Page 172 of Rough Around the Hedges

“Bruce, think fast!” I said, grabbing him and spinning us around so he was a blockade in Oliver’s path.

“What on Earth?”

“Rose!” Oliver called. “Get over here now!”

I turned around and poked my tongue out over my shoulder and swung a right… straight into two closed doors.

Oh, no.

For all the fun of the long, winding hallways in Hanbury House, there were just as many dead ends, and I had yet to learn where all these hallways went.

Oliver stopped, now blocking my only exit. I flattened myself against the door, staring at him with wide eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “It was just… just a little prank.”

“Rose.” He stepped towards me slowly, almost prowling. Like he was tracking his prey.

Damn it. I knew better than to run.

“Oliver,” I replied sweetly, smiling.

He didn’t buy it. He pressed his hands over my head on the doorway and shoved his leg between mine, blocking me in.

“Shit. You got me.”

He chuckled, lowering his face. “You ducked under my arm last time—I’m not about to let that happen again.”

Yeah, he was bound to catch onto my tricks sooner or later.

“Salt? In the sugar pot, really?” He raised his eyebrows, but he wasn’t the slightest bit annoyed. “Why wasn’t Mum bothered by it?”

“I warned her. Obviously.” I licked my lips. “I’ll change it back.”

“Hmm.” His gaze dropped to my mouth. “Apologise.”

“I just did.”

“No, you faked an apology. Apologise to me properly.”

I sighed. “You’re so needy.”

He closed his eyes expectantly, and I pecked a tiny kiss to his lips.

“There. Apology given.”

His eyes snapped open. “Rose.”

I laughed and grabbed his shirt, closing the distance between us. I kissed him slowly, letting my tongue tease the seam of his lips. He cradled my head with his hands and deepened our kiss. It sent shivers through me as it always did, and I hoped I would never tire of the feeling.

I whimpered into his mouth as heat spread through my body, and he pulled back.

“Put the sugar back,” he grumbled, meeting my eyes. “And stop running. You know I’ll catch you.”

“You always do. But maybe I just like the chase.” I caught my tongue between my teeth and grinned playfully.

“Maybe? You know you do.” He slid his hands down my body and cupped my bum, pulling me against him so I could feel his growing erection in his pants. “And you know I like it, too, so stop teasing me and go to work before I make you call your clients and tell them you’re ill.”

“I’m going, I’m going.” I kissed the corner of his mouth and skipped away from him. “Wait, which way do I need to go? I’m lost.”

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