Page 42 of Saved By the Rakish Duke

He grinned, wanting to commend her for her simple—but effective—use of humor and detail to flirt.

But since she was already on a roll, he decided to keep their rehearsal going. “You flatter me, Lady Penelope. But truth be told, that is somewhat of an idealized view of gardening.”

“How so?”

Duncan cleared his throat. “Well, it’s difficult work, you see. There’s much more heavy lifting and frustration involved than most people realize.”

“Well, for someone so… robust, I’m sure everything you carry must feel as light as a feather,” came her breathy reply as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

She’s including points from our lesson about body language. he silently noted.Well, two can play at that game.

“Now be honest,” he tutted, taking a step toward her, “are these repeated attempts to flatter me all because you’re hoping to get me to do some gardening for you?”

“Perhaps,” she said with a coy smile. “Or perhaps I’m simply looking for an excuse to invite you to our estate.”

With every syllable that left her lips, Duncan found himself inexplicably drawn to her.

The next thing he knew, his hand was sliding around her delicate waist. “All this was in search of an excuse?” he asked, his voice sounding hoarser than he meant it to, “I can offer you several more if you like.”

Her cheeks turned rosy-pink, causing his heart to race. Standing so close, he couldn’t help but notice just how much smaller her figure was compared to his, it was almost unbearable.

His grip on her tightened, inevitably drawing them closer together. With his free hand, he lifted her chin but was immediately caught off-guard by her large, innocent hazel eyes.

Worried his heart would give out if he stared into them any longer, Duncan attempted to divert his attention but then his gaze landed on her lips, causing him to wonder. Suddenly, Mother’s voice echoed in his head, warning him to be careful.

He dropped his hands and took two large steps backward. “I’m sorry,” he blurted, shaking his head to clear it, “I- I sometimes get carried away and-”

“There’s nothing to apologize for, Your Grace.” She frantically waved a hand, “It was just a demonstration, so-”

“Exactly!” He awkwardly rejoined, “And I presume you now understand how to-”

“Yes, most certainly.” She cleared her throat, “Well, that was a most productive lesson, and I thank you for it, Your Grace. But I’m suddenly feeling rather tired, so if you don’t mind, I might just-” She pointed towards the door.

“Please go ahead,” he nodded.

Normally, he would have offered to get the door for her, but he had barely even gotten the words out before she had bolted through it and slammed it behind her.

Deflated, he let out a deep exhale and threw himself onto the sofa.

This time, Steepwharf’s voice echoed in his head: “Here we go again! Why do you have to do this, Blackmoore?”

As he stared up at the ceiling, Duncan racked his brain for an answer. But upon finding none, he stretched an arm out for another biscuit and bit into it.

Maybe Steepwharf was right,he mused.Maybe I am as bad as they say.

CHAPTER14

Penelope adjusted her skirt a final time before turning away from her dresser.

She chewed her lip contemplatively as she stared at her bedroom door. Much like her mother, she had spent the better part of the last two days confined to her room.

For the incident in the drawing room had served as a cautionary lesson, a reminder that Penelope had done the very thing she swore she never would—she had let her guard down.

She didn’t necessarily blame the duke for this. After all, it was hardly his fault that he was so naturally alluring.

No, this was her fault. She knew better, but still allowed herself to get swept up. As a result, things between them were now unbearably awkward.

Penelope had been doing everything she could to avoid him, but she didn’t want to worry the dowager duchess unnecessarily, so she still had to show up for meals and pretend that everything was normal.

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