Page 56 of By No Means a Gentleman
Drunk.
And not just slightly drunk—the woman had been completely cup-shot.
Just like now.
After she had directed him to her chamber, she’d fallen asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Luckily, no one had witnessed the encounter, but it had left a lasting impression on Will. He even believed he’d be able to approach her with confidence after that night, having accomplished a real conversation with her.
He’d been sorely mistaken.
Had she been drinking gin back then, too? Whatever she had consumed, it had completely washed the memory of him from her mind.
Whyhad she been drinking that evening? He’d often wondered. Ladies weren’t meant to imbibe. At least not like that. But then again, he had no experience to draw from. Maybe they did more often than he thought. And no matter the reason back then, tonight she had turned to drink because of him.
“I have no qualms about earning the right to a real marriage.”
“Are you sure? It might not be an easy feat.”
“Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, love. And you most certainly are worthwhile.”
A fresh flush of pink infused her cheeks. “When did you get such a smooth-talking tongue?”
Hell if Will knew. But each time he talked to her, it became easier, less painful. He hadn’t even broken out in a sweat once throughout their conversation tonight. “I’m just saying what is in my heart.”
“There you go again, being all charming.”
Will’s lips twitched. “Perhaps I am a charming a man.”
“Are you trying to hoodwink me?”
He chuckled. “That’s not possible.”
“It’s good that you know.”
He swirled the bottle between his fingers. “What if I told you we met once before we were engaged?”
“We met before?” Her brows scrunched. “I would have remembered if we had been introduced.”
“We weren’t introduced.”
Her head tilted to the side. “Then how did we meet?”
Will leaned forward. “Do you always forget about things that happen when you drink?”
She pursed her lips. “I can’t say. If I can’t remember, then I cannot know what I’ve forgotten.”
“Well, I must not have made a lasting impression. I’m hurt.”
She pursed her lips in thought. “I cannot recall such an incident.”
“I’m not surprised, though still a touch disappointed.”
She smiled. “I’m sure you will get over it.”
Will’s gaze dropped to her mouth. All pink and tempting. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her. But he wasn’t such of abeast that he would steal a kiss from a woman in her condition, even if she was his wife.
She touched her lips. “What are you looking at?”
His eyes lifted to meet hers.
