Page 57 of A Christmas Temptation for the Duke
She was still confused about the Earl. No doubt he cared about her. No doubt he wanted to see her safe. But was that as far as he was willing to go? Or would this incident change him, bringing back that same man who had kissed her on the night of the Winter’s Ball? Not to mention what else he had done.
“How about this.” Alison shook her head, refusing to go down that path again. She had to stop thinking such things about the Earl. That he was willing to look after her was more than she could have hoped… even if she wanted more. “Let us ride one today.”
Tommy had a forkful of eggs halfway to his mouth, pausing with wide eyes and confusion. “What do you mean?”
“A sleigh ride,” she said with laughter. “Whitehaven is hosting them, no? What say you and I rent one and take it for a ride?”
“Really?”
She pumped her eyebrows. “Really.”
“Yes!” Tommy cried. “Yes! Now? Should we go now? I’m ready!”
“Ready for what?” Daniel walked into the room, catching both Tommy and Alison by surprise.
Alison, more so. She whipped her head around, saw him coming, and her heart began to race in ways that were becoming all too familiar to her. Gone were the days when she was able to pretend that she hated him. And gone were the days when she was able to mask her feelings through arguing and trying to beat him.
Now, when she looked at him, she saw a rescuer. More than that, she saw a man who watched her closely. All yesterday, she had been so certain that he was set on ignoring her and pretending that she did not exist. But that could not have been further from the truth.
“Oh…” She looked away, cheeks flushing. “It is nothing.”
“We’re going on a sleigh ride!” Tommy cheered.
“Is that so?” Daniel reached the end of the table, and she felt him watching her.
Just that feeling, his stare trained on her, made her body tremble.
“We were discussing it,” she spoke softly. “But we do not have to go,” she added quickly. “I mean… if you do not think it is safe or… or if you would prefer that we stay here.”
How things change. That she was now asking him permission. That she needed it, knowing that if he said no, she would happily do as told.
“Please say yes!” Tommy cried. “You have to say yes.”
“Maybe,” Daniel mused. “It will be just the two of you?”
An idea came to her suddenly, and before she could stop to think if it were a smart one, she snapped her head up and spoke it. “You should join us.”
Daniel leaned back. “On a sleigh ride?”
“Oh, yes!” Tommy said. “Come! You have to come!”
“Why not?” Alison shrugged. “If for no other reason than to keep an eye on me.” Her cheeks were burning but she refused to look away. “I can’t help but think I am still in danger and would benefit from your company.”
A knowing smirk touched his lips. “I am surprised you are asking. Usually, you do as you please, consequences be damned.”
“I am a slow learner, but not that slow.”
He studied her for a moment. His stare was intense, and probing. She tried to match it, wanting to channel that same energy that she always had when they were together. As if this was some sort of argument, and she was not about to back down.
“As you say,” he said finally, adding a casual shrug as if it was no big deal. “After yesterday, it is best that you are not left on your own again.”
“You’re coming?” Tommy asked, jumping onto his chair. “Truly?”
Alison found Daniel still watching. He winked and she blushed furiously. Then he was back on Tommy, a soft smile that told Alison that he wanted to do this. Not because he thought he should, but because he wished to be with her. Or so she read it, anyway.
“When do we leave?”
“Faster! Go faster!” Tommy shouted at the top of his lungs. “Faster!”
