An unexpected rush of tears stung the backs of Jane’s eyes. This was why she loved him. On the outside he was witty and carefree, but on the inside he cared … deeply, about everyone and everything in his world.

Jane kicked off her white satin slippers and rolled off both stockings before whirling around. “Unbutton me.”

He chuckled. “Not the most romantic way to begin.”

“No, it’s not that,” she answered with a laugh. “This gown is terribly uncomfortable.”

“I’m happy to comply,” he said softly, his lips moving to the back of her neck. Jane felt the tug of his fingers against the long row of buttons along her back, but all she could concentrate on was his mouth on the soft spot beneath her ear. She tilted her head to the side.

He turned her slowly. The bodice gaped away. She held it to her with both hands.

“You’re unbuttoned, my lady.”

Nerves took over then. “Th—thank you.”

Gently cupping her shoulders, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Would you like to keep your spectacles?”

Jane looked up into his face and realized he was teasing her. “It would make things easier to see. What if I miss something important fumbling around blind as a mole?”

“I won’t let that happen,” he breathed, slowly pulling her spectacles over each ear. He pulled them away from her face and led her to the bed, where he placed them on the table next to the huge mattress.

Jane clutched at the front of her gown.

“Wouldn’t you like to remove it entirely?” he asked, turning back to face her.

“Yes.” She nodded. She let go and the gown pooled around her waist in waves of white satin. She pushed it over her hips and it fell to the carpet in a whoosh of fabric.

Her stays remained and her chemise beneath that. She took a shaky breath. The voices in her head returned to haunt her. Would Garrett think she was too plump? Not beautiful enough?

“You are gorgeous,” he whispered, pulling her into his arms and kissing the column of her throat. Jane’s head fell back, the hint of a smile on her lips. Well, it certainly bolstered her confidence to be told she was gorgeous.

“Would you like me to help you with your stays?” he asked.

“They’re not easy,” she warned.

“I remember.”

A flash of heat spiked through Jane’s body. “Do you have a knife in your bedside drawer?”

“No, but we should remedy that as soon as possible.”

That caused another rush of heat, this time between her legs. “Are you going to tie me up?” she asked, another shadow of a smile on her lips.

“Do you want me to?”

“I did enjoy it. Perhaps I’ll tie you up next time.”

“That can be arranged.” His voice was positively devilish.