Page 33 of Lyric of Wind

“I want to kiss you,” Raven blurted out. “But I don’t know if I’ll be good at it, and I’m worried that I’ll screw it up.”

Ah. It made more sense now. She was inexperienced, which contributed to her nerves. Still, he didn’t reach for her.

“You can’t screw it up. That’s just not possible.” Kellen leaned back against the bolder and looked up at the stars.

“Of courseit’s possible. I hear people talking about bad kissers all the time.”

“Just take your time with it. I promise you’ll enjoy it.”

“Me?” Raven squeaked. “You want me to kiss you?”

“I gather that you like being in control. Wouldn’t it be easier for you to take the lead? More comfortable?” Kellen just tilted his head to look at her, keeping his shoulders against the rock behind him. No sudden movements.

“Right, well, hmmm,” Raven murmured under her breath as she looked at him. “Just like do it then? Like no buildup or anything?”

“Would you like poetry, my little nightbird?”

“Nightbird?” Raven cocked an eyebrow at him.

“Raven. Your name. Bird of the night, flying amongst the stars, enchanting my soul.”

“Oh, you’re good at this. Right, well, then, let’s get on with it.” Raven leaned forward and pressed her lips firmly against his, and Kellen’s heart leapt, even though he was amused at her determination. He understood what it took to be brave, so instead, he waited, opening his lips just a bit and angling his head in encouragement.

“There. How was that?” Raven broke the kiss.

“Delightful,” Kellen said. He lifted his hands. “May I? Sometimes it helps if you can touch.”

“Touch where?” Raven demanded, narrowing her eyes.

“Here.” Kellen reached out and lightly danced his fingers across her neck. “And sometimes here.” He traced a hand over her shoulder.

“That might be fine then,” Raven agreed, suspicion lacing her tone.

“We’ll take it slow,” Kellen promised. Turning, so he faced her, Kellen ran his thumb lightly across her lip, heat building in him as her lips parted. She looked both nervous and trusting, and it made him feel both powerful and protective of her. Trailing his hand down the side of her neck, he brushed his finger across the back of her head and gently angled her face for a kiss. Leaning down, Kellen brushed his lips lightly across hers, once, twice, three times, before lingering over her lips.

She tasted like moondust and honey.

Kellen drew the moment out, caressing his lips over hers, nibbling lightly, before gently running his tongue across her lower lip. At her gasp of excitement, he took the opening she offered, and dipped his tongue inside, licking softly into her mouth as she moaned in pleasure. Kellen lingered there, enjoying the give and take of the kiss, allowing Raven to explore in her own right. When her hands came up to thread through his hair, he shifted ever so slightly to pull her closer to him.

Raven broke the kiss.

“What are you doing?”

“I believe it’s called a hug in your culture. I suppose I would say I’m…cradling you in my arms?” Kellen raised a brow.

“Why?”

“Because it feels nice.” Kellen laughed.

“I guess it does.” Raven sounded suspicious of a hug, and he took a moment, burying his face in her hair, while his heart hammered in his chest over this impossible contradiction of a woman.

“Can I tell you what I’d like to do right now?”

“If it’s butt stuff, I’m out of here.”

“What? No.” Kellen laughed outright. “That’s quite a leap you make there, Nightbird. I want to pull you onto my lap, put my arms around you, and hold you close while we watch the storm. Would that be okay with you?”

“And that’s it? You just want to hold me?” Raven looked up at him, concern in her eyes. “Was I a bad kisser then?”