Awakened by a Kiss by Lila DiPasqua

be inconsolable for hours yet.
    Tossing his head back, he closed his eyes and took in a fortifying breath. This was what happened when one blurred the lines between sex and love. A mistake he’d never make. The soft sentiments he was feeling for Catherine had to be reined in. Kept in check.
    She was his temporary mistress.
    In two days she’d be gone. In two days he would have satiated himself. He had two more days in which to purge her from his blood and mind. He couldn’t, wouldn’t, crave her or think of her after that.
    With renewed determination, he stalked out of his rooms intent on making afternoon arrangements with his lovely midnight temptress.
    In his experience the only thing that cooled a carnal fever was sexual excess.

9

    “A few steps farther,” Adrien said behind Catherine, his warm hands covering her eyes.
    Trusting him implicitly, she moved forward, letting him guide her blindly.
    “Perfect.” He arrested her steps and pulled his hands away.
    She opened her eyes and grinned, ridiculously happy over the sight before her.
    In a clearing, beneath a large tree, in the forest that bordered Suzanne’s grounds, a blanket had been spread, encircled by flower petals of white, yellow, and lavender. A basket of food had been placed nearby.
    A picnic.
    It was lovely!
    Catherine turned and wrapped her arms around his neck.
    The gray skies overhead let out a grumble.
    She ignored the distant thunder. This moment was too perfect. Keeping their encounters secret hadn’t been easy. He’d gone to such touching lengths to make these preparations.
    “You planned all this for me.” It was a statement. She was incredulous.
    “Of course.” He was smiling. “You’re pleased?”
    She gazed at his beloved face. “I am. Thank you. No one has ever done anything like this for me before.”
    He pulled her tightly against him, his erection pressing against her. Arousal flared low in her belly. “Well, then, I’m honored to be the first.”
    Oh, he was her first in so many ways. Her first lover. The only man to inspire her affections. She’d tried to fight her feelings with all she possessed, telling herself the joys he brought her were only physical. That she wasn’t in love with him.
    All unconvincing lies.
    In truth, he’d slipped inside her heart—years ago. The times she’d spent with him were the happiest she’d ever known. But time was running out.
    Glancing up at the sky, she was dismayed by the threat of rain in the darkened clouds. The day had started out sunny, but the sky became angrier as the hours passed.
    “Forget the weather,” he said. “We’ll not allow anything to ruin our picnic.” He gently brushed an errant tress from her cheek. “Now, where were we . . . Ah, yes, you were voicing words of appreciation for my efforts.” He gave her one of his disarming smiles. “I am open to any and all expressions of gratitude, you know.”
    She laughed. “Are you now?” The cheeky devil oozed charm.
    “I am,” he assured. “However, I am happy to provide nourishment first.” He nodded toward the picnic basket.
    “That’s excellent. I’m starved . . . for you .” She caressed the side of his face.
    Hunger flickered in his eyes. He leaned in for a kiss, sliding his tongue past her lips. Waves of pleasure flooded her body at his possession. His kiss was heated, yet unhurried and tender, resonating inside her heart.
    Raindrops hit her shoulders, despite the leafy canopy overhead. She didn’t care, refusing to break contact with his mouth. She wanted more. Of him. How was she going to live without him again? He made her long for the things she used to dream about. Romantic notions of loving and being loved.
    The sky rumbled. More raindrops struck her heated skin.
    Adrien broke the kiss and swore at the inclement weather brewing in the clouds, its quick turn for the worse dampening their plans.
    She reached for the ties on his breeches. “We’ll not allow anything to ruin our picnic.” She