She nodded. “It sure did. I did not expect that.”
“What did you think I was going to do?” he asked, smiling down at her.
Louise shrugged. “Anything but this.”
“I suppose if you want it, I could do what you want,” he said, dropping his voice into a seductive whisper.
“What?”
“A kiss,” he said.
“You are an incorrigible rake. A proper lady like me has no business with you.” Louise huffed, shocked at the ridiculousness of what Callum had just proposed.How did I go from being the intended of an Earl to being propositioned by a rake?She had always done the right things that were expected of ladies. She had never engaged in any activity that would bring shame to her family. Yet, she ended up getting forsaken by the man to whom she was supposed to get married.
“Sometimes, you just have to let yourself relax and do things that you would rather not get caught doing. It is a good way to let go of the pain that you are feeling,” he said.
Louise pondered over what Callum had just said and she could not help but agree. Engaging in a little amount of indiscretion would not hurt, especially if she was not going to go all the way. An idea suddenly came to her mind and she smiled. The idea was to make the Earl regret humiliating her while she also engaged in an indiscretion for the first time in her life.
“Kiss me, Lord Langton,” Louise said, suddenly.
Callum looked shocked. “Are you certain, Lady Louise? You do not have to kiss me if you do not wish to,” he said.
Louise nodded. “I am certain. I want to let go of my pain and simply live in the moment,” she said.
Callum smiled and Louise could not help but notice that he cut a fine figure for a man. “As you wish, my lady,” he said before he leaned in.
Louise held her breath in anticipation and curiosity. She never imagined that this was how her first kiss would go. However, when Callum’s lips touched hers and his tongue gently pried hers open, any doubt that might linger in her mind disappeared. Her heart beat faster and it felt better than her wildest imagination. Louise sighed as she returned his kiss. His lips were soft and supple, and his mouth tasted of rich wine. Louise was not sure if this was what all kisses were supposed to feel like, but it felt good. As he dug his fingers into her hair and kissed her, a warm feeling ignited in her belly, spreading across her whole body and making her tingle all over.
When he sucked on her tongue, she felt her center jolt awake. The fire that his kiss stirred in her grew bigger and consumed her completely. Her body throbbed with need and at this point, she knew that if she did not draw back, she might do things that she would eventually regret. Mustering all the self-control she had, Louise placed a hand between her and Callum as she slowly pried her mouth away from him.
It was the hardest thing she had ever had to do.
“My Lord,” she said, opening her eyes. She felt a little dizzy from the euphoria she had just been taken to. Callum was looking down at her, a wicked smile forming at the corner of his mouth.
“Have I been able to get your mind off my foolish friend and your ruined engagement?” he asked.
Louise could not help but smile at this point. “You are right. You have been a satisfying distraction from my humiliation,” she said.
“I have been told that my lips have as intoxicating as alcohol,” he said, wickedly.
“I certainly hope not,” she laughed once more.
“Well, there is only one way to find out,” Callum said.
“I think I shall take my leave now,” Louise said. “You can still warm your bed with your lady friend when I am gone.”
“I have an even better idea,” Callum said.
“What is the idea?” Louise asked, knowing full well that whatever idea Callum had would certainly contain an immoral act.
“I could see you off to your room and then you could invite me in,” he said, his eyebrow raised in anticipation.
Louise frowned. “You really are as incorrigible as they say,” she replied, shaking her head in disapproval.
“Do you want to know what else they say about me?” he asked.
“I would rather not,” Louise replied, “now, if you will excuse me.” With that, Louise turned on her heels and headed for the door.
“My offer still stands,” Callum called after her.
