Dare to Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

it, they couldn’t keep their hands off, saying it was silky as a cat’s. It was sure to draw her attention.
    Nivea did not seem to notice.
    Once she finished with the cheese, she did look up, but her attention was on the surroundings, her eyes full of wonder. “How did you know about this place?”
    Warming up to his plan, he flashed her a wolfish grin and eased himself onto the boulder facing hers. With measured stealth, he reached for the cheese and removed it, while oh-so-gently caressing her palm. “There are few places in England where I have not discovered a convenient backdrop to attract a woman’s fancy.”
    As expected, her eyes grew wide. Content he now had her interest, he slowly brought the cheese to his lips. Then he closed his eyes and waited for her to speak.
    It took her a few moments longer than most women. In fact, it was such an unusually long lull, he almost peeked from under his eyelashes to see what she was about.
    Finally it came.
    “This spot is truly wonderful. Eager as I am to get home, I could remain here for hours. Thank you.”
    That was it. She was silent again.
    Now, he did have to open his eyes. Most women would take this opportunity to prattle on, hoping to dazzle him with their wit or entice him with their list of virtues. Little response or even interest was required on his part.
    But that did not seem to be her strategy.
    So, he smiled in acknowledgement and waited for her to continue.
    But no, that was all. This woman remained stubbornly silent.
    It was maddening. It appeared she had forgotten he was even there.
    How was such a thing possible? Women always paid him attention. The slightest nod of his head, or smile in their direction, ensured a blush from a virgin, or an appreciative gleam in the eye of an experienced woman.
    But not this blasted woman. She leaned over, broke off a bit of bread, and then took a sip of cider. Ate a slice of cheese, smiled at him for a for a brief moment, and returned her gaze to the riverbank.
    Really, what was she about? Yes, the area was beautiful, but it was supposed to be an attractive backdrop to set the mood. And because he was so thoughtful, the attention would be focused back on him— thank you very much .
    He narrowed his eyes to stare at her while puzzling on his next step.
    There she sat, with the sun shining on her hair and the blue of her gown enhancing the azure color of her eyes. As she leaned forward he could see the full, soft curve of her breasts straining against the fabric of her gown. In fact, if he tilted his head just so, he could see down the gap in her dress and into the valley of delicate white flesh. It was quite alluring.
    A little shiver of desire prickled through him.
    What the devil? This was just plain, plump Nivea. There was nothing desirous about her. But that wasn’t true. Just this morning, after he’d apologized, her eyes grew soft, her smile sweet. Then she touched his hand and there’d been a spark. Heat. Like the intimate warmth of a lover’s touch.
    No, that couldn’t be right. Nivea didn’t make him burn.
    Peeking at her from under his lashes, he once again eyed up her lush curves, her breasts rising up with each breath. Taunting him. Then her tongue darted out to lick a drop of cider from her red lips and whoosh , fire flashed to his groin. Try as he might, he could not tear his eyes away from her.
    Damnation, what was going on ? He had no business eyeing up his friend’s sister. His oldest friend’s unmarried, unfashionable, untouched sister. His code of conduct was fairly flexible, but that rule was unbreakable.
    He ripped a bit of bread off with his teeth, desperate to regain control. Of course, Nivea chose that moment to hold a conversation. “I did not expect to enjoy myself this trip. At least once the carriage broke. But I will admit, it has not been as much of a nightmare as I feared.”
    “Hmph,” he answered, his mouth full.
    “Can I tell you what the best part will be?” she said,