Page 13 of Good Duke Gone Rogue

“Hello.” He moved to the side to allow her space next to him. A small, confined space. She took it.

Resting her arm near his, their fingers almost touched.

“You are the bell of the ball.”

She laughed. “I didn’t expect it.”

“I did.”

She chuckled again.

“And you did, too. Don’t be modest.” He gave her a sly grin. “You can’t help being you.”

Affronted, she asked, “What is that supposed to mean, Reggie?”

His hands up, in mock defense, he said, “Nothing insolent. Just look at you. It couldn’t be any other way.”

She leaned in, “How much have you had to drink?”

“Not enough,” he muttered.

She decided to leave the comment alone. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Enough.”

Enough. That sounded like the story of her life. Often enjoying things enough, but not fully. Not like the library. With Reggie. And all that blazing fire. Now that was something to enjoy. And why shouldn’t she enjoy it again?

Her nipples were speaking for her. They were hardening just thinking of him.

“Are you all right, Detta?” The concern in his voice wrapped around her.

“Hmm…yes. I’m fine. Why?”

“You just look…different.”

I feel different, she wanted to say. And Iwantto feel different. Again. She dropped her gaze from his face, and it landed on his hand. His sinewy hand. She could make out the veins. Remembering the grip he had on her bottom, she gasped.

“Detta?”

“What?”

“Are you sure you’re all right? You don’t look particularly happy.”

Happy. The memory floored her. The memory she had been pushing aside. A few years ago, that’s what he had said to her. He wanted her to be happy.

People didn’t change all that much. He probably still wanted her to be happy. He had said, any time, any place. Just ask.

This was any time. And any place. So she asked, “Do you want me to be happy?”

Chapter 6

REGGIE HAD BEEN HARD between his legs since seeing Detta at the top of the stairs back at home. The carriage ride was torture, and there was no chance he would make it at the ball. He needed air. With a chill in it. Perhaps ice down his breeches. In place of that he was a hot steaming mess. And just when he thought he had it under control, by himself on the balcony, who should come see him?

And of all the things she had to ask of him, she asked after her happiness. It’s all he wanted. To see her smile.

So his only possible response to her question was, “Of course I want you to be happy.”

And then temptation itself lifted her eyelashes and peered up at him. He thought himself a fool before, but he had never been so foolish as to think he would ever hear her say the words she said. “You said I could ask. Any time. Any place.”

---