Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflowers, #1)

by Lisa Kleypas

Stopping, she shook her head with a self-deprecating smile. “I don’t know. Just someone who would l-love me. Truly love me.”

The bar is on the floor

“Will none of you offer her marriage?” Simon asked idly. “Good God, why?” Burdick licked his lips as anticipatory thoughts crossed his mind. “No need to marry the chit when she’ll soon be available for the right price.”

......ew

“A pretty sound, that,” he said softly. Annabelle struggled to find her voice. “What is?” she asked. “Your laughter.”

Oh......

“Let me come with you,” he said softly. “You can lecture me some more. I’ll even listen.” She wrinkled her nose at him impudently. “No, you won’t.” She started off on the gravel path, aware of his gaze on her back until she disappeared into the pear orchard.

Oh this is delicious

Lillian frowned. “Perhaps he’s waiting to meet someone. If so, it would hardly do Annabelle any good to go dashing up to him like a bitch in heat.” “Might you be able to come up with a more flattering metaphor, dear?” Annabelle asked mildly, and Lillian flashed her a grin.

I'M DEAD

“I was not upset. You misinterpreted my expression, Mr. Hunt.” He shook his head, and stunned her by reaching out with a single fingertip to touch the upper part of her arm that was not covered by her glove. “You turn splotchy when you’re angry.”

Oh my GOD......

“Lovely,” she murmured, her face gleaming in the shadow cast by the canopy of ancient, interlaced branches. “Yes.” But Hunt was looking at her.

EEEEEEEEE GETS ME EVERY TIME

“I had assumed that you would offer to dance with me. A waltz or a quadrille.” “I had thought of that,” she said. “But a kiss is more expedient, not to mention much faster than a waltz.” “Not the way I kiss.”

FUUUUUUCK

“I thought you looked pale,” he remarked, gently stroking back a lock of hair that had fallen over her damp face. “What’s the matter, sweetheart? Is it just your stomach, or do you hurt somewhere else?”

SWEETHEART OH I'M SICKKKKKKKKK

“Don’t try to talk—just breathe. Another long, slow one . . . another. Good girl.”

I just KNOW he talks you through it

At the first realization that Annabelle was ill, he had felt his chest turn painfully hollow, as if his heart had been seized for ransom. There had been no question in his mind that he would do whatever was necessary to make her safe and comfortable. And in the moments when Annabelle had struggled to breathe, staring at him with eyes bright with pain and fear, he would have done anything for her. Anything.

IKTR!!!!

The boots were a gift from Simon Hunt, who was fully aware that a gentleman should never give an article of clothing to a lady.

AAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

“I know what you’re thinking. And believe me, I’m tempted. But you’re still too weak—and my self-control is in short supply today.”

OH MY GODDDD

“Simon,” she whispered, vaguely surprised she had just used his first name, for she had never used it even in the privacy of her thoughts. Moistening her dry lips, she tried once more, and to her astonishment, she did it again. “Simon . . .”

My FAVVVVVV micro-trope

“You couldn’t be safer. I’m hardly going to seduce you while you’re obviously too weak to defend yourself.” “That’s very gentlemanly of you.” “I’ll seduce you when you’re feeling better.”

Tee hee

“But you’re not the marrying kind,” she managed to say weakly. He touched her ear, his fingertip tracing the fragile outer curve. “I’ve discovered that I am when it comes to you.”

IT'S HAPPENING PEOPLE

“Every time I see you,” he murmured, “I think you couldn’t possibly become any more beautiful—and you always prove me wrong.”

I'd fold

Holding himself deep inside her, Simon groaned, while a shiver ran across his shoulders. “You’re so tight,” he said hoarsely. “I-I’m sorry—” “No, no,” he managed. “Don’t be sorry. My God.” His voice was slurred, as if he was drunk on pleasure.

That's what i like to see! Pathetic men ftw

“This is my favorite waltz,” she told him, moving into his arms. “I know. That’s why I requested it.” “How did you know?” she asked with an incredulous laugh. “I suppose one of the Bowman sisters told you?” Simon shook his head, while his gloved fingers curved around hers. “On more than one occasion, I saw your face when they played it. You always looked ready to fly out of your chair.”

PERCEPTIVE KING!!! 👑

“Come up to the suite with me.” Her lips twitched with amusement. “I have to finish my game.” “You’d better do it quickly,” he advised. Her brows lifted. “Why?” “Because I’m going to make love to you in precisely five minutes,” he whispered. “Wherever we happen to be . . . here . . . in our suite . . . or on the stairs. So if you’d like me to do it in privacy, you’d better lose the game. Fast.”

DELICIOUS

“If you were trying to embarrass me, you—what are you doing?” Her gown had become loose across her shoulders, and she realized with a little shock of amazement that he had unfastened some of her buttons. “Simon,” she hissed, “don’t you dare!” She hurried from him, but he kept pace with her easily. “You have one minute left.”

HEHEHEHE I LOVE THIS

“I wonder why Westcliff hasn’t married yet,” Daisy mused. “Despite his flaws, one has to admit that he is a whale-sized catch.” “I’ll be thrilled when someone harpoons him,” Lillian muttered, making the other two laugh.

Lillian ilyyyyy

“I love you, dammit.” She brushed her lips teasingly against his. “How much?” He made a slight sound, as if the soft kiss had affected him intensely. “Without limit. Beyond forever.”

Period

There was a new, wondering note in his voice as he said, “Kiss me again.” “No, I’ll hurt you. I’m leaning on your leg.” “That’s not my leg,” came his roguish reply, making her laugh. “You perverse man.” “You’re so beautiful,” Simon whispered. “Inside and out. Annabelle, my wife, my sweet love . . . kiss me again. And don’t stop until I tell you to.”

Oh they're IT