Page 17 of Dare to Tempt an Earl This Spring (Wedding Fever #1)

A shley wouldn’t mind if she could stop thinking at that point.

About everything.

She couldn’t make up her mind anyway, and her heart—that was a lost cause.

Especially after Linsey’s breathtakingly bone-melting kisses. The man truly had taken a page from her bold book. And she hadn’t held back either. But in her defense, she’d been so grateful that he’d saved her from a tumble, she hadn’t thought to resist or keep any safe distance. That seemed to be the theme with him. Whenever in his presence, she forgot about her plot for revenge.

All of that seemed to belong to a distant past, and even now, Ashley found it difficult to summon the same determination that had fueled her at the start.

This is all part of the plan.

She inwardly scoffed at herself.

They kissed. Again.

Her feet grew heavy, her arms were cold, and her heart was racing. Trouble.

Now they were alone in the woods. Bug-laden woods. The crisp, fresh scent of nature filled the air, but it wasn’t enough to calm her racing heart. If anything, it only kept it at a galloping speed.

Her cheeks flushed with heat, and she was acutely aware of it.

The man’s flirting could be considered on par with his kissing.

Lethal.

Ashley took in the breathtaking meadow, where sunlight danced over a carpet of yellow and white flowers, each bloom a gentle burst of color against the emerald sea of grass. The trees stood like silent guardians, their branches arching gracefully over the clearing, creating a sanctuary of tranquility and renewal. It was as if the earth itself had awoken from its wintry slumber, stretching and unfurling under the tender warmth of spring.

In this vibrant picture, Ashley felt a kinship with the landscape, sensing her own heart mirrored in its revival. Once dormant and untouched by the chill of solitude, she now felt herself unfurling, each petal of her being opening to embrace the new warmth Thomas had brought into her life. His arrival in her life, however jaded it may sound, had melted the frost from her spirit, igniting a bloom within her that echoed the meadow’s own awakening. Here, amid the fragrant air and the gentle rustle of leaves, she understood that her heart had been a garden waiting for its spring, and Thomas had been the sun coaxing it to life—coaxing her to life.

“This is quite the secluded spot.” She blinked at the warmth of the spring’s sun and inhaled the crisp air. It was invigorating, just like the man holding her.

He followed her gaze before his eyes landed back on her. “I found it while out exploring the lands.”

“We seem to have that in common.”

“Exploring lands?” he asked, his lips curving into a smile, yet his arched brow announced his skepticism.

She laughed softly. “Exploring.”

He arched a brow, something wicked flashing in his gaze. “Ah.” He leaned in closer, their faces mere inches apart. “Is that why you didn’t confess you hadn’t ridden in years? And years, and years and years? You were exploring whether those few training classes you might have had would save you?”

She shrugged, trying to play it off, though the proximity was making her pulse erratic. “I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

His smile softened, but the gleam in his gaze did not. “Well, I’m not disappointed. If anything, I’m impressed.”

“You are?” How unexpected.

He nodded, cocking his head to the side, studying her. “I’m impressed you had the courage to even attempt such a thing. I’m also impressed you didn’t burst into tears when I came to your rescue.”

“Well, I’m not moved to tears easily.”

The corner of his lips lifted in that dangerously irresistible way. “Somehow, I believe that.”

“What else do you believe?”

His gaze dropped. “I believe your lips taste sweeter than all the dewy nectar on this field.”

She raised a brow, touching her mouth. “That can’t be true. Lips don’t have a taste.”

His fingers caught hers, gently brushing them aside. “Yours do. And I can’t seem to get enough of them. Of you.”

For a moment, Ashley lost her speech, then slowly murmured with narrowed eyes, “Is that your way of telling me you wish to kiss me again?” A grin formed on her lips. “Well, well, Linsey. Thomas. I do believe I have corrupted your pure soul.”

“I never knew this about myself, but it seems I am, when it’s the right person, exceedingly corruptible.” His voice dipped low, sending a thrill through her.

The right person.

Heat rushed to her face, her boldness faltering for a moment. “Well, I do try.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I truly find myself defenseless against your charm.”

Her charm?

“Why do you look so surprised?” he murmured, eyes tracing her features with a kind of reverence.

“I suppose I didn’t think I had a thing such as charm.” Her mother certainly didn’t believe she had.

