Page 36 of Reckless Kiss

“Come on, Teddy, let’s go,” Archer said.

The puppy jumped down and did a forward roll, unsteady from the drop-down from the armchair. He scampered to Archer’s side and then followed him out of the room. Archer locked up the study and headed back to the kitchen.

“Maggie, can you make a picnic for tomorrow, about eleven?”

“Of course, anything in particular?”

“I’ll leave that up to you. It’s for two people,” Archer added.

Maggie smiled, raised both her eyebrows, and scrubbed a pot in the deep sink under the window.

“I’ll have it ready, Archer. Bailey can get some blankets for you too. Leave it to me,” she said.

Archer strode over and kissed her cheek before walking to the back door. “Thank you, Maggie.”

She waved him away over her shoulder with wet hands.

Chapter 20

Archer

Archer and Teddy strolled across Turner Hall’s lawns, then around Edward Hall’s rear gardens. Then, approaching the side opening that led into the cottages’ gardens, nerves hit Archer square in the belly.

What if Erica had changed her mind?

He couldn’t delay. If Erica didn’t want to marry him anymore, he needed to know and search for a new fake wife.

From his viewpoint, he saw Erica in the back area under the canopy of the patio area. She seemed to gravitate there like she was always meant to live in the cottage. Her oversized sunglasses sat on top of her head as she read whatever was on her lap. As he walked a couple of seconds later, Erica held her hand in the air and mouthed words. She could’ve spoken them aloud, but he was too far away to hear. She alternated from looking down and then repeating the action.

When she did it a third time, her head looked at himapproaching, and a broad smile lit up her face. His heart soared in response to her cheerful non-verbal welcome.

She still liked him, but did she still want to marry him?

By the time he reached her chair, Erica was on her feet, the pile of papers face down on the table with her glasses resting on top.

“Hi,” she said.

Her smile was still warm and welcoming, but her eyes told him she was nervous. Just the sight of her caused Archer to grow hard. He thought she was lovely in another kaftan, reds, and pinks in a riot of colour, giving her tanned skin a healthy glow.

“Hi,” he said, cupping her face in both his hands.

Archer couldn’t help himself and kissed her lightly on the lips, brushing against her mouth in a soft touch. Her hands and arms came around his waist and held him. Erica tilted her head and kissed him back. He wanted to deepen the caress, but knowing she was still on board was more important. This would be the last time he would check. The next time he greeted her would be a more passionate embrace.

Keeping his hands on her face but leaning back, he was aware he was pressing his erection against her body. That wasn’t the point he was trying to make, but her grin turned salacious. Archer needed to be in charge of this relationship but was finding he was happy for her to equal or take the lead. He’d never been with a woman who was so open about attraction. Having a confident woman in his arms was the sexiest thing he’d ever experienced.

“I need to ask you something?” Archer said.

“Yes,” she answered, pressing her hips against him.

Christ, this woman would be the end of him. Yet, hewanted nothing more than to pull the kaftan over her head and gaze at her nakedness.

“Can we focus?” he asked with a chuckle.

“You have my undivided attention, Archer. Since the moment you entered my back garden with your adorable dog.”

Archer looked around her body to find Teddy in the exact spot Erica had been sitting, sleeping. He thought Teddy was faking sleep so no one would move him. Archer didn’t blame him.

“Are you still on board with the reckless plan?”

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