Page 35 of His Unforgettable Bride
She wrapped one hand around the kettle, and the other found her shapely hip. “I suspect you’ve never dried a dish in your life.”
“Perhaps I have done all sorts of shocking things.”
“Most likely, my past would surprise you twice as much as yours would me.”
“Oh, really? Have you ever startled someone with a kiss?”
Her brows shot high as either mirth or astonishment danced in her beautiful eyes. “Are you telling me you remember kissing someone?”
“No.”
“Then why mention it?”
Why indeed? “I have determined I was raised a gentleman, but maybe I am also someone who speaks his mind, laughs at least once a day, and…flirts with pretty ladies.”
A moment passed before her eyes widened and she realized he had referenced her. A teasing smile curved her lips. “I don’t know whether to applaud or slap your cheek.”
He chuckled. He appreciated her straightforwardness, how she was easy to like, and how a tendril of her flaxen hair lay against her cheekbone.
Juliet’s face grew suddenly somber, and she unflinchingly studied him. “Smooth, flowery talk doesn’t impress me. I’ve heard it all before, mister.”
“I am not trying to impress you. I am merely being me, I believe. However, your message is noted.”
She nodded. “Thank you for coming to my aid with the etiquette lesson in the dining room and your comments with Tabitha regarding my laughing. It was nice of you.”
How easily she offered gratitude. Did he, as well? If not, perhaps it was time to take a lesson from her. “I propose since you saved my life, I shall help smooth the way for you however I can.”
Her brow cocked. “How exactly might you do that?”
“I may make you laugh when I think you need it. Or, again, show you what fork to use with dessert.”
Her eyes sparkled with that same conspiratorial glint as earlier. “What kind of dessert?”
“What’s your favorite?”
“Chocolate cake.”
“Excellent. If Icala ever bakes a chocolate cake, I shall ensure you use the proper utensil to devour it. And on occasion, I might remind you that learning something new takes time.”
“I’ll try to remember that.”
“Me too.” Wholeheartedly, he approved of Juliet, ladylike or not. Together they would determine how to proceed in a world, or at least a household, foreign to them both.
The clacking of heels in the hallway drew near, and in the next instant, Livy stepped into the kitchen.
Juliet moved toward the basin, then reached for the dipper, quickly busying herself by filling the pot with water to warm it.
Livy paused beside the table, her usual cheerfulness replaced by a frown. “Our visitor was the constable, making his rounds. Apparently, we left the double door to the carriage house open earlier, and he shut it on our behalf. He didn’t want an animal or trespasser slipping inside.”
“Is he still here?” Gray’s pulse raced. “If so, he shall save me a trip in the morning.”
“No, he’s already left for home. However, Tabitha asked if there were recent reports of a missing man in the area, and Mr. Blake assured us he hadn’t received any. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, nobody has asked about you, Gray.”
He could not stop his shoulders from sagging just a little.
Juliet cast him a half smile that seemed to offer encouragement, yet the news was not what he had hoped for.
Livy started to leave, then turned back around. “I did inform him that our nephew finally arrived and has moved into our home.”
