Music is an outburst of the soul.
~ Frederick Delius

Lily was bent in double with laughter.

“That’s the funniest thing I think I’ve ever witnessed.” He watched her force out past her amusement. She continued to watch as he stepped out of the frigid river, soaked to the bone. He gave a small shiver and began to peel off as much clothing as propriety allowed. Lucky for him, today the winter weather was holding and the rare sunshine would start to warm him.

“Next time you can land your own fish.” He managed through chattering teeth. Her laugh was infectious and he couldn’t help but grin as she grabbed up the linen cloth lining the lunch basket and began to dry his hair. Thorne had never had a female tend him before and he found the action highly sensual, the way she delicately ran the cloth through his hair had his stomach tightening. She seemed unaware of her affect on him, as if she were drying off her beloved horse, Cailte. The smile faded from Thorne’s face as he focused on her happy countenance. He could see the mirth in her eyes, and her full lips, curved into a smile, seemed to call out to him.

As Lily ran the now damp cloth down the side of his face, she saw the thinly veiled desire in his eyes and froze, the linen falling from her fingers.

Her hand now empty, hovering next to his cheek, she desperately wanted to reach out and follow a stray droplet descending his face, to trace its path with her fingers. As a young woman she had dreamed Thorne would return her attentions. Years of longing welled up inside her and instead of resisting the urge to pull her hand to the safety of her side, Lily rested it warily against his cool cheek. The contact, and her daring, rapidly increased the tempo of her heart as she stared into his stormy blue eyes. His hand came up and trapped hers before turning his head and pressing his lips against the heel of her thumb. Lily stood motionless, mesmerised by the action, a small shiver travelled over her body and she could feel the pulse start to throb at the base of her throat.

He released her hand and closed the distance between them, his head dipped and his lips whispered against hers, his movements unhurried. His lips were cool where they caressed hers and he moved his hands to gently cradle her face, applying more pressure and deepening the kiss.

Lily’s eyelids started to close as her lips parted and hesitantly returned his exploration. She’d been kissed before, but never like this. Martin’s attempts had been somewhat clumsy and inexperienced, compared to the seductive movement of Thorne’s lips upon her own.

His tongue nudged between her lips and stroked her teeth, her reservations melted and her tongue tentatively darted out to dance with his. She couldn’t stop her hands rising to press against the front of his wet shirt, his heart was thumping the same quick rhythm as hers. Time seemed to slow and her blood seemed to flow like honey in her veins. A tingle that had started in her lower body, had turned into a throb. Lily heard herself moan and reality managed to invade her senses. She shouldn’t be doing this. Thorne was her friend, a dear friend from her childhood. Then why did he make her feel as if she were on fire? Did her past infatuation heighten the way she was feeling?

Her whole body had come alive. His hands dropped and rested on her hips, pulling her closer, then slid leisurely around to cup and knead her bottom. Lily could feel the evidence of his ardour pressing heavily against her lower belly. The damp invaded her clothing and she was reminded once again she shouldn’t be doing this. He was a titled man and had the world at his feet, business and otherwise. She was totally out of place in his world. Lily pulled away before her last vestige of control broke and she allowed him liberties that weren’t his to take.

She was shocked and confused by her reaction, her hand came up and touched her tingling lips as she slowly backed toward her horse. Thorne took a step forward and she noticed the anguished look on his face.

“Lily, wait!” He rasped out.

She needed to get away, she needed time to think.

She caught up Cailte’s reins and mounted. As she urged her mount forward into a gallop, she realised their renewed friendship could never be the same.

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