Page 32 of Beauty and the Rake
He loosened his grip, and the kiss ended. “I could ravish you all night.”
“Yes. I want more.”
“Soon. I don’t think tonight would be the proper thing to do,” he said and added, “but soon.”
He kissed her again. This time gently on the lips before heading out the front door.
As the door shut, Roxanne’s fingers wandered to her lips to perhaps feel where his had been.Damn you, Graham!
Chapter Eleven
Their guests leftlate the following afternoon, taking with them the two horses Graham had brought for them to consider, and Roxanne spent that day going over the preparations for their next guests.
As she entered the breakfast room the following morning, she found Arthur behind a newspaper eating his breakfast as usual. She shook her head and wandered to the sideboard where all sorts of choices for breakfast were held. She made her selection and sat down in her usual spot to her brother’s right.
“Good morning,” she said.
That was answered with a grunt.
Agitated by this rude ritual Arthur had, she pulled the newspaper out of his hand. “Don’t be rude, Arthur. I said good morning.”
“And I answered you.”
“With a grunt and your face hidden.”
He sighed. “Very well, have it your way. Good morning, sister.”
“That’s better,” she said. “Now what has you in such a mood?”
“I received word that Aunt Violet and Uncle Charles will arrive a few days later than planned.”
Roxanne blinked and stared at her brother. “Did he give a reason?”
“Something about a carriage spring, and Aunt Violet refusing to travel any further unless it’s fixed.”
A laugh escaped her. “Can’t blame her. It would be near impossible to ride in it… I can see it now. Poor Uncle Charles.”
“Indeed. At least you get a few days’ reprieve.”
“Yes, that will be helpful. Let me know when you hear when they’ll be here.”
A knock on the door and the butler appeared. He carried a silver salver with a missive of some sort. He walked right up to her. “A bouquet of pink roses arrived. I placed them on a table in the drawing room unless you prefer them elsewhere.”
Taking the note, she opened and read it. Twice. It was from Graham asking her if she would like to have lunch with him at his estate and that he’d send his carriage for her. The last sentence mentioned something about wanting to share something special with her.
“I take it that’s from Graham?”
“Yes. He would like me to have lunch with him today. Something about wanting me to see something.”
“You’re going to go, aren’t you?” Arthur asked. He picked up his coffee cup and took a swallow, watching her face closely for any expression she might give up.
“Yes. I think I’ll go write out my response and send it directly. It would be a nice afternoon. I haven’t seen the house in ages.”
Arthur chuckled. “For someone who could barely stand to be in the same room with Graham, you’ve certainly changed your opinion.”
“It’s nothing like that. I must admit he can be pleasant company, but that’s all.”
“Uh huh, tell that to someone who doesn’t know you so well. I’ve caught glimpses of the two of you staring at the other.”
