Out Of Her League, An Erotic Romance by Ava Archer Payne Read Free Book Online

brushing his lips across the tops of her breasts. He’d shaved, but he hadn’t done a proper job of it. As the dark line of his jaw moved across her flesh, the light stubble on his chin tickled and teased her skin. She drank in each dizzying sensation: the firm male grip of his hands as he cupped her breasts, the surprising softness of his lips, the prickly rub of razor stubble. He drew one taut pink nipple into his mouth and lightly grazed it with his teeth.
    Shock coursed through her body. Kate gave a soft gasp and arched her back, digging her fingers through James’s hair. He flicked his tongue over her nipple, causing it to tighten into a hard, rosy pink bud. Desire blossomed within her and became an aching, hungry thing. She pressed herself closer, reaching for something she couldn’t define.
    Though she wanted more, James somehow maintained the presence of mind to draw back. He lifted his head and kissed her on the lips, long and hard. Then, emitting a deep sigh of regret, he pulled back and gently set her away from him. “If we don’t return shortly, our absence will be noted.”
    Of course. How had she forgotten Dr. Michaelson would be waiting for them? Removed from James’s embrace, the air cooled her skin and sobered her thoughts. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, Kate reached for the buttons of her gown and began to draw them closed. James stopped her. His brows drew together in a frown as he studied the deep pink rash that spread across her chest.
    He rubbed his hand over the stubble on his chin, immediately recognizing its cause. “Horrible of me to mar something so beautiful. Unforgiveable, really.”
    “It doesn’t matter.”
    “It might sting later.”
    “I’ll be fine.”
    “I insist you allow me to make amends.” With a look of boyish playfulness, he reached into his pocket and withdrew the jar of menthol balm she’d given him days earlier. “I’m told this works wonders in soothing the skin.”
    Before she could object, he twisted open the lid and lightly smoothed the mint balm over the tops of her breasts. His touch was gentle and unhurried, soothing in a way Kate couldn’t possibly have anticipated. She glanced down, entranced by the juxtaposition of his dark, masculine hands slowly tracing circles over the milky whiteness of her breasts. After a moment he pulled back, allowing her to finish buttoning her gown.
    No sooner had she completed the task when Dr. Michaelson entered the room. “There you are,” the physician called cheerfully. “You do have a rather grand home, Mr. Lancaster, but I knew I’d find you eventually.” Spying James’s crutch on the ground, he lifted it and returned it to James. “Everything all right?”
    James gave an easy shrug. “Dropped it when I turned. I’m still a bit clumsy with the blasted things.”
    Dr. Michaelson smiled. “Not to worry. If my treatment progresses the way I hope it will, soon you won’t need them at all.” He turned to Kate. “Well, Nurse? I have other patients waiting for me at St. Thomas. I trust you’re ready to depart?”
    “Certainly.” Kate moved to stand beside the physician. “We were just watching the storm.”
    “It’s stopped,” Michaelson said.
    “Pardon?”
    “The rain. It’s stopped.”
    “Of course,” Kate replied, somehow managing to keep her tone cool and professional. Not daring to risk a glance at James, she straightened her cap and gave a brisk nod. “That’s precisely what I meant. We ought to leave while there’s a break in the weather.”

Chapter Four
     
    There had been no shortage of women in the Crimea. The lascivious ladies of the Ottoman Empire followed the army camps in droves, discreetly assuring the needs of its soldiers were met. They were beautiful women with dark eyes and sly smiles that clearly conveyed a knowledge of how to satisfy man’s more carnal appetites, no matter where his personal proclivities lie.
    The more money a man possessed, the more sexually talented and