Her sister pretended she did not hear and went inside the doorway. She returned with a small valise. "Just a few trinkets. To aid with your decorating efforts."
Desmond stowed the bag in the carriage by Lorelei's feet. "I ensured my staff gathered all of the items on the list Lorelei sent round earlier. There is an abundance of greenery, just waiting for our efforts. But I am certain these will be welcome."
"I am certain they will be, too," Beatrice said, grinning.
"We can help decorate," Caroline piped up.
"We are very good helpers," Henry added.
Desmond knelt in front of them. "I appreciate your offer. I promise I will have you come see our efforts, once everything is completed."
"That would be splendid," their mother answered before they could protest. "Now go inside before it gets too cold."
They obeyed, chattering about the time Martin warned them against freezing their noses against the shop window. Desmond chuckled and ensured Lorelei was settled, before getting into the carriage and gathering the reins again.
Lorelei waved to her sister, and then they were off, Desmond's heart racing as fast as the horse carrying them to the next adventure.
Desmond watched as Lorelei carefully festooned the mantle with several strands of ivy.
"An interesting choice," he commented.
She turned and bestowed a dazzling smile on him. "I thought we could include Saturnalia in our celebrations."
"I am all for ancient Roman festivities. But where does the ivy fit in?"
"It is intended to cure overindulgence."
He frowned. "I am not sure I believe that."
"About ivy?"
"No, that there is such a thing as overindulgence."
She laughed. "I can see how you would doubt that. You have probably devoted your life to indulging in indulgence."
"Can you think of a better pursuit?" He added a kiss to her very willing lips.
"I wonder if I could be persuaded to your view."
"I wonder that too. We should at least attempt it."
"I agree." She glanced out the window. "What a surprise. It has started to snow."
Desmond turned his head that direction. "I requested it actually."
"In the hopes we would be snowed in here?"
He waggled his eyebrows, eliciting a rich laugh from her. "It is the perfect opportunity to test our theory about overindulgence."
"I agree." Lorelei reached into the valise Beatrice had insisted she bring along. She lifted out a lacy chemise, and a sheer night-rail. "These are not decorations."
"Oh, I disagree," Desmond said. "Most vehemently. I can only imagine how decorative these will prove to be."
"Your staff might be shocked to see my undergarments draped amongst the ivy and evergreen branches."
"Fortunately, I sent them away to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. We can have the decorations removed long before they return."
"Giving us plenty of occasions to overindulge."
Desmond chuckled. "I only hope we have enough ivy to counteract all of it."
"Let us find out."
They had found their way upstairs, laughing and kissing, with Desmond answering every one of Lorelei's questions about his home. It gratified her that he did not seem in a hurry to get to his bedchamber, even though she knew he was eagerly anticipating those moments as much as she was.
He closed the door behind them, and Lorelei turned, silently asking Desmond for a kiss. He instantly complied, following the kiss with another, and yet another, until Lorelei was nearly overwhelmed by the ripple of pleasure he produced.
"You are quite good at this," she murmured.
"Can you believe," he said, nibbling at her bottom lip, "I have not had a single lesson."
She chuckled. "Not a one?"
He shook his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Though if I am in need of instruction—"
She doubted Desmond would ever need guidance where her body was concerned. It seemed he knew it perfectly already, before she had even disrobed. He continued the gentle assault on her senses, eliciting another shudder, or perhaps it was caused by her anticipating what was next.
"You are certain we are quite alone?" she asked with a grin.
He made a big show of surveying the room. "The settee is empty," he reported, "which I can confirm since it is facing me. No chance of anyone surprising us there. And the bed is quite empty, too. At least for the moment. I cannot imagine anyone would try to hide in the wardrobe, but just to be certain—"
He pretended to take a step that direction, but Lorelei halted him, laughing at his antics. "They shall have to see to their own entertainment then."
She pulled his head towards hers and he responded with gentle kisses, trailing across her cheekbones and the shell of her ear. It felt as though he were worshipping her. She nearly pushed him away, warning him not to make more of this than it was. Yet the sensations were too thrilling. Her body responded instantly to each new caress. She craved another kiss as soon as the last one ceased.
How could she continue to resist when every cell of her being wanted just the opposite?
Desmond tilted his head back, studying her expression. She shook her head, smiling, not wanting her fears to spoil this moment. She kissed him, deeply, pouring all of her passion into it. He responded in the same fashion.
"I had envisioned a slow unveiling," she teased, "but you are making that a near impossibility."
"I am glad to hear it, since I am experiencing the same."
She stepped back a pace. "Shall I go first?"
"I can thinking of nothing I desire more."
She laughed and pushed at him gently until he was seated in a nearby chair. "In case you find yourself with knees that go wobbly."
He grinned and put his hand at her nape, drawing her towards him for another delicious kiss. "I appreciate your concern. And I promise to return the favor."
He placed his lips on hers. He took his time, nibbling and caressing, urging her to open to him. She sank onto his lap, not even aware at first that she'd done so, but it was the only choice after a kiss that completely stole her breath. It completely stole her wits, as well. She could not think of anything but kissing him, nearly forgetting the intimate contact was a prelude to even more passion.
She rested her forehead against his mouth. "You are fortunate I had the foresight to insist you be seated."
He chuckled, and the rumbling against her skin was comforting, even in the midst of the passion he incited. "Indeed, I am. Is there anything else you recommend I do?"
The wicked gleam in his eyes set her heart fluttering, and the rest of her body became more insistent for his attention. "For now you can remain where you are. I will be sure to ask for your assistance, however, if it is needed."
"I sincerely hope it is. I stand—er, sit—ready for your command."
She gave him another light kiss before leaning back, untying her bodice and letting it fall open. His eyes flickered with obvious interest but he did not reach toward her, as she expected. She tugged at the chemise underneath. "It does not appear to be cooperating."