Page 27 of If the Slipper Fits
She must remain vigilant, which, apparently, she couldn’t do while in his presence. It was like he was a magnetic rod and she tiny shavings of steel. She might have herself all neatly lined up, but the moment he drew near she spun about, forgetting all but him and the way he made her feel.
She’d wanted his kiss, and enjoyed it immensely. But it mustn’t happen again.
She sent him what she hoped passed for a politely regretful smile—as if she found the prospect of another kiss akin to watching water boil. “It’s past time I returned. Lady Wentworth will be awake and may require assistance.”
“Of course. I didn’t think. Must be that bump on my head again.”
Though the muted sun had climbed higher in the sky, the day had not warmed. If anything, the temperature had dropped. Past the edge of the tree line, hovering above Fensworth Manor, clouds congealed, creating a dome of gray as thick as smoke. Air, heavy with moisture, clung to her like a second skin.
She might wish him to think he held little interest for her, but in truth she relished the heat eking from his body to hers where their arms linked, where his hand covered hers.
Devil take it.
“Speaking of your injury.” She shifted to face him and stripped off one glove. Her face burned with the blush she knew stained her cheeks, but she didn’t care. She had to touch his hair, just this once, to see for herself if it felt as silky smooth as it promised to be when she’d sifted it wearing gloves.
She reached up, eyebrows arched in a silent demand for him to lower his head. When he complied, she riffled gently through his shiny hair—luxurious silk beyond measure—and gingerly fingered the small lump.
Caden held himself stock still, scarcely seeming to breath. A muscle ticked fiercely in his jaw.
“Does it hurt much?” she whispered.
“Not in the way you think,” he answered in a rough voice.
She hesitated, uncertain what he meant by his odd reply. Finally she withdrew her hand. “You’re very lucky. Head wounds can be deadly.” A gust of icy wind stole up her skirts sending a shiver down her spine.
“My head’s too thick for one thump of a skiff to crack it.” Caden moved to stand in front of her. He pulled the empty glove she held from her grasp and attempted to slide it onto her bare hand.
It was a task easier done by the wearer.
He laughed when she tugged her hand and glove away from him.
“My first foray as a lady’s maid ends in dismal failure. I enjoyed the brief endeavor, however.”
She tried to scowl at him but found herself fighting a smile as she donned the glove, then flexed her fingers in the tight-fitting leather.
“Your hands are elegant and smooth skinned, feminine yet strong.” He met her gaze. “Apparently I like everything about you, Mrs. Jones.”
She gave him a chiding smile, unsure if he meant the profuse flattery, yet unable to still the flutter in her belly his words caused.
“I suppose I must get you back, or the dowager duchess will have my head.” He tucked her hand into his elbow and urged her closer to his side than society deemed proper for an unmarried couple. Incorrigible rake.
Still, Anna allowed the impropriety. What was one more indulgence in the grand scheme of things?
All too soon they neared the back of the Manor.
Caden slowed as if he, like she, hated to see their time together end. “I’ll see you later today, amongst the other party guests, no doubt.”
“I will be wherever Lady Wentworth wishes to spend her time.” She gave Caden a frank look. “Most likely that rules out any of the planned festivities.”
“I see. But tonight. You’ll be present at dinner.” He said the last as if stating a well-known fact.
Anna gave a non-committal shrug. Let him think what he would. If she had any say, she would not see him at dinner, or again, period. She had tempted fate enough, lingering overlong with him this morning, allowing him to kiss her.
Not that she could bring herself to regret the impulse. She would never forget their kiss as long as she lived.
They reached the portico, climbing the last step as the grey skies overhead opened, releasing a heavy rain.
Chapter Seven