“How can that be?” His expression turned curious, genuine. “You don’t believe boldness can be charming?”

“People don’t usually find it so,” she said, thinking of all the times her forwardness had been a source of criticism.

He nodded thoughtfully. “I didn’t, either.”

Ashley arched a brow. “You’ve suddenly changed your mind?”

His thumb brushed across her knuckles. “I’ve been changed…ahem, my mind…” Oh drat, she lost all sense of coherent thoughts.

She caught her breath, her heart skipping as his words sank into her bones. No one had ever truly liked that trait of hers. No one except her father and Jordan. “My mother would call you a miracle.”

“Well, we do live in a world filled with them.”

She smiled, pushing thoughts of everyone else away. She didn’t want to think about either Jordan, her mother, or her father right now. She didn’t want anyone intruding on this singular moment. She had a man to charm, for purposes that appeared to have become as obscured as the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, fading into something far less clear, far more dangerous.

Her hands smoothed over his lapels. “Then I suppose I’ll have to work hard to be converted to a country girl, too.”

“You’ve not been already?” His voice lowered, sending a shiver down her spine. “That is rather problematic for me.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes,” he murmured, stepping closer, the space between them vanishing. “I can’t have a wife who hasn’t been converted to the countryside.”

Wife.

His wife.

The word hit her like a physical force, her heart stumbling over itself.

It’s not real.

This was not her moment. Not truthfully.

Remember that, Ashley

And yet, no matter how much she told herself that, there, alone in the woods, where the countryside seemed all too alluring, she could pretend otherwise.

Just for a moment.

All the reasons that had brought her to this point—her plan for revenge, her resentment, even Jordan—scattered like flowers in the meadow. She reached up, yanking him down to her, her boldness surging once again.

“Then convert me,” she whispered, and kissed him.

This kiss wasn’t like the ones before. It was deeper, more urgent. She suddenly understood what he meant when he said she tasted sweet. He tasted of malt and fresh air. Crisp, earthy, and yet utterly intoxicating.

Even though it was brazen, this kiss wasn’t born of recklessness. It was an exploration—a discovery of him, of them. Of this strange pull that drew her closer and closer to him.

The confusion.

The attraction.

And the fear of what it might mean.

Would it consume her? Or would it destroy her? She didn’t know. But at that moment, she didn’t care.

*

Convert me.

Bloody hell, what those words did to him!

Thomas abruptly surfaced from the depths of those words, a sense of awakening washing over him as if he were coming up for air after being submerged in the most intoxicating of dreams. Ashley’s back still pressed against the tree, one of his hands resting there too, the rough bark a stark contrast to the softness of her touch. Dappled shadows danced across her features, softening the light, adding a gut-wrenching quality to her beauty that left him utterly spellbound.

His insides hurt.

It hurt so much to feel all these feelings and not show it.

Yes, he had fallen for this woman. Hard.

And he wanted—no, needed—to express his feelings, lest he perish on the spot. But how? He didn’t want to scare her away, yet he couldn’t live without her. He had to have her now, even if only a little more than a shared kiss.

He stared down at her.

Her lips, swollen from their kiss, bore the flush of passion. Her eyes, wide and luminous, met his with a vulnerability and desire that mirrored his own. So damn beautiful. And perhaps he was moving too fast, but Thomas needed her in a way he couldn’t quite comprehend himself.

His hands, which had found a home at her waist, still marveled at the curve of her body, the way she fit so perfectly against him. The warmth of her skin seeped through the fabric of her dress, igniting a longing that only closeness could quench.

“I’m ready,” she whispered onto his mouth.

“That’s a dangerous statement, love.”

“I’m quite fond of danger.”

He traced the line of her jaw with the pad of his thumb, awe washing over him for the woman who had, in such a short time, become the focal point of his every thought. He still couldn’t quite fathom it. Love?

Her scent had become a sensory tether that grounded him to the undeniable reality of her presence, shifting his world since the moment she’d brazenly asked him to dance. What had only occurred a few days ago now felt like the inevitable steps of a lifetime destined to bring them to this moment.

“ You .” Thomas smiled, brushing a lock of hair from her face unable to gather words. “A danger in itself.”

