Breathless(19)

When they reached the spot she’d picked out, she pulled back on Arizona’s reins. The gray rock canyon was one of her favorite places because it held the waterfall she and her sister had named Carmichael Falls. She dismounted. Leaving Arizona to graze on the sparse grass she walked towards the falls.

He dismounted and came up beside her, “Nice spot.”

“We bring the guests here. Many have never seen a waterfall and they’re always awed by the sight.”

“Can you get closer to the water?”

“Only on foot. Regan and I used to come here when we were younger and swim in the pool below. It’s quite a hike to thread your way through the canyons but well worth it.”

“Never pegged you for a swimmer.”

“Why not?”

He shrugged. “You seem too serious for something as carefree as swimming.”

“I have my moments.”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to offend you.”

Portia was terribly nervous and she didn’t like it. She was a lot more confident when in control of herself and the situation. “Let’s get this over with. I told Eddy and Rhine we’d be back shortly.” When he shook his head and smiled, she asked, “What?”

“This isn’t something you rush into if you want to do it right. I assume you do want to do it right.”

Portia didn’t know what she wanted but, grabbing hold of her nerves, she replied with a firmness she didn’t feel. “Yes.”

“Okay, come walk with me.” He held out his hand.

She glanced down at it and then back up into his eyes. Reminding herself that she’d asked for this, she placed her hand in his and the sweet warmth that slid into her blood made her tremble both inside and out. He upped the ante by gently threading his fingers through hers and it felt so natural it was almost terrifying to a woman who’d spent her entire life certain she’d never be moved by any man. When he raised her hand and placed a soft kiss on her fingertips, her emotions swelled with such force her legs wobbled and her eyes closed for a long second. When they opened again, his were waiting but he didn’t speak. Still holding her hand, he started for the canyon.

There were a few trees lining the canyon’s lip and he stopped them there. Usually the sight of the water cascading down was enough to steal her breath, but because of his presence and what was about to come, the vista barely registered.

“So,” he said softly. “Let’s give you this kiss . . .”

He released her hand and when he slowly traced a finger down her cheek, the resulting spark was so startling, she jumped.

Amusement shone in his eyes. “I can see you’re going to manage this real well, Duchess.”

She came to her own defense. “You—you surprised me. I thought you were going to kiss me not touch me.”

“Touching’s important sometimes. You don’t want a man to just grab you and plant his lips on yours. There’s no passion in that.”

“I don’t want pass . . .” The word died as his finger boldly traced her bottom lip. All thought fled.

“I don’t think this uppity mouth knows what it wants,” he husked out, and when he kissed her what little control Portia still possessed tumbled away like wind-blown autumn leaves.

“Make your lips soft, baby.”

Mindless, she complied and was swept away. He taught her thoroughly and completely just what a kiss entailed, and no, she’d had no idea. The heat in it, the fire in it made her moan in response. She didn’t know when he eased her in against his body but it felt so right she wanted his strength closer. She wrapped her arms around him and hoped the large hand moving slowly and possessively up and down the back of her blouse wouldn’t stop. Her lips parted of their own accord giving his searing tongue access to hers, and it cajoled, seduced, and tutored until she was mimicking the lesson willingly. Breathless, she wanted to be kissed by him forever, only to have him gently turn her loose and step away.

It took a few moments for Portia’s mind to climb up from wherever the kiss had sent it and for her eyes to open. When they did, he was there.

“Now you’ve been kissed . . . with passion.”

She couldn’t deny it but told herself she didn’t have to like it, even though she had. Very much.

“Still think you can manage what you felt like a ledger or the hotel?”

“I’m ready to go back.”

“Made things worse, didn’t it? Told you so. I can give you another if you think it might help.”

“I’m leaving.” If she didn’t, she’d be begging for more and she was already appalled enough by her uninhibited response.

“Okay, but I did enjoy kissing your uppity mouth. You’re a very passionate woman, Duchess.”

She turned and stalked back the way they’d come.

As they rode home in silence Kent decided he was going to have a real difficult time staying away from her after this. She had no idea how tempting she’d looked with her eyes closed and her mouth swollen from his kisses. He’d had to turn her loose to stop them from slipping into territory not ready to be explored. She was far more passionate than she knew and her uncle notwithstanding, he wanted to be the man to gently coax that passion to the surface. He wasn’t sure how to accomplish that and not be turned into a eunuch but he was thoroughly captivated by the force of nature known as Miss Portia Carmichael, so he’d figure it out. He glanced over. Outwardly, she was tight-lipped but looked none the worse for wear. He wondered what might be going on inside, though. Was the kiss still resonating within her as it was for him? Would she continue to fight the passion she’d allowed herself to enjoy, and what might it be like when she surrendered to it fully? Of course, there was no guarantee she would, but he had a feeling that she’d dug a hole for herself that she was going to have a lot of trouble climbing out of.