Page 23 of Married to the Rake

“Well, this rake had better bid you adieu. I would not wish to scare away any future suitors with my presence.”

She narrowed her gaze at him. “You know full well there are no future suitors.”

“Perhaps if you got your nose out of the book, you would find a few more.”

“Now you’re starting to sound like my mother.” She folded her arms. “How terribly dull.”

“Forgive me. I promise to never, ever sound like a mother again.”

“And will you promise not to tease me again?”

“That, I cannot do. You, Miss Larkin, are far too much fun to tease. I especially like it when you get that frustrated expression…yes, there it is right now.”

She blew out a breath and uncrossed her arms. “You really are impossible. How we are to ever work together, I do not know.”

“We shall manage just fine. For our fathers’ sake, we must.”

Her shoulders dropped a little. “Yes, you’re right. And, Brook, I really do wish your father a full recovery.” She leaned over and touched his arm briefly.

Brook stilled at the touch, regretting that it was so brief. His father’s ill-fortune was briefly forgotten but now it struck with full force. And now he wanted to vault over the fence and wrap her in his arms, to absorb every ounce of comfort she could give him.

Instead, he dipped his head. “I shall send word soon.”

“I shall be waiting.”

Waiting. Waiting for him. Good Lord, why did he like that far too much?

---