Gage licked the seam of her lips and she parted them, allowing his tongue entry. He gently thrust his tongue into her mouth, encouraging her tongue to dance with his.
Gage used his free hand to pull her closer, eliminating any space that might be between them. He ran his hand back and forth on her back, moving lower and lower with each move, never interrupting their kiss.
In a moment of boldness, Alice brought her hands up and parted his coat. Gage helped her by removing it completely. His hands went back to roaming her while she pulled his shirt far enough up so that she could place her hands on his bare flesh.
Alice loved how strong he felt under her hands. Her fingers moved over his chest, then slowly down lower to his stomach.
Gage interrupted her when he pulled her mouth back to his for a heart stopping kiss. His lips singed her skin and Alice’s body was on fire. There was a delicious feeling growing in her stomach and Alice wanted to bask in the wonderful feeling.
Gage ran one of his hands down her side then back up, rubbing the side of her bosom. Without breaking their kiss, he moved his hand so that he was cupping one of her breasts. His thumb gently ghosted over her nipple and Alice let out an excited moan in anticipation.
But Alice would never know because it was then that Gage ended their kiss and leaned back. His green eyes were glazed as he took in the look of confusion spreading across her features.
He kissed her hand as he got up and headed towards the door. “You were most unexpected,” he said before he opened the door to leave.
Chapter Nine
Alice had arrived back from shopping with her Aunt when she saw the elegant invitation sitting on the entry way table. She picked it up and read it aloud.
“Dearest Miss Rutledge,
You are cordially invited to dinner and
entertainment for this evening, at the residence
of the Earl of Devonshire.”
“How wonderful,” Aunt Millie said. “It sounds delightful, plus you can wear one of the dresses we brought home with us.”
Alice laughed at her Aunt’s enthusiasm. “You sound awfully excited to send me off to dinner,” she said jokingly.
“Now, I’ve got not a clue as to why you would think that, but it’s not every day that one gets invited to an evening with an Earl,” Aunt Millie said to her. She took Alice’s hand into hers and became very serious. “I know times have been tough, but this match with St. Vincent would be most beneficial.”
“What makes you think he even fancies me? Maybe he just wants to fill an empty seat at his dining table.”
Aunt Millie rolled her eyes. “Oh you daft girl! It only takes one look at the pair of you to see that he’s keen on you.”
“But what about love?” Alice asked. “What If I don’t love him?”
“And what do you know of love? Has someone stolen your heart?”
Alice blushed. “No my heart is mine, I assure you.”
“If you say, dear. Now, back to the question at hand, what dress are you going to wear?”
Gage watched as Alice arrived at the party. She entered the room in a dark teal colored dress that almost made her eyes seem green instead of the blue he knew them to be. Her hair was artfully pinned up and there was a sparkling necklace dangling from her slender neck. In that moment, Gage wanted nothing more than to feast at the base of her neck to see if she tasted
A. Destiny and Alex R. Kahler
Three Lords for Lady Anne