Page 48 of Wild Lily
“No one will know here, either.”
“At home in Texas, no one would blink an eye. Out on the range, women do ride like men and herd cattle too. But here, Chaumont and others have warned that the whole family could be subjected to ridicule if Marianne and I stepped out of line. What if you have a servant who’s out and about, he could tell others—”
“He wouldn’t.
She flung back her head to gaze up at him. “Oh, Julian. I can call you Julian, can’t I?”
He searched her expression as if he met her for the first time. “I would think you must under the circumstances.”
“I couldn’t bear it if I were in the newspapers again. That cartoon of me on horseback was hideous.”
He swung toward her and looped an arm around her waist. “If he saw you now, he’d cry bitter tears that his talents were so shallow.”
“Your compliment is kind.”Exciting.“But if word gets out…”
“It won’t. I know that artist. Trust me, he wouldn’t dare it again.”
“How could you stop him?”
A mischievous light crossed his eyes. “Shoot him at dawn.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I don’t know. Isn’t that what they do in Texas?
She laughed. “Sometimes. Before the sheriff arrives.
“We have a sheriff who’s just as slow.
She giggled.
He put a hand to her cheek. His touch calmed her, the heat of his skin on hers an endearment she hadn’t expected. “I’d gladly shoot him for you.”
“I’d hate to be the cause of you hanging.”
“I’d hate to see you insulted.” He stroked her cheek with his thumb. His lips parted and he drifted closer. “Lily. I may call you Lily, can’t I?”
Her heart in her throat she could only nod.
“Lovely Lily. Have you kissed a man before?”
She shook her head. Gulped hard. “Have you?”
He considered the sky and hooted in laughter. “No.”
Realizing her mistake, she laughed and rested her forehead against his chest. He stepped against her and the planes of his body were warm, solid temptation. He was aroused, mightily. She was flattered that he could be attracted to her…and she wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled closer to him.
“My lord?” A young lad’s voice interrupted them.
She pushed away. Where was her brain? Her sense of decorum?
Julian cleared his throat. “Yes, Colin. Good of you to do this for me.”
“And for me, Colin.” Lily smiled at the gangly young man who stood before them and pulled his forelock. “We’re grateful you came out so late at night.”
“Not a thought you should give it, milady.”
“Oh, I’m—”
