Page 122 of Screwged for Christmas

“You wouldn’t believe it.” He sighed.

Philips appeared with two plates and a blank expression bearing no trace of having witnessed the earlier activity in Malcolm’s room. He set down the plates, made sure we had everything we needed, and disappeared.

“And you don’t find that in the least bit weird?” I asked after we started eating. The bacon, eggs, and homemade bread with a thick raspberry jam were delicious.

“Why do you think I loved my life in New York?” Malcolm asked in return. “This is all because my brother had a death wish.”

“Now that you’ve been settled in, does it feel more familiar?” I stole a glance at Malcolm.

“I’m more familiar with the problems. I’m working hard to remedy them, but it isn’t what I would choose.”

Then come back to New York.

I didn’t say it, but it sat on the tip of my tongue. I knew a fair bit about duty myself.

“I’ve got work to do this morning in my study,” Malcolm said. “Take a look around Lachlan and come find me later this afternoon.” It wasn’t a question. It was a command. Malcolm was used to people doing what he wanted.

After breakfast, I didn’t explore Lachlan. I went back up to his room, laid down on the couch with a blanket and dozed before the fire. While we were at breakfast, someone had made the bed, stoked the fire, and replaced the towels in the bathroom.

It’s like living in a five-star hotel, I thought drowsily before slipping into sleep.

It felt like I’d just closed my eyes when Malcolm woke me.

“Sleepy lass, I didn’t let you rest much last night.” Crouched next to me, he watched me with his dark eyes.

“I wasn’t complaining.” I stirred. “Besides, I’m pretty sure this is jet lag.”

“Is that what you’re going with?”

“Yes,” I said firmly.

He winked at me. “All work and no play makes for a very dull duke. We’re going for a sleigh ride.”

I sat up. “A sleigh ride? Why?”

“Can’t I take you on a sleigh ride in some fresh snow on the day before Christmas Eve without having an ulterior motive?”

“Some men, yes, but you no.”

He swept me off my feet. “Come, my Lady, the chariot awaits. It snowed heavily while wesleptlast night and this morning.”

“Malcolm! Put me down! What if someone sees us,” I laughed softly, swinging around checking for servants.

“Don’t worry. My mother has them trained, so they appear if you need something, but otherwise, they stay out of the way.”

A knock on the bedroom door had me scrambling out of Malcolm’s arms. He let me go, but not quickly. I tried pushing him away; he responded by smacking my ass. That warmed not only my ass but reminded me of this morning.

“Come in,” Malcolm called, sliding a possessive arm around my shoulders.

“As you requested Your Grace, here are your coats. Fergus has the team pulled around out front.”

“Excellent, Philips. I’ll take those.”

The manservant hesitated. Clearly, he wanted to dress us.

“Tell my mother we’ll be back for tea.” Malcolm took the pile of clothing from him.

“Very good, Your Grace.” Relief lit the pale man’s features as he excused himself.

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