Page 9 of Revealing a Rogue
Landon steepled his fingers. “Very well. Let’s practice. I thought to start with: ‘I apologize for not having adequately addressed your concerns...’” He paused at the thump of Christopher’s hand landed on the desk.
“By Jove, no wonder Bronwyn requested a reprieve. You have absolutely no…”
Landon abruptly stood. “Since when did the two of you drop all pretense of formality?” Christopher’s casual use of Bronwyn’s Christian name inflamed Landon’s guilt at his prolonged absence and neglect of Bronwyn and the firm.
Christopher rose to his full height, a mere inch shorter than Landon. “Are you daft? How else do you expect me to refer to my sister-to-be?”
“How presumptuous of you, since she has yet to agree to marry me.”
His brother mumbled, “And they say he’s the smart one.” Christopher’s smile faded. “Bronwynhas been infatuated withyoufrom her very first day here at the office. I’ve wondered how long it would take you to come to your senses and make her an offer.”
“Since day one?” Landon glared at his brother. “The woman has never batted her eyes at me, nor has she ever giggled at one of my jests.”
Christopher rolled his eyes.
Landon wanted to slap himself on the head. He was a buffoon. “Do you think I’ve made a huge error?”
“In delaying your decision to wed? No. You inherited a mountain of debt and responsibilities along with a title that most would have turned and run from.” Christopher tapped the desk. “Your biggest blunder yesterday was failing to express your true feelings for her. I suggest you rectify the situation today.”
“That is my intention. If I succeed, I anticipate I’ll be out of town for a spell. In my absence, you will have to escort Mama to balls, soirees, and such.”
Christopher’s shoulders sagged. “You know how much I detest being thrust amongst the ton.”
“Our mother gains a wealth of information from these gatherings.” Landon softened at his younger brother’s obvious discomfort. “Name your price.”
“What did Mama extract from you?”
“A promise to wed and beget an heir as soon as possible.”
Laughter lit up Christopher’s eyes. “A crate of brandy will be sufficient for me.”
With a chuckle, Landon nodded, but his focus was on the door, which had swung open.
* * *
Bronwyn steppedinto the office and paused at the sight of the two strikingly handsome brothers smiling at each other. Her attention, as always, was inexplicably drawn to the taller, older brother. Out of practice at masking her reactions to Landon, the tips of her ears and cheeks burned, and her pulse raced at the sight of his devilish dimple.
She swallowed and found her voice. “Gentlemen, am I interrupting?”
Christopher was the first to react. “No, I was on my way out.” He moved to stand before her, then leaned in to whisper, “Take it easy on him. I’ve always wished for a sister like you.”
Her cheeks were aflame. She bowed her head and said, “Didn’t your mama tell you to be careful about what you wish for?”
With a chuckle, Christopher left the room, leaving her all alone with the man her entire family had sworn to obey and protect. Lifting her chin, she walked toward her desk, but Lord Hadfield stood in front of her chair. This was her office, no longer his. He should make way for her, but the man showed no inclination to make the gentlemanly gesture. Eyebrows angled down into a frown, she walked right up to Landon. “Excuse me.”
She was mere inches away before he relented, bowing, and pulled the chair out further for her. Keeping her back to him, Bronwyn slipped into the chair and scooted it forward. She reached for one of the three pencils neatly arranged on the desktop. His warm breath grazed her neck as she swept up the loose tendrils of hair that had escaped her haphazard bun and stuck the pencil through her locks to hold them in place.
“I took the liberty of preparing the summaries for you.”
She grabbed the folder from the top of the pile and opened it. “My thanks, but unnecessary.”
Landon leaned in, looking over his work. “I hope they meet your expectations.”
Ha! It was he who taught her how to examine the details and sift the minutiae from the facts. Her eyes fluttered closed, mimicking the sensations in her stomach. He was too close. She wouldn’t be able to concentrate when her body screamed at her to lean into his. She snapped the file shut. “Everything appears to be in order. Mr. Neale will be pleased.”
“Areyoupleased?”
“Lord Hadfield…”
