Page 107 of Dukes for Dessert

“Yes, but it could be even more improved if you climbed on top of me and let it fall against my chest.” He rolled to his back. “If you were so inclined.”

“As it happens, I am.” She straddled him, feeling his cock stiffen against her sex. “It seems you are too,” she murmured.

“Exceptional,” he breathed as he pulled her head down and kissed her.

12

“You’re doing quite well,” Dare said as they slowed their horses to a walk after an exhilarating, though brief, gallop.

She cast him a skeptical glance with a wry smile from beneath the jaunty hat crowning her golden curls. “You’re lying, but I won’t fault you for it.”

“I’m not at all. When we started, you said you wouldn’t go faster than a canter.”

“I shall credit your persistence far more than my comfort in the saddle.” She shifted in her seat.

“You look magnificent.” She’d been quite right about her habit—she was stunning from head to boot. “Shall we take a respite? There’s a small, somewhat hidden folly up ahead.”

“Is there? How charming. Yes, a short rest would be delightful.”

Dare led her around a copse of trees to where a dilapidated miniature faux temple stood at the apex of a squat, flat hill. Shrubbery and flowers grew wild around it. Not terribly wild, actually, which made Dare believe it was all part of the effect of creating a “ruin.”

He dismounted and spoke softly to the horse, telling him to stay put for a bit. Then he went to help Juno down. She put her hands on his shoulders and moved her knee from the pommel. Clasping her firmly, he gently slid her to the ground.

“All right?” he asked.

“It’s been ages since I rode. Over a year, at least. I daresay I will be sore tomorrow.”

“I hope it will have been worth it.”

“Ask me when we get back to the stables.” She cast him a sultry glance, then started up the hill toward the folly. “How did you find this?”

He followed her, enjoying the sway of her backside as she climbed. “Lord Cosford told me about it. I’ve been riding out every morning. The estate is quite nice.”

“You like the outdoors a great deal. Do you ride every day?”

“I do. And walk, usually.”

She glanced back at him. “And does your estate have a folly?”

“Three. I’m building a fourth. To me, they’re outdoor rooms.”

“That sounds rather lovely.” She reached the top of the hill and turned to face him. “Have you always liked being outside?”

“Yes. My father encouraged it. He wanted me to know and appreciate the land in a way that some of our class do not. The land defines us, gives us purpose, and makes us whole. We could not survive without it.”

“What a beautiful sentiment. I hadn’t stopped to think about it in that way.”

“What did your parents encourage you to do?” he asked, wondering if he’d ever stop being eager to know more about her.

She wrinkled her nose slightly. “Lady things, I suppose. And reading, but that was mostly my grandfather’s doing.” Her features softened. “I do miss him terribly, but at least he writes.”

“Does he?” Dare was inordinately pleased by this information. He’d hated thinking her entire family acted as if she didn’t exist. How could they ignore such a vibrant, wonderful person whom they were fortunate enough to call their kin? “I’m glad for you.”

“Have you been inside the folly?” She turned and walked toward the small stone structure. Four pillars stood along the front, and a set of steps led up to the interior. The roof was partially open, as if half of it had collapsed. Inside, there was a bench, and the back wall was solid.

“I have. The bench is an excellent place for contemplation.”

She moved inside and sauntered behind the stone seat. “What did you contemplate?”