“Is that what you were thinking so hard about?” Ashley asked, her voice soft but teasing.

“That and how you’ve bewitched me.”

“Oh?” Her lips quirked in amusement. “I didn’t even try.”

“That’s the worst part,” he murmured, voice low. “You didn’t have to.”

“Then I must be a witch, no?”

He laughed softly, averting his gaze, struggling to find the right words, but his feelings were too much to contain. If he could express them the way he felt them, he’d take the wildest horse and ride at breakneck speed along the coast, letting the hooves splash in the salty waves. He’d throw his arms out and scream at the top of his lungs. But here, under the spring buds, and birds chirping overhead, he could find nothing better than, “My heart is all yours.”

Her eyes widened. “It is ?”

“Yes, I have fallen deeply in affection with you, Ashley.”

Her head jerked back, her mouth slightly open, then her eyes wide.

“I like it when you call me love instead of Ashley. Nobody else ever did.” Her voice was a mere whisper.

His heart pounded. “I…that’s not what I thought you’d say.” He released her waist, only holding her hand between his, drawing strength from her touch. He searched her face. “It’s so fast, I know. We’d agreed to marry soon, but I just didn’t know yet when I proposed…”

“Know what?” she whispered.

“How much you would come to mean to me in such a short amount of time. I want to show you pleasure, love, everything that comes with being my wife.”

She swallowed, blinking at him, her lips parted as though to speak, but no words came. Didn’t it please her to hear these words? Wasn’t a declaration of love what women wanted? She looked away, then back at him, and away again.

“Ashley? It’s all right; you don’t have to say anything.” He could be patient and woo her. He might not need to convince her to marry him, but he needed to convince her that he was trustworthy, earnest, and that she was his world. “I know it’s new, sudden, but I’d like to show you.”

“I…” Her gaze fixed on him again, and he could tell she’d made some sort of decision. “How will you show me?”

He pressed her gently against the rough bark, feeling the heat of his desire clash violently with the caution in his mind. His body, especially the lower part, burned with an intensity that left him breathless, a thin sheen of sweat collecting at his brow. Every fiber of his being ached to hold her, to draw her close and let their hearts beat as one. He longed for the soft brush of her lips, the arch of her neck, her whole body if she would allow it—anything to ease the desperate yearning that consumed him.

But he held back, knowing that if this was to work, it couldn’t just be about desire. It had to be about trust, about love.

He suddenly grinned at her. “Do I still need to convince you that I’m the right man for you? How much conversation do you need?”

“I…” She inhaled a deep breath, then nodded, that familiar glint entering her gaze. “More.”

This was all Thomas needed to hear. His grin widened. “Good.” Without waiting, he cupped her face, leaning in. “I’ll let my actions speak for themselves.”

His lips claimed hers with a fierceness that made her gasp, but she met him halfway, her fingers curling into his shirt. Thomas pressed against her, the feel of her body melting into his, igniting something primal within him.

Ashley hesitated for a heartbeat, but then her lips parted fully, inviting him to deepen the kiss. He obliged, and the world outside their little haven disappeared, the only thing that mattered was her—soft, responsive, and his.

Every brush of her lips, every touch stoked the fire.

“Thomas…” She whispered his name against his mouth, breathless.

“I won’t stop,” he murmured, his words a promise. “Not until you’re convinced.”

“Then convince me. I’ll help you.”

He didn’t know what exactly she meant by that, but he kissed her with the force of a blazing fire, making every single kiss from before seem like child’s play. Holding her head, he drank her in and yet nothing was enough. When a moan escaped her, she pressed her left leg against him and her hand came to his middle. She felt for the length of him.

Thomas froze.

So, that was what she meant.

She would be the death of him yet.

Just when he thought her boldness had reached its peak, she surprised him. But just like that, her hand moved up again.

Teasing minx!

They didn’t venture beyond the bounds of the fabric that shielded them. His riding breeches had never been more uncomfortably tight down there, but he wasn’t going to defile his bride.

But oh, the pleasure he would show her.

His hands itched to explore the curves of her body, to elicit sighs of contentment and whispers of desire. He envisioned her eyes fluttering closed in ecstasy, her lips parting with breathless anticipation. With one hand, she grabbed the back of his head and pulled him closer, opening her mouth even more. Her tongue met his in a dance of deliciousness and then she did the unspeakable.

