Crushing Desire by April Dawn Page A

fighting the urge to beat at her breast once more. “How can I even face him after the fool I made of myself?”
    “This will disappear,” Emily replied. “You have shared three kisses with this man, and each time, you are sure that he’ll never wish to see you again. That something went wrong, and he will shun you.” Emily hauled Reena’s shoulders so that she faced her. “But have you ever noticed that he is still around? That he still speaks to you the same as ever? This will disappear, and you two will be the same as ever.”
    “But I don’t want the same as ever,” Reena whispered.
    Emily pulled her into an embrace. “Things will work themselves out my dear. We will figure a way.”

    Chapter Nine
     

     

    The next evening was sultry. A slight breeze blew through the trees, making them dance and sway to its music. The exotic scent of jasmine mingled with the sweet aroma of roses wafting from the nearby flowers. Reena breathed deep. Michael handed her into his carriage and then Emily behind her before stepping in himself.
    He was particularly fine-looking tonight. His long black overcoat covered him from neck to ankles and he wore a hat low over his pale blond hair. His features were not rugged like Joshua’s, but boyishly handsome.
    “You look so pretty tonight, Reena.” He leaned toward her. “As do you Emily.”
    Emily harrumphed. “Cheeky.”
    The older woman soon drifted off, rocked to sleep by the rolling motion of the carriage.
    “I have a gift for your birthday,” he said when he was sure she slept. He reached into his coat and pulled out a cloth wrapped package.
    “But it’s not my birthday yet.” Reena smiled in delight.
    “A woman stunning as you should get gifts every day.” His knuckles brushed her fingers.
    Michael didn’t compliment her as his brothers did, so the compliment struck her hard. Reena opened the string that held the cloth closed. She moved the soft fabric back to reveal a small leather-bound book and bit her lip on glimpsing the title. It was a book of etiquette that was very popular.
    “Oh, thank you, Michael, it’s wonderful.”
    “I have a grand time planned for us tonight.” Michael’s eyes sparkled.
    The brothers’ competition ensured that any night with one of them would be a great night. Reena pressed her lips together, knowing that she could never tell him as much.
    “What is this wonderful plan then, sir?”
    “We are going to the river. I have a special night intended for us indeed.” His smile reached his sparkling eyes, and he took her fingers in his.
    She allowed him to hold her hand. Out of all her suitors, she liked Michael the best. He was kind, funny, and considerate. Despite the knowledge that it was really the rivalry that drew him to her, she always enjoyed his company.
    “I have been looking forward to it all day.” It was true to a point. She had pleasant anticipations of their picnic, but when she had tried to kiss Joshua all else had fled from her mind. From that moment to this, her thoughts had wandered back to the foolish action.
    Michael’s thumb caressed her wrist, returning her mind to him. His touch was pleasant, and she did not pull away. Many of her other suitors had tried to touch her, or kiss her, though none had succeeded in more than an attempt. None of them even came close to making her blood boil as Joshua always did.
    The sudden intensity of his gaze held hers. Nervously she licked her lips, and his breath caught. His mouth lowered toward hers. She swallowed hard, wondering if she should let him kiss her. Wondering what his kiss would be like. Would it be fiery like Joshua’s, or forceful like Dan’s?
    Joshua’s face filled her mind, and she turned her head slightly at the last second. His mouth fell on the corner of her lips. There was a moment’s hesitation in the sweetness of the kiss, as though he expected to be slapped. His lips brushed hers softly, and pleasant warmth filled her. His hand released hers and