Free Knight of My Dreams by Lynsay Sands Page B

surprised by many of the items he set out.
    â€œAhhhh, a feast worthy of a king.” He sighed as he placed the last foodstuff on the bench and set the container aside.
    â€œMy, yes.” Alice gazed over the fare with wide eyes. “Just how heavy was that purse you gave the chef?”
    â€œToo heavy, apparently.” The big knight chuckled. “Come sit.”
    He patted the empty portion of the bench, on the other side of the food from himself, then lifted a chicken leg and offered it to her as she sat. Alice accepted the offering, surprised to find she truly was quite hungry. They ate in companionable silence for several moments; then, as their hunger eased, they began to talk.
    A lice was eating a fruit tart when it happened. The pastry crumbled slightly as she bit into it, smearing some of the berry filling on her cheek by the corner of her mouth. Chuckling, Jonathan leaned forward to catch up the sticky goo with a finger, then unthinkingly stuck that finger into his mouth. Apparently affected by the action, Alice stared at him, wide-eyed. Her expression made Jonathan aware of what he had just done, and their gazes met in one meaningful moment of silent communication.
    â€œIt is a pleasant night,” Alice blurted then, setting the rest of her tart down on the bench.
    â€œAye.” Jonathan gazed around, then up at the sky. “A clear, starry night, though there is a cool breeze. Are you chilled?”
    Alice started to shake her head no, then realized that she was absently rubbing her upper arms. She shrugged. “A little. But not enough to wish to give up this lovely evening.”
    Jonathan frowned, not wishing her to suffer discomfort, but not wishing to bring an end to this interlude, either. He took a moment to marvel over the fact that she had admitted as much, herself. But then, he had noted that natural honesty in her quite early. Alice had a strong sense of truth and honor. She had staunchly refused to participate in spying on his mother and her uncle, Lord Houghton. After a hesitation, he removed his cape and settled it around her shoulders.
    â€œOh, but then you will be cold,” she protested, trying to remove the gift.
    â€œNay, your very presence warms me,” he said quietly. Replacing the garment around her shoulders and smiling at the softening of her expression, Jonathan hesitated, then used the cape to draw her closer.
    This time there was no sudden arrival of his mother or hers, no interruption to stop him at all, and he let a small sigh slip from his lips as his mouth settled over hers. Her mouth was as soft and pliant as he expected, and he spent a moment just enjoying the warm feel of her before sliding his tongue out, questing for hers. Much to his pleasure, her lips opened at once. He suspected it was more from surprise than an understanding of what he was requesting, for while she allowed her mouth to slide open, she started to retreat at once in surprise.
    Smiling against her mouth, Jonathan lifted his hand to the back of her neck, ending her retreat, then kissed her as he had imagined doing since the picnic. After one startled moment, Alice joined in. Her response was definitely lacking in skill, but was enthusiastic nonetheless. Jonathan spent several moments teaching her. By the time the lesson was over and he broke the kiss, they were both breathless and panting.
    â€œOh, my.” Alice gasped shakily as they stared at each other in the moonlight.
    â€œAye,” Jonathan murmured. He brushed a thumb gently over the side of her face; then, because he simply couldn’t resist her passion-swollen lips, he bent to kiss her again. She was a quick learner; this time there was no need for tutelage, and she opened her mouth without his bidding, inviting him to deepen the kiss. Her boldness made the blood surge in Jonathan, but when she shifted instinctively closer, pressing her upper body into his, he gave up what little restraint he had and let his