Free Reckless Territory by Kate Watterson Page B

that the day the scandal broke over her father’s debts.
    Robert reached out and touched her hand, his gaze holding hers. “I admit I want this, but only if you want it also. There’s no obligation, Victoria.”
    “Obligation was not what prompted my suggestion. It is an invitation, not an offer of payment.”
    He flinched, and she was instantly sorry she’d phrased it that way. Maybe she’d been too long on the defensive because of those hellish months in England before she’d left. Clearing her throat, she sought other words. “I’d like for you to join me.”
    “I’d like that as well.”
    She’d known he would be the gentleman. Of them all, he was least inclined to act on his impulses. And it was proven when he stepped forward and set his hand at her waist, then slowly lowered his head to kiss her.
    So different than Cole. Gentle, persuasive and tentative, as if he wanted to allow her to take over the pace rather than set it himself. Robert’s other hand cupped her cheek, and his tongue tentatively touched hers.
    It was different, but it was also…perfect.
    Victoria sank into his embrace, pliant and willing, relishing the hold of his arms. Robert kissed her and so close against him, she realized he was aroused, her experience with Cole leaving her unafraid.
    This wasn’t at all the same as what had happened by the river, but she wanted it—wanted him. He murmured something against her lips, and his hands went to the buttons on her shirt. She allowed him to slip it off her shoulders and his swift inhale was both flattering and sent a flutter to her stomach as he stared at her bared breasts. While she was not precisely experienced enough yet to not be a little embarrassed, his expression was so intense it made it easier.
    Her voice was unsteady. “Don’t expect me to know what to do. I’m not—”
    “Perfect? Yes, you are.” He swiftly unbuttoned his own shirt and pulled it off, then sat down in the one salvageable chair that had been brought into her room to tug off his boots. He rose and reached for her again.
    “Robert.” Her voice softened, for truly, she wondered that if they had met in a different place and a different time, maybe this would still be inevitable. Out of all those fashionable gentlemen vying for her attention, she knew she would have been drawn to this man with his calm air of intelligence and competence.
    “Victoria…I want you.” His mouth sought hers again, their lips met and as he eased her backwards onto the makeshift mattress, she didn’t resist as he adjusted himself on top of her. Quite the opposite.
    She wanted him too.
    The kiss was long, sweet at first, a gentle discovery that was mutual, his tongue teasing hers, his hands tangled in her hair, his weight balanced, the length of his rigid cock through the material of his pants hard against her thigh.
    Then it became more, not precisely urgent but hungrier, and when he lifted his head she was breathless, her arms around his neck, her nipples taut and tingling.
    “I’ve had dreams about this,” he whispered in her ear, kissing the hollow beneath. “Making love to you long and slow, touching and tasting. Let me show you.”
    His fingers explored her body with care, first skimming her shoulder, then going lower, cupping her breasts, the touch always light but still arousing, his mouth following the tingling trail of his long fingers, the softness of his hair brushing her sensitized skin. The air was redolent of the forest, and the branches he’d put under the blankets moved as their bodies shifted, the slight rustle mingling with the cadence of their quickened breathing.
    Victoria let her lashes drift down and allowed herself to just…feel. She’d known it would be different. Just as arousing, but not at all the same as Cole, which was somehow equally exciting.
    If that didn’t make her a harlot…but then again, she wasn’t sure it did. She loved Robert’s subtle sense of humor and consideration, and he was