Page 87 of A Cinderella to Redeem the Earl

‘What? Did you have other plans?’ she asked.

‘They can wait until later.’ The wicked gleam in his eye caused her cheeks to heat.

‘That is good,’ she said repressively, ‘since the opera was your suggestion.’

‘Oh, I thought it was your idea,’ he said mildly, but his eyes were smiling.

She laughed. ‘Whosever idea it was, I need to get the gown ordered right away, if we are to go.’

He tipped her chin and kissed her lips. ‘Then later will be worth the wait.’

Feeling suddenly hot, she fled upstairs.

Excitement stirred Damian’s blood as he waited in the drawing room for Pamela to come downstairs. He just hoped she would be pleased and not disappointed tonight.

She had been startled when he had asked her to come as herself and not as his cousin.

He had promised not a single soul would see her in the box he had rented and the hood of her opera cloak would keep her hidden from prying eyes, especially since they would enter the theatre by way of the stage door.

The doubt on her face made him wonder if she would do as he asked or ignore his request.

Footsteps on the stairs alerted him to her imminent arrival. He tossed back his drink and went to greet her.

On seeing him, she paused a few steps up.

He gazed at her in awe.

She was a vision of loveliness.

‘Will I do?’ The breathiness of her voice betrayed her nervousness.

‘You look stunning.’ He held out his hand and she continued on down.

‘It is too bad it is not raining,’ she said. ‘It might have been easier to hide.’

‘I am glad it is not raining,’ he said. Glad and grateful. His plans would have been ruined. He took the white velvet-lined cape he had purchased for her from the footman. ‘Have them send the carriage around, please, Jeffrey,’ he said.

He held out the cape.

‘Oh, my. Where did that come from?’

‘It is a gift from me. You may need it this evening. It is a little chilly.’

She stroked the soft material. ‘It is far too fine for a cook.’

‘But tonight you are not a cook. You are my guest.’

She looked a little sceptical, but let him put it around her shoulders. She snuggled into the deep pile like a kitten seeking somewhere warm to sleep.

The cape fitted her perfectly.

‘It is beautiful, thank you.’ She stood on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his in a gesture of affection.

It warmed him from his head to his toes.

Damn, he was going to miss those little kisses of hers. Not just those. All the kisses. All the loving.

So it was a good thing he was leaving soon, or he might be diverted from his purpose.