Chapter 17
KENDRICK
Istared down at Caroline, hands planted on her slim-but-shapely hips, her mouth compressed into a thin line of annoyance that I knew she didn’t feel. I couldn’t stop thinking of all the more pleasurable ways I could make her scream.
“You didn’t save me,” she said.
I raised a brow. “Were you in danger?”
She huffed and dropped her hands to clasp them more sedately at her waist. “Only of being bored all evening. I was also subjected to the annoyance of having to waltz with Lord Penham.”
One corner of my mouth lifted in amusement. It still amazed me that this woman, who was sought after by every eligible bachelor looking for a bride, hated that she could have her pick of any man.
“A waltz,” I said with a small hum. “I seem to recall you enjoying that particular dance.”
“You know very well that I was referring to the partner I was forced to endure.”
I rocked back on my heels. “So you admit that you enjoyed waltzing with me.”
She made a valiant effort to hide her amusement before giving up and laughing. “You know very well that I did, but that is because I know you don’t want to marry me.”
“Perhaps there are other things I would like to do with you.” I watched her reaction carefully, but she either didn’t believe me or she didn’t want to.
“You don’t need to tease me. We both know that you have no interest in me. Now tell me, is there a reason you’re hiding in the library? We could have had this discussion on the dance floor.”
“And deprive you of waltzing with Penham?”
This time, her annoyance was genuine. And I don’t know what it said about me, but I enjoyed seeing it. It seemed I appreciated contrary young women who didn’t go out of their way to fawn over me to get my attention. Caroline’s straightforward nature was a breath of fresh air.
I shrugged. “I wanted to see you, but I didn’t want to go through the ordeal of hanging around the ballroom and pretending I don’t see the speculative glances aimed my way.”
Caroline sighed. “It’s quite annoying, is it not? People watching everything you’re doing, trying to decide if you’re giving preferential treatment to one person over another. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn they’re placing bets on who I’ll marry.”
I almost didn’t have the heart to tell her. “What would you say if you learned that Penham was the current favorite?”
The way her face crumpled in distaste had me smiling.
“I’d say that he’s whispering in certain people’s ears and telling them his acquaintance with my brother means that there’s been a long-established understanding.”
This woman never failed to surprise me. She was far more intelligent than any of those men out there gave her credit for. She’d discerned exactly why Penham was the favorite.
“Tell me, my lord,” she said, taking a step closer. “What are people saying about our acquaintance?”
I took a corresponding step toward her. “People are wondering if I’m going to ruin you.”
“That is most distressing,” she said with exaggerated shock.
I laughed. I’m not sure how I managed it, but I refrained from pulling her into my arms and doing just that.
She looked up at me, one brow raised. “Was there a reason you needed to speak to me in private?”
I shrugged. “No reason. I just wanted to see how you were doing.”
I’d surprised her. Frankly, I’d also surprised myself, but it was the truth.
For some reason, I cared about this young woman.
I told myself it was because she was technically mine until her brother’s debt was settled, but I knew that wasn’t entirely true.
It didn’t matter, however, because nothing serious could happen between Caroline and me.
She took a final step closer and placed a hand on my arm.
When her tongue darted out over her bottom lip, a thrill of anticipation surged through me.
And in that moment, all my assumptions about her scruples were thrown out the window.
Caroline wasn’t looking for a husband, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t consider another type of arrangement.
Even in the darkened room, I could see the desire in her eyes as she watched me.
“Tell me, my lord…”
When she hesitated, I lowered my face to hers, which was now tilted in the universal signal that she wanted me to kiss her. “Yes, Caroline.”
She licked her lips again and I wanted to groan. “I was thinking about the way I reacted when you kissed me the other night.”
When she didn’t continue, I realized she expected me to leap at the unspoken invitation. But if Caroline wanted to do this with me, I needed to know that it was something she wouldn’t regret.
“And?”
Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought she was going to pull away. Instead, she rose up on her toes. “Could you kiss me again?”
She didn’t need to ask twice. My mouth was on hers, my hands reaching up to cup her face, when the door to the hallway opened slowly.
“Oh, good heavens,” a woman said in annoyance. “You promised me that you weren’t going to try to debauch her.”
I let out a frustrated breath and raised my head to look at Miss Diana Atherton.
Caroline let out a corresponding sigh. She turned to look at Diana and shrugged. “You can’t really blame me.”
Diana shook her head. “Are the two of you finished? I peeked into the ballroom and saw your aunt looking for you.”
Caroline glanced back at me, and I could see her reluctance to leave.
“Go ahead,” I said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I watched her turn and leave. When the door closed behind the two young women, I found myself staring at the space where she’d been standing. I couldn’t hold back my grin. Miss Caroline Edwards was turning out to be a delightful surprise.