She lifted her leg higher, wrapping it around his waist, pulling him closer until their bodies were flush. Her hips pressed firmly into him, sending a jolt of heat between them as her hands roamed over his back, anchoring him to her as if she couldn’t get close enough.

I love it when you want to take control. I love you, Ashley.

Thomas reached for her thigh.

She wore her new riding shirt with a day dress and layers underneath, but when he looked down, the fabric had bunched up and her bare leg, in nothing but a garter and a thin stocking, clamped him to her. He’d never seen anything more erotic and pressed further against her, stabilizing her against the trunk, so that he bore her weight. She was light and he’d hold her for the rest of his days—for as long as she’d wish.

Thomas held her thigh up with one hand, gently stroking the underside. Up and down, along her soft skin and over the lace band of her garter, his hand trailed back. And when he found his way up, only inches from the apex of her legs, he froze. It was a threshold he couldn’t cross without further invitation. Not the threshold, but still. She was an innocent. And like a wild mare drawn to the promise of freedom, she needed to be approached with care, only willing to yield when she felt truly ready.

“Thomas.” She breathed heavily, her chest falling and rising, and slowly drew back to melt into his gaze.

“I promise I won’t—”

“Stop promising what you won’t do.” She heaved for air and tensed her leg. “I want more .” Her voice was barely above a panting whisper.

Hell and damnation, how could he hold back after that brazen demand. With practiced ease and yet mesmerized like a green boy, he found her soft folds with his free hand. He felt her breath hitch when he ventured to her opening with his right index finger. At first, she twitched. But instead of stopping him, she looked down. Expecting something…did she know?

“Have you ever done this yourself?”

She nodded, her gazed fixed down.

Then she arched into his hand.

She felt so warm, so good, in a way that made Thomas lightheaded. “Lie down,” he said, supporting her as she slid down the tree and onto the soft moss. He removed his riding coat, rolled it up, and placed it behind her neck. He brushed a few stray hairs out of her face and took in her beauty. Slowly, he traced the curve of her cheek and the dip of her neck. He watched the rise and fall of her chest as if it were the most beautiful sunrise on the horizon of his future.

There was nothing more precious he could imagine.

Nothing.

He skimmed her sides, then trailed his hand over her flat stomach. Reaching under the layers of her skirt, his fingers danced lightly over her skin, leaving a visible trail of goosebumps in their wake. As his hand ventured higher, he felt her breath hitch and saw her eyelids flutter.

“Should I stop?” he asked.

“After coming this far?” she shot back, but her voice came out breathless.

Thomas chuckled. Right. Plucky and smart. My Ashley .

The fabric of her gown bunched as he pushed it up, revealing the softness beneath.

He leaned in, inhaling the scent that clung to her skin, their lips meeting in a tentative kiss. When she sucked his lower lip, he slid his index finger to her opening. Pausing, he opened his eyes to gauge her reaction. She blinked back at him, mouth slightly open and lips swollen, waiting.

He pushed into her softness, exploring thoroughly as her tongue mimicked the movements of his finger. His free hand roamed boldly, tracing the shape of her body while he discovered what she liked. He wanted to learn what she enjoyed.

Thomas loved every moment.

Each touch whispered promises of devotion, and she melted against him, clutching his shirt and pulling him closer. He chuckled against her lips. “Relax.”

“I’m not on horseback,” she replied, eyes narrowing. “I won’t fall.”

Oh, yes, you will. This time, it wouldn’t be gravity but pleasure, heat, and a desire he vowed to cultivate for life. When his middle finger slid inside her, a gasp escaped her lips. “You’ll fall deeply, but I’ll catch you and make you fall again, love.”

She was so tight, so soft. Her muscles clenched around him. He was not just offering her pleasure but taking on the responsibility of making her happy—now and always. Their eyes met for a moment, and he inserted his ring finger. She arched her back with a moan, surrendering once more.

He was in charge of this moment.

But she was in charge of him.

Finding a rhythm, he held her close as she softened in his arms. He leaned in to kiss her, and though she clung to him at first, his thumb teasing her pearl made her forget to kiss. Her fingers grasped the grass as her breathing grew strained.

She was close.

And he was…

Utterly lost.