Page 83 of A Simple Favor

“The care you took to find the right matches for them, not to mention the loan you gave Oxley.”

“He needed assistance getting back on his feet. I was happy to help.”

“We still have one person to assist,” Eliza said as Philip removed the corset and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned back against him, the joy that filled her making her smile.

“Allow me to guess. Your brother.”

“He is no closer to finding a wife than he was a year ago.”

“I think the time is coming. He is starting to see the benefits a wife can provide. Besides, I think he’s getting lonely.”

He nuzzled her ear and worry over Winston fell away. She turned in the circle of his arms and kissed him, swirling her tongue with his as passion took hold.

She eased back only to sigh with appreciation as she drew his waistcoat and shirt from his shoulders. His broad shoulders and thick chest never failed to stir her. Dark, wiry hair narrowed to a trail down his flat abdomen, and she followed the path to unfasten his trousers, loving the way he hissed with pleasure at her touch.

They slowly finished undressing one another, Philip’s hands warm and gentle as he caressed her. He dipped his head to lick the tip of her breast then took it into his mouth as she arched against him. “You always know exactly how to make me feel good,” she whispered.

“I have taken great care to note what you like.” He brushed the back of his hand along her belly, then lower still to the curls between her legs.

When he slid a finger between her thighs, her knees weakened. “Perfect,” she murmured as she reached for his hard staff and ran her hand along its length. “Because I have done the same of you.”

His moan was proof of her words, bringing a smile to her lips. They pleasured one another until neither could wait any longer.

Philip lifted her to carry her to the bed where the covers were already folded back and laid her down. He settled beside her to kiss her again before she drew him on top of her.

The weight of him felt so wonderful. Although it seemed impossible to believe, she loved this man more with every day that passed.

His member nudged the dampness of her center then he drove inside her, uniting them. He held still for a moment as if relishing the moment as much as she did. At last, he shifted, his movements slow at first, the pace quickening as need took hold.

Eliza was breathless, loving the feel of him on her and all around her. He kissed her neck, one hand caressing her breast. Then he rose on his elbows and thrust into her again and again.

Her body tightened as she reached the precipice until she flew over the edge, weightless for a brief moment before slowly sinking back to earth and into his arms.

Philip quickly followed, finding his own fulfillment just behind her. “I love you, my darling.”

They kissed again as their hearts slowed. He shifted to her side and drew her into his arms, her head pillowed on his shoulder.

“Philip?”

“Yes?”

“I love you more than all the stars in the sky,” she whispered as her eyes closed.

“That is a wonderful image and matches my feelings as well. Forever and always, my love.” Then he pressed a kiss to her forehead and closed his eyes, too.