Page 35 of Tempting a Gentleman
It was a valid question. But how was he to explain what he instinctually knew was right?
He was a bloody barrister. He was supposed to be able to come up with arguments at a moment’s notice. Instead of a carefully crafted proposition, he spoke from the heart. “Because from the moment you bumped into me dashing away from Landon’s townhouse, my mind and body have been drawn to you. It’s as if you dislodged something within me.”
Emma stilled and turned. A small grin appeared before she crossed her arms and let out a loudHmph.
She was pleased with his answer, despite her body language. He pressed on. “And there is the added benefit that if you marry me, you can enact the clause in Hereford’s will that enables you to decline the rather large settlement he has generously provided for you.”
Emma’s eyes grew wide. Her hands dropped to her sides then were firmly planted on her perfectly rounded hips. “Ye’re sayin’ I can refuse the blunt if I git hitched.”
He nodded. “Aye.”
She tilted her head and stared at him for a moment. “Hmph.” She slowly spun in a circle. A small grin appeared. “Wheredidye put me clothes?”
He nodded in the direction of the connecting room. “I hung your dress in my changing chamber.”
She walked soundlessly to the dark room.
He wanted to follow her, but he was struggling to formulate an articulate answer as to why she should marry him. Christopher hopped from the bed and began to pace. He needed her to agree to wed him. He wanted to have her back in his bed. He was going about matters all wrong. Why shouldshemarry? She was independent and resourceful. She had no need for a man except that the only place she had appeared at peace was lying naked next to him.
He was a reasonable man. If she needed more time to recognize the benefits of becoming his wife, he’d be patient. He’d court her and show her how they complemented each other. Mayhap he’d draft provisions in the marriage agreements for her to retain control over her own funds. Damnation. He wouldn’t be able to lawyer his way into marriage. His stomach clenched. He needed her. He’d have to convince her of their suitability. He didn’t want her leaving his house without having her word that she’d marry him. His desire for her as wife was more than pure lust. He just didn’t know what to name this burning desire to have her near at all times.
A few minutes later Emma reappeared, dressed, her hair held back by one of his blue silk cravats and wearing a look of pure determination. She had made up her mind. His heart pounded with anticipation.
She marched to stand before him and rested her hands on his waist. Head tilted up, she said, “I’ll be busy fillin’ orders for Bronwyn’s ball this week. And I need another two to be ready. Will ye agree to three weeks?”
Why was she agreeing?
Uncertain if he wanted the answer, he said, “Yes. I shall visit your father today and have the license and agreements drawn up immediately.” He reached out to cup her face. “I promise to be a good husband.”
“Shall we seal our agreement with a kiss?”
Her wicked grin tempted him like nothing else. He replied, “I can’t wait to make you mine.”
Her hands slid up his chest, dislodging his hands from her face. Rolling up onto her tiptoes, she wrapped her arms around his neck. With her soft curves pressed into him, Christopher ran a hand down her spine until it came to rest on the curve of her bottom while his other hand threaded through her hair and guided her mouth to his. He kissed her softly.
Emma released a moan and opened for him as his tongue poked out to taste her. Pulling back for air, she inhaled deeply. She rested her forehead upon his chest. She whispered, “I best be off.”
He didn’t want her to leave him, but he’d garnered her promise to marry. He released his hold on her. She stepped back and gave him a wink. “Me dad comes to me shop every day around a quarter to eight.” Swiveling on her heel, she made her way to the door.
He followed behind but pressed a hand against the door, delaying her departure. “I know. But I intend to obtain his blessing this morn.” He waited until she turned to face him and then added, “Let me see you home.”
“Are ye mad? I’ll not have the Network gossipin’ before ye speak to me dad.”
Christopher was well aware of how very efficiently the Network spread information. Even Landon and Bronwyn hadn’t managed to keep the news of the babe a secret. But he wanted to see Emma home safe. “The watch will be switching out soon, and you don’t have the cover of darkness to help you go undetected.”
“Ha. Ye have much to learn.” She reached between her legs and pulled up her skirts, revealing her nicely shaped calves. Rather than exiting through the door, she marched to the window and peeked through the center slit in the curtains.
“You can’t be serious. We are three stories up from the ground.” He rushed to the window, but the woman was already out on a tree limb. He poked his head out and caught a glimpse of her small form shimmying down the tree and then ducking to skirt the low wall that led to the mews. Damn, she was fast and silent—and utterly remarkable. He turned to see the watchmen engaged in conversation, oblivious to Emma’s departure.
“Is something amiss this morn, my lord?” Christopher jumped at Cannon’s voice right behind him. Emma must have unlocked the door.
“No. I have a very important meeting this morn.” He ran a hand over his roughened jaw. “A good, clean shave today, Cannon.”
A wide, knowing smile formed on his usually reserved valet’s face. “Aye. I’ll go fetch the strop.”
Perhaps Emma hadn’t been successful at escaping detection. He’d soon find out when he visited his future father-in-law.
Chapter Seventeen
