finger entered her, and she released a moan into his mouth. He moved his finger within her, until she could feel the moisture between her legs. All the while, he continued his assault with his mouth. He nipped and licked, until she could no longer focus on anything but the feelings he created. Then he withdrew and began undoing his pants.
“We can’t.”
“Why not?”
“We’re in a carriage?”
“We’re married, and we can do this anytime we like. Anyplace we want. Even in a carriage. Besides, no one can see us. Trust me.” His eyes bored into her, and she realized she did. Despite his not being completely honest with her in the beginning. He’d promised they’d have a truthful marriage, and she believed him. She completely trusted him.