Page 55 of Beauty and the Rake
“Is this one of those ‘if these walls could talk’ rooms?” she asked, turning away from him so he wouldn’t see the grin on her face.
“I’ve never brought a woman here. You will be the first and only.”
She neared him and placed her hand over his heart. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“I’ve tried to tell you that part of my life is over. Has been for a while. I’m not that man.”
“I believe you. Now kiss me and prove it.”
“My pleasure, milady.”
He closed the space between them. He cupped her face with both hands and lowered his lips to hers. It started out as a lazy, slow kiss but as he probed her mouth deeper, she responded with fiery passion. She moaned as he traced the seam of her mouth. Knowing they needed to show some sense of decency, he gently pulled back, breaking the kiss.
“Again,” she moaned.
“As much as I would love to spend time ravishing you, I don’t think this is the wisest of times. Anyone could come knocking on the door or worse.”
Placing her hands on his chest, Roxanne looked up at him. “I know you’re right, and Wednesday will be here before you know it.”
“Not soon enough for me,” he said. “Are you hungry? Because I believe I asked for lunch to be served on the terrace. No reason to waste a beautiful day.”
“I’m famished. I think we’ve covered everything for now. I’m going to wait before I make any changes.”
“Whatever you wish, my love.”
Graham took her hand and led her out of the bedchamber and down to the terrace. A table was set for them, and the minute a footman saw them he had the food brought out and placed on the table. A platter of rare beef cut into slices was served. Another held baked chicken while cold asparagus awaited them along with a fruit and cheese platter.
“This looks so delicious. I’m certainly happy I didn’t have a heavy breakfast because I have to try everything here.”
He beamed at her words. “The beef is exceptionally good, and you must try the cheddar. It’s made on my estate up north. I’m told it’s some of the best.”
“I believe I had this at your estate. It’s some of the finest I’ve tasted.”
They ate in relative silence, which made Roxanne happy that they could do that. Some couples felt they had to talk all the time when they were together. There was a slight breeze that made her pull her shawl closer.
“If you’re cold, we can move inside,” Graham said.
“No, I’m fine. Really.”
The butler stepped through the doors and walked up next to Graham. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but there’s a gentlemanhere to see you. He has no appointment with you but says it’s urgent he speak with you.”
“Who is he?”
“Mr. Gregory Crenshaw.”
“Tell him I’ll see him, but he only has ten minutes.”
The older man nodded, turned, and disappeared as quietly as he’d arrived.
“I’m sorry, my dear, but I’m sure this is about the ship I’m looking to purchase.”
“You go ahead. I’m going to finish my meal and enjoy this marvelous terrace and gardens.”
“Thank you. I won’t be long.”
She nodded. “I’d like to see the photography equipment you purchased for me. It’s still in Arthur’s attic where you had it delivered.”
“It’s still waiting for you.”
