Quote image editor
“If you'll excuse me, I'd like to retire now." "Before dessert?" He gave her a chiding glance, and grinned. "Don't tell me you've lost your sweet tooth." Lara couldn't help returning his smile. "I still have it," she admitted. "I asked Mrs. Rouillé to make a pear tart." Hunter stood and went to her chair, settling his hands on her shoulders as if to keep her there forcibly. Leaning close to her ear, he lowered his voice and murmured, "Stay for just one bite." The velvet rasp of his voice made her shiver. He must have felt the tiny movement, for his fingers tightened on her shoulders. Something about his touch disturbed her profoundly, a gentle strength, a sense of ownership that she balked at. She made an automatic gesture to push him away, but as she felt the warm, hair-dusted backs of his hands, she paused. She couldn't seem to stop herself from exploring the shape of his long bones, the hard angles of his wrists. His fingers flexed, like a cat kneading his paws, and she drew her hands over his in a tentative sweep. The moment spun out, the silence deepening until the only sound that broke it was the tiny sputter of the candle flames. From somewhere above her head, she heard Hunter's shaky laugh, and he pulled back as if she had burned him. "I'm sorry," Lara said softly, her face reddening with surprise at her own actions. "I don't know why I did that." "Don't apologize. In fact..." He knelt by her chair, staring at her. His voice was low and unsteady. "I wish you would again.” — Lisa Kleypas