Page 39 of One Naughty Christmas Night

“I know she does, but I’m fully grown, and I can make my own decisions.”

They slipped into silence, staring out into the night.

“There are so many people here tonight,” Victoria commented. “I’m surprised so many made it.”

“I agree. Winter in Scotland usually keeps people away.”

“When do you think the ball will be over?” she asked, smothering a yawn with her hand. “I’m already tired.”

“Mother and the Duke love to stay up late and entertain, so the ball could go on for a very long time.”

His hand came up to cover a yawn of his own. “It’s been a very long day already.”

“Sorry about that,” she said with a giggle.

“No need to be sorry.” He held out his arm to her. “Shall we go inside?”

She’d just slipped her arm into his when they heard voices coming from around the corner. The patio led down to the path into the garden, where many would rendezvous together.

“Ophelia, come back here!” They heard Bastion call.

“No!”

“Ophelia, you’re overreacting.”

There were some angry whispers, then they heard footsteps coming their way.

“Here,” Heath said, ducking them into a small alcove off the patio, covered in vines that climbed the side of the castle.

“I saw you staring at her the whole evening, James,” Ophelia said, the sound of sniffling reaching them.

“I wasn’t staring,” he replied. “Stop imagining things.”

“You were! I saw you. You couldn’t take your eyes off her.” Stomping feet echoed through the area. “I want to go home, tonight. Tell your parents we’re leaving. I can’t wait to be gone from this place.”

“Ophelia, come back.”

Their footsteps faded, and she heard the footman welcome them back inside.

“That was close,” she whispered, looking up at him.

“You enjoyed that too much, I think.”

I really did.

“I did not,” she huffed.

“You did.”

Victoria fought the smile threatening to come. “Fine, I did.”

“You’re so beautiful when you smile,” he said, cupping her face with his hand.

She felt her face warm, sure he could see it, the moonlight shining on them.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Come to the parlor with me.”