Page 149 of The Good Duke
For the first time since he’d come into his office, his happy demeanor dipped. A troubled glint darkened his eyes.
It was gone so quick, she may as well have imagined it.
“Worry not!” Simon’s grin was fully restored. “You will have some business to see to this day, however, it doesnotinvolve the dinner party.”
Safe. This was safe. Work grounded her; it gave her purpose and focus.
A knock sounded at the door.
“Enter!” Simon called out in jovial tones she recognized and had missed so very much.
The butler drew both doors open and bowed. “Your Grace, the carriage is readied.”
Simon clapped his hands. “Splendid!” he boomed with more of his newfound cheer. “We’ll be along shortly.”
We’ll be along shortly…?What was going on?
Simon gestured to the now empty doorway.
Persephone glanced about for the person he summoned, but only herself remained.
An endearing half-grin formed on his lips. “Yes, you, Seph.”
“Simon,” she said calmly. “Where are we going?”
“We’re seeing to different business today.”
“Yes,” Persephone said calmly. “You’ve said as much.”
Simon stared at her for a long while. The glimmer in his eyes indicated he sought something from her.
“Would you please clarify, Your Grace?” she elaborated.
His widening grin indicated she’d suspected right.
He winked, a seductive up and down sweep of his lashes that unleashed a thousand butterflies in her belly. “It’s a surprise, love.”
Under ordinary circumstances, she’d gently chastise him for addressing her so scandalously. But she was already off-kilter. Persephone didn’t like surprises, especially ones surroundingthisman. It left her unbalanced and at sea. The only way she could survive without having her heartcompletelydestroyed for a second time was by having her feet firmly on the ground.
“Well?” he asked, motioning again for her to follow.
She tried once more. “Simon, can we please just remain inside and see to the day’s agenda?” At this point, she wasn’t too proud to beg.
“Bah, youhateagendas.”
Yes, she did. He remembered that.
When it came to working for Simon, however, Persephone required everything spelled out. Otherwise, she found herself lusting after him and doing all manner of naughty things with him that left her secretly longing for scraps of his affection.
“Agendas are essential,” she began slowly, about to deliver a very succinct explanation as to why.
Simon held a hand out. “May I?”
She followed his gaze to her notebook.
Every employer prior to Simon had regularly asked for and read through Persephone’s notes. This, however, marked the first time Simon put that request to her.
Wordlessly, she handed it over.
