Page 40 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
He still didn’t understand. Panic started to rise inside of him, panic he didn’t understand, and that made him even more apprehensive. What on earth had he done?
“I don’t understand, Catherine,” he admitted. “Move past what?”
She paused a little, then she revealed the cause of all that commotion. “Move past the fact that you admitted I was right.”
It took him a moment for these words to settle inside his mind. Then he burst into laughter. “Really?Thatis what you were referring to?”
She joined in, although she was a bit more restrained. “Yes,” she nodded. “I think you don’t usually admit to other people that they are right, and by default, that would make you… wrong.”
He pretended to frown, but in fact, he was rather amused by her observation. Her humor was exactly the breath of fresh air he didn’t even know he was missing in his life.
“Well, now you are just stretching my words into something I didn’t say,” he replied equally playfully.
“No, no, no,” she shook her head, still smiling. “You admitted I was right. You didn’t have to say aloud that you were wrong. It was implied.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Are you always this difficult?”
“Only when someone really deserves it.” Her response made him grin, although it left him speechless.
“All right then, do you want to ride him?” he inquired, gesturing at his favorite horse.
“As a matter of fact,” she said victoriously, glancing at the horse, “I do. He wants me to, as well.”
“Does he?” he chuckled again, incredulous that he was already having so much fun, and it wasn’t even noon. A part of him wondered what the rest of the day would bring, being all alone with her,hiswife.
“Mmm,” she nodded. “You may choose any of the others you like. I don’t mind.”
“How gracious of you,” he teased.
“That won’t help, though,” she said playfully, taking the reins and putting it on the horse. Then she gently led it out of the stable. “Because we will win, one way or another.”
He watched her intently, wondering if she knew that he had already won, regardless of the race they were about to compete in.
Chapter 20
Catherine knew she couldn’t afford to lose that race. Her honor rested upon it. And not only that. She felt that it would prove something to Dominic, who was obviously terrified of losing to anyone.
As she urged her horse forward, the wind whipped through her hair, sending strands of auburn locks dancing behind her. Beside her, Dominic spurred his own steed onward, his determination evident in the set of his jaw and the gleam in his eyes. She knew that he felt the same. He felt as if he couldn’t afford to lose that race, and yet, as in every situation in life, there could be only one winner.
They raced through the rolling hills extending away from his aunt’s estate as the rhythmic pounding of hooves echoed in their ears. The lush landscape stretched out as far as the eye could see, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. Fields of vibrant green dotted with wildflowers welcomed their determination, opening their paths before them.
Her heart pounded with exhilaration as they vied for the lead, their horses running as quickly as they could. She turned to Dominic, noticing that he was slightly behind. That realization emboldened her. “You’ll have to do better than that if you want to win!” she called out, as an unintentionally mischievous grin lit up her face.
Dominic chuckled in response, locking gazes with her. “Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched, Cate!” He returned, his own grin matching hers in intensity. She didn’t even realize that he referred to her as Cate. Or maybe she did, but she simply didn’t mind, and he quickly added. “I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve yet!”
As they raced on, she couldn’t help but keep stealing glances in his direction. Her mind kept stating that it was simply out of a need to see where he was and whether she needed to ride faster. But the truth was that his face was more beautiful than anything around her.
His features were animated with the thrill of the race, his hair tousled by the wind and his eyes darker and more prominent with determination. In the golden light of the morning sun, he looked even more handsome, his charming persona accentuated by the intensity of the moment.
As they thundered across the countryside, she felt her heart skip a beat every time their eyes locked. She wondered why that was so. She shouldn’t feel anything for this man who forced her to marry him, who did everything wrong. And yet, she was still there, drawn to that raw vitality that seemed to speak of a life lived to the fullest. There was something about him that captivated her, drawing her closer with each passing moment.
At that moment, she realized he had passed her. With a flick of her reins, she urged her horse forward, determined to win. It was more than just a test of skill, of strength. They were both aware of that.
“Afraid you might lose, Cate?” he asked, laughing, the sound rich and full of life. Instead of making her angry, it amused her. It made her hear a flutter. And there it was again, the endearing short version of her name that she had told him he was not allowed to use.
“Usually, those who ask are the ones who are afraid,” she replied, thundering ahead.
“That brook over there, do you see it?” he asked, pointing ahead.
