Harlequin Romance March 2021 Box Set Cara Colter (the mitten read aloud TXT) 📖

elegant guests and tables groaning under the weight of delectable party fare while a band played on the raised dais at the far end.

This would be the perfect place for a Great Gatsby-themed party. Or, better yet, for women in crinolines, their hooped skirts swirling as they waltzed with men in dark tail coats and white cravats.

The picture was so clear in her mind that she found herself pretending to hide her face behind a fan and swaying to imaginary music. ‘Could you have this dance? Why, sir, I’d be delighted, I’m sure.’

She swept a curtsey to an imaginary partner, and was about to embark on a waltz when an amused voice in the doorway said, ‘I’ve seen this movie. Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, right?’

Owen. For no reason at all, her pulse picked up speed.

She swung round with a grin, not feeling the least embarrassed. ‘Technically it was Liesl, the eldest daughter. But as you got the movie right I won’t hold the details against you.’

He moved the length of the pavilion towards her. There was a light in his eye that made her mouth dry even as his loose-limbed stride had her pulse thrumming.

He stopped in front of her, male appreciation lighting his face as his eyes roved over her. ‘Ms Nicholls, you’re looking an absolute picture this evening.’ He swept a bow. ‘Would you do me the honour of dancing with me?’

Oh, this was foolish and reckless. And impossible to resist!

She fluttered that imaginary fan. ‘Why, Mr Perry, I thought you’d never ask.’

And then she was in his arms and he was sweeping her around the room as if he’d been born to it. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d danced a waltz, but her feet recalled the steps effortlessly. Beneath her hand the latent power of his body came alive and she couldn’t help responding to it, her stomach softening and her breasts growing heavy.

‘You dance beautifully, Mr Perry.’ Heavens, was that breathless voice hers?

The expression in his eyes held her prisoner. They continued to spin and twirl, perfectly attuned. ‘So do you, Ms Nicholls.’ Those grey eyes darkened and his feet slowed. ‘You’re beautiful…you know that?’

Those last words hadn’t been spoken in the formal tones of a bygone era.

Callie desperately tried to think of some flippant quip—a comeback that would break the spell he was weaving around her. There were reasons she should resist it. But her mind had gone blank. Owen and his broad shoulders and his tempting mouth filled her vision and her mind.

They slowed to a halt, staring at each other, breathing hard.

‘Callie…?’

She sensed how tightly he held himself, as if afraid that if he unclenched a single muscle he’d not be able to stop himself from sweeping her up in his arms and kissing her senseless. And she wanted that—despite all the reasons she shouldn’t. She knew what he tasted like now…knew how he kissed. That was the problem. He was addictive! And she wanted more.

Standing on tiptoe, she met his hot, hungry gaze, her lips drawing closer and closer to his. She maintained eye contact, determined to draw back at his slightest indication, but his eyes dared her, the light flaring in them threatening to consume her. Finally, their lips touched, and a sigh left her as a quiver rippled down Owen’s entire length.

Shaping her mouth to his, she threw caution to the wind and pressed closer, demanded more. His answer was swift and immediate. He hauled her close, took control of the kiss so completely her head swam, but she didn’t need her head and she didn’t need her balance. Owen held her securely and she gave in to the need that consumed her and trusted he would keep her safe.

Tearing the hem of his shirt from his jeans, she ran her hand over the flat planes of his stomach to the defined muscles of his chest. Hot. Firm. Shamelessly seductive.

Owen tore his mouth from hers to emit a low growl that only excited her more. She dragged her fingernails lightly down his chest, back to the waistband of his jeans. His body jerked, making her feel wanton, desirable…powerful.

That was before he dipped her over his arm, pushed her jumper up to her neck and suckled her nipple through the thin silk of her bra. She gasped, currents of pulsing need coursing to her very centre. She found herself almost sobbing with the need for release.

But then he halted and her mind seized up. Forcing heavy eyelids open, she blinked the fog from her eyes to meet his gaze.

‘I want you, Callie. I want you more than—’ He broke off, his breathing ragged, before righting her and drawing her jumper back down over breasts that throbbed. ‘But I need to know this is what you want too.’

The words were an icy wash of cold reality.

He pushed a hand through his hair. ‘I can’t… We can’t… If you’re going to regret it tomorrow, then we need to stop now.’

She pressed suddenly cold hands to her overheated cheeks. She’d totally lost her head.

He closed his eyes, before giving a single hard nod. ‘The expression on your face says it all.’

She gave a strangled laugh. ‘All it can possibly say at the moment is how shocked I am at how completely I just lost control.’

She tottered over to the dais and sat before her legs gave out completely. He hesitated, then joined her.

She glanced at him and then at her hands. ‘I’ve never been reckless when it comes to sex. If anything I’ve always overthought it…if you know what I mean.’

He nodded.

‘But just then…’ She covered her face with her hands.

‘I lost control too, Callie.’

But he’d found it again. She doubted she’d have come to her senses in time to stop before things had—

Before they’d reached their natural conclusion!

She pulled her hands away. ‘I’m horrified at the impression I’ve given you.’

He bent down so he could look directly into her face. ‘You’ve given me no impression other than the