“Do stop calling me a girl,” Suzette snapped a bit impatiently and got to her feet, too agitated now to sit. “You sound like you’re old enough to be my father and you aren’t quite that old.”

“Not quite that old? For pity’s sake! What a charmer you are,” he said with irritation, and then stood up as well and informed her with some dignity, “That was not a proper kiss.”

“Well if you are such an expert, why do you not show me how to do it right?” she suggested, glowering with frustration at this turn of events. She had started to like the man once she’d realized that he wasn’t Dicky’s friend and had intervened simply to prevent the encounter from becoming fodder for gossips. And then her hopes had risen as she’d realized he was in need of a rich bride. However, that kiss had been so disappointing, she—

Her thoughts died on a gasp of surprise as Daniel suddenly answered her challenge, pulled her into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers. He certainly did do it differently to how she had. His lips did cover hers, but not quite so firmly. Instead, they moved over hers in a caress as light as a butterfly’s wings, just brushing the surface in a sideways motion that stirred her interest. That interest only grew when he then nipped at her lower lip, drawing it between his own and suckling lightly in a way that sent little tingles through the soft flesh. His tongue came into play next, sliding out to run along her lips, and then before she quite knew what was happening, it had slipped past them, pushing its way gently yet firmly into her mouth so that her taste buds were suddenly assaulted by a wholly unfamiliar, yet not unpleasant flavor as he lashed her tongue with his own.

Daniel’s hands had been still to this point, but now they suddenly began to move as well, molding her body to his as he invaded her, adding other sensations to the riot of strange feelings he was coaxing from her with his tongue.