Free Dreaming of You by Jennifer McNare Page B

a diabolical scenario that neither of them ever could have foreseen.  Since learning of her husband’s plan she’d never considered, not even for an instant, that the experience could be pleasurable .  She didn’t know what to say, how to respond.  “I don’t…I’m not…”  
    Gavin could hear the shock and uncertainty in her voice.  “There is nothing to be afraid of, nothing to be ashamed of,” he assured, his tone sincere.  “We did not ask for this, did not choose this, but we can make the best of it.”  
    Make the best of it?   Her thoughts spun wildly, taking off in a dozen different directions.  Did she dare?  Her heart raced.  Her hands went to the thin fabric of her chemise, gripping the soft material, rubbing it anxiously between her fingers.  Hadn’t she just wondered the other day if she would ever know what it would be like to be made love to?  If there was truly a difference between coupling and making love?   Granted, they were hardly in love, but still, hadn’t she admitted to herself that she found him appealing, wondering if she would be attracted to him if they had met under different circumstances?  
    Gavin could almost feel the fear and trepidation that radiated from her body.  It was palpable.   He waited, but she didn’t speak.  He could sense the indecision warring within her.  “You don’t have to be frightened.  I won’t hurt you.  I will never hurt you,” he promised, seeking to reassure her.    
    “I know,” she breathed, her words a mere whisper.  He would never harm her physically, she knew that.  But emotionally?  When she lay quiet and motionless beneath him, it was easy to keep her thoughts focused, to remain detached.  She knew why she was there, for one purpose and one purpose alone, to provide Charles with his heir.  But if she allowed herself to feel, to, dare she even think it, to enjoy his touch, would it change things?  Would she be able to remain detached?  She wasn’t sure.  
    “Let me show you.  Let me give you the pleasure that every woman deserves to know, to feel.”    
    His voice, gentle and reassuring, sensual even, sent a tiny shiver down her spine.   She closed her eyes, squeezing them tightly for a moment.  It hovered on the tip of her tongue, the one word that could change her life dramatically.  She asked herself again, did she dare?   She felt his fingers then, brush almost imperceptibly against her thigh in the lightest of touches.  She unclenched her hands, releasing the now crumpled fabric from her fingers.   Heaven help her.   “Yes.”  The word slipped from her lips, whisper soft, yet clear and unwavering.  
    The relief he felt at her response was nearly overwhelming.  Gavin rolled toward her slowly, and then resting his weight on his forearm, he raised his other hand, finding her face and brushing his thumb across her cheek in a feather-soft caress.  “Have you ever been kissed?”  
    She thought back to her wedding day and of the quick peck on the lips Charles had given her after they had been pronounced husband and wife.  “No.”  
    Though no longer a virgin, she is still so innocent, Gavin realized.  He moved his thumb to her mouth then, sliding it softly across her lower lip.    
    Melody drew in a long, quivering breath as his thumb traced the shape of her lip.  Though she still felt a prickle of apprehension, it was quickly being replaced by another emotion, anticipation.    
    He waited for her to react, giving her a chance to pull away.  She didn’t.  After a moment, he lowered his head, pressing his lips to hers with the slightest of pressure.     
    The feel of his lips, soft and warm against hers, caused a tiny flutter in her chest.  It felt, nice , she realized.    
    Gradually Gavin deepened the kiss, gently molding his mouth to hers, pressing his lips more firmly against hers, moving them with a practiced expertise.  He didn’t rush, coaxing patiently instead,