Page 21 of A Raven Reborn

Rosalyn laughed, savoring the support he offered.

“What’s his name?”

“Warren.” she hated to even say it aloud.

“I know!” Patrick held up a finger. “Wicked Warren!”

“Yes,” she said. “It’s perfect!”

Their laughter fell into a comfortable silence, and they continued their game. When their eyes met, however, she felt a strange awareness of her own body. She’d never noticed the silk of her nightgown rubbing across her nipples as she moved before, so why was it suddenly such a distraction? It was fortunate that this game was so simple. She’d not have been able to follow anything more complicated. Not with the lamplight dancing in his eyes and highlighting the perfect curve of his lips.

Patrick cleared his throat and Rosalyn realized she’d been caught staring. Mortified, her brain scrambled to remember what she was supposed to be doing. Two jacks sat on the desk between them. What did that mean? Oh yes.

He gave her a knowing grin but held up his remaining stack of cards. “Just four left,” he said. “If you win this one, you win the game… again!”

How had she not noticed? How had this game gone so quickly?

Anticipation built as she slowly laid down her cards. One, two, three… They locked eyes, and in unison, turned over the deciding card. Hers was an ace! She once again threw her arms in the air and turned in a happy circle in front of her chair. Perhaps it wasn’t the most appropriate way to celebrate a victory, but Patrick hadn’t seemed to mind.

Composing herself, she gently sat down once more and clasped her hands in her lap. Patrick stared at her before bursting into deep, jovial laughter.

“What do you want for your prize?” he asked.

“My prize?”

“Of course! You’ve won twice in a row. You must have a prize!”

“What are my choices?” Her smile grew so wide it strained the muscles in her cheeks.

Patrick leaned his elbows on the desktop and rested his chin atop his interlocked fingers. “Anything you want.”

That didn’t narrow it down much for her. “Anything?” she asked skeptically.

“Anything.” His deep voice sent a ripple of awareness through her. She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry.

How could she choose from ‘anything’? The possibilities were endless. He’d already given her more gowns than she needed.

One of his books? She looked around at the countless shelves. How could she possibly decide? But then her gaze fell on his lips, and perhaps the brandy had taken full control of her mind, because she knew, without a doubt, what she wanted.

“A kiss.”

ChapterEight

Those two little words nearly bowled Patrick over. A kiss. He gazed into her eyes looking for any sign of jest or a desire to take the words back, but there was none. Perhaps a small amount of trepidation as she swallowed, but certainly no indecisiveness. His mouth curved into an unconscious smile.

“Very well.” She let out a breath she’d been holding. Had she believed he might refuse?

Without another word, he got up and moved slowly around the desk. Why was his heart racing? It wasn’t as if he hadn’t kissed plenty of women before. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t kissedherbefore. He crouched beside her chair and looked into her eyes. Still no sign of uncertainty or regret. “Are you sure this is what you want for your prize?”

Rosie nodded. “But no cheating,” she warned. “Brushing your lips across my cheek won’t count. You have to do it properly.”

Patrick chuckled. “Your wish is my command.” He stood and held out his hand to her. She looked up at him questioningly.

“If I’m to do it properly, you’ll have to stand up.” She smiled nervously, but took his hand without hesitation.

“But first,” she said, holding up a finger, “can I help you with this?” She tugged softly on the lapel of his jacket. “I know it causes you pain.”

“Well, seeing as you’re in your dressing gown, I suppose it’s hardly an issue of propriety.” He allowed her to lift the coat from his shoulders then turned so she could pull it down his arms. Why did something so mundane suddenly feel incredibly sensual? He took the garment from her and dropped it into the now vacated chair.

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