Maid for Scandal Read Online Free Page A

surprised you’re not an expert on the subject.”
    Hope fluttered in her chest. “Then you will? Kiss me?”
    “Come.” He drew her into the shade of the dairy wall, where they would be out of sight of anyone passing by.
    They stood facing one another, and then he placed his hands at her waist and pulled her forward. He was taller than Giles, his chest broader. For a moment she kept her hands at her sides, unsure. She stared up at him, certain her eyes were full of questions. Oh dear. Perhaps she shouldn’t have…
    He lowered his face, his lips gently brushing hers, and her worries fled. The kiss began slowly, simply, yet there was nothing simple in the wild beating of her heart. His lips moved against hers, lightly teasing. She had never known how very sensitive her lips could be—tingling and impatient for more.
    Then he settled his mouth more firmly over hers and it felt like the sun breaking through the clouds. Her hands slid up to grasp his shoulders. She was shivery and breathless, hot and cold all at once. His tongue traced her lips and she hazily recalled his explanation. The parties involved open their mouths.
    She parted her lips, and felt him smile. Tentatively, she opened her mouth wider. His tongue dipped inside, tasting her. Then their tongues met, and she nearly gasped aloud from the sensation. It was her first sip of champagne, the delight of galloping over fields, the force of a summer storm—all rolled into one. This. This was kissing.
    When he finally lifted his head, she blinked. Her senses swam, so that she had to clutch at his shoulders to remain upright. His hands remained at her waist, and she was not inclined to ask him to remove them.
    “Have I answered your question?” he asked, a crooked half- smile on his face.
    “Yes. That was…most satisfactory.”
     And dizzying, and intoxicating. She hoped she wasn’t staring up at him too foolishly. He let out a low breath and released her.
    “I’ve kept you from your duties long enough,” he said.
    “Yes.” She removed her hands from his shoulders, but couldn’t make herself step away from him. “Well… I should be going. Thank you for the education, sir.”
    “Anna.” The sound of her name on his lips made her heart give a curious little leap. “Call me Jonathan, please. And if you have any further questions about matters of this nature, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’d gladly assist your understanding.” There was a definite twinkle in his eyes now.
    “I will, sir. Jonathan.” Warmth sifted through her entire body. “Good afternoon.”
    “It’s been a most delightful one. Until next time, Anna.”
    She did not bob a curtsey this time, only turned and went up the path. Just before she entered the dairy, she glanced back to see him leaning against the sun-dappled wall. His arms were crossed, and he was watching her with a strangely rueful smile.
     
    The next morning, Giles was still asleep when she entered his bedchamber. As instructed, she opened the drapes, then went to stir up the banked coals. When she turned from that task, she saw he had woken and was sitting up against the ornate headboard of his bed. Again, the sheets had fallen to reveal an expanse of male skin—but somehow his shoulders did not look quite so broad, his chest so firm as they had the day before.
    No matter. His eyes were still blue, his features as handsome as ever.
    “Good morning, Anna,” he said. “Come over here.”
    She quickly obeyed, but when she stood beside the bed, ready to demonstrate her newfound knowledge, he shifted away.
    “Sit beside me.” He patted the coverlet. “Don’t be shy.”
    Anna slid onto the bed. Why, it was almost as if they had woken together—as they would once they were married. How agreeable of him to give her an early taste of that life.
    Her legs pressed against his, and she could feel the warmth of sleep still clinging to his skin. He took her hands, his fingers stroking her palms.
    “Why, you’re