Page 75 of Wicked Designs
Godric grinned. “It’s how business is done, darling.”
This time she arched a brow. “Yes, I know, I’ve seen it before.In businesses that have failed. Your structure is wrong. It’s a wonder I can even follow the entries.”
“You know about accounting?”
“Yes, in fact, I do. Would you like me to fix the errors for you? I can tidy it up in a new book if you have a spare one—”
He gaped at her. “You’re serious?”
“I helped my father with his.” Emily shooed him out of his chair and sat, pulling the ledger closer and taking an empty book when he fetched it for her. She turned the old book back to the first page and started his accounts over. “Numbers are far less confusing when you arrange them correctly,” she said. “Let the sums add themselves, as it were.”
In less than an hour she’d corrected all of the miscalculations as well as highlighted the weaker investments he’d made, her uncle’s mine scheme included. Godric leaned back against the desk next to her.
“Just when I have myself convinced that I’ve learned everything about you, you surprise me.” He twined a lock of her hair about his fingers, eyes warm on her face.
Emily preened. “Then you’re pleased with me?” She wanted to be sure she had not injured his male pride. Men were such fragile creatures.
“What do you think?” Godric pulled her up and into his embrace. He laid a languid kiss on her, fingersdigging into her lower back as he pushed her closer to his body.
“I suspect that is a yes.”
Godric kept his arms about her waist, nuzzling her neck, the embrace sweet rather than sensual.
“Do you really wish to go fishing, darling? We could empty the house of the others and have it all to ourselves.” He flicked his tongue inside her ear.
Desire sparked through her like a lightning strike. As much as she wanted to be right back in bed, uniting herself with him, she worried he might tire of her. She needed him to spend time with her outside the bedroom.
She had to keep him wanting her because, the moment he stopped, her heart would shatter and she’d have to take Penelope and leave. She’d never want or love another man as she did Godric. He hadn’t just drawn his name on her body, he’d carved it into her heart.
“I do want to fish.” She toyed with the folds of his cravat. He caught her hands, lifting them up to his mouth for a kiss.
“I could certainly make you change your mind.” The rich timbre of his voice warmed her.
“I know you could, but we mustn’t neglect your friends. They are so kind to keep you company while you hold me captive. You ought to repay them with your presence at least during the day.”
“You still see yourself as a prisoner?” asked Godric.
She considered this. She still felt caged by the situation,but in the last day, she had felt distinctly less a captive and something far more.
“No. But we do need to be more social. I cannot lie in bed with you all day.” No matter how enjoyable that might be.
Godric smiled and tucked her arm in his. “You, my dear, have a resolve made of stone, and a silver tongue.” He sighed as they left to rejoin the others.
Cedric and Lucien held the fishing poles and Charles a box of lures. Penelope sat patiently at Ashton’s feet, her little black nose upturned as she looked from man to man, waiting and watching, knowing something was afoot.
“Ready?” Cedric made no attempt to conceal his boyish excitement as he brushed his chestnut hair back from his forehead. His brown eyes glowed with the fervent expectation of their future fishing expedition.
“Yes, we are.” Emily left Godric’s side as she caught up with Cedric and Lucien.
“DidEmily join you in your study after breakfast?” Ashton asked Godric, as they watched Emily and the others.
“Yes, and wouldn’t you know it, she helped me sort out my investment ledger. You know how dreadful I am at it. She’s an excellent mathematician. She got me well sorted out.”
“It seems she is still keeping secrets from us. Emily told me she had no head for business.”
“Indeed.” Godric nodded. “But your choice of Italian this morning was smart. She caught none of what we said, I am sure. She would have certainly blushed.”
“I meant what I said. You have to be careful with her. She’s too young to be a mother.”
