“Until I became with child, we had a reasonably civil marriage. Denshire lost interest in me when I became pregnant. Then Christopher was born and he had his heir.” She finished her brandy in one long swallow. “After the birth, I no longer wanted Denshire to touch me. Though I didn’t consciously remember Caitlin’s birth or what he’d said about her, deep down I must have realized that my husband was contemptible. After that, our marriage was in name only and his mistresses were welcome to him. The arrangement worked fairly well for a number of years.”

“I know it has been difficult for you, but at least you’re free of him now. And we will get Christopher back to you,” he said with quiet vehemence.

She set her empty glass on the bedside table, then looked up at him, her gaze intent. “Why are you doing so much for me? Because you like helping people?”

He watched the firelight playing over her lovely, determined face. “Generally, I do like helping people. But in particular, I like you.”

“You seem to like having a friend or partner,” she said thoughtfully. “Simon when you were children. Frère Emmanuel during your years in Belgium. Friends when you were in the Royal Navy?”

Surprised by her words, he thought back before replying. “I can certainly manage on my own, but you’re right, I prefer to have a companion I enjoy and trust.” With a swift smile, he said, “But there weren’t any prior companions I wanted to do this to.” He leaned down into a kiss.

It should have been a light, friendly kiss but wasn’t because she leaned in, too. Her lips opened under his and she raised a hand to his cheek. Her mouth was sweet and tentative as she whispered, “It’s been a very long time since I’ve kissed a man.”

“And even longer since I kissed a woman,” he murmured back. “I had forgotten how wondrous a kiss can be. Though I think it’s you who makes it wondrous.”

“I think it’s the two of us together who create wonder.” Breath quickening, she slipped her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him.

She was so marvelously soft and female. His hands slid down her back and waist over enticing womanly curves. Her full breasts were intoxicating under the velvet robe. His palm flattened over her nipple and he gently rotated his hand. She caught her breath and pulsed against him, her hands equally active as she explored him with touch.

His exhaustion vanished in a flood of desire, a desire that she matched as she parted the panels of his blue velvet banyan and spread her hands on the bare skin beneath. He sucked in his breath as fire raced through his veins.