Page 46 of A Cinderella to Redeem the Earl

She sounded regretful. As if she would miss him. Good. ‘For a day or so. As is usual.’

‘Of course.’

He held out his arm. ‘Let me escort you to your chamber.’

After a little hesitation, she took his arm and they walked back down the way they had come up.

He wished he could tell what she was thinking. Perhaps he should have waited to show her these rooms. Yet his instincts said she would have baulked at his offer if he had tried to put her off.

They arrived at her door.

She smiled up at him. ‘Will you take the dog to London with you? He will miss you when you’re gone.’

He gazed at her hopeful expression. ‘I was thinking I would drop into the village shop and see if anyone knows who owns him.’

She nodded. ‘Of course.’

‘Did you want me to leave him with you? For company?’

‘No. I don’t think he would stay. I was just wondering what you were planning. What if no one claims him?’

‘Then he will travel to London with me, I suppose.’

‘I am sure he will enjoy that.’ She chuckled. A low husky sound that strummed chords in his body and made his blood run hot.

‘And what about you? Will you miss me?’

Her gaze dropped to the floor.

He tipped her chin up gently with one finger. ‘Will you?’ he murmured, his voice huskier than he expected as a sense of longing twisted deep in his chest.

She lifted her gaze to meet his. ‘I prefer it when you are here.’

‘Because you are lonely?’ He ought to have thought about that.

‘Not at all. I do not mind my own company. But I find myself wondering about what you are doing when you are in London.’

As he found himself wondering about her from time to time. Too many times.

‘Did I tell you how much I enjoyed our walk today? I don’t think I have enjoyed a day so much in a long time.’

Even the flickering light of the candle in the sconce by the door could not hide the way she coloured up at his words.

‘I enjoyed it also,’ she said softly.

Was she remembering their kiss? It seemed to hover between them. A memory filled with joy.

Her lips parted slightly on a sigh. He could not resist. He bent his head and brushed those delicate lips with his own. When she angled her head for better access, he tasted her lovely mouth with the tip of his tongue.

She made a small sound in the back of her throat and to his utter delight she wound her arms around his body, pressing close and kissed him back.

His body responded instantly. Hardening with desire. A desire long pent up and simmering beneath the surface almost from the day they met.

Not something he wanted to admit.

He moved his mouth over hers, gently encouraging, and her lips parted, welcoming him to taste and explore the delicious depths.

Even through their layers of clothing he could feel her hands moving over his back, while her soft breasts pressed against his chest. He flicked her tongue with his and heard her slight groan of approval.