Page 57 of A Sight to Behold
Nick laughed out loud, and she saw his big white teeth, perfect rows. A luscious mouth. There was that heat and hunger again. “I’ve had the feast of a lifetime,” he mumbled and gave her nipple a lick.
Pippa twitched in response. Then he kissed the bottom of her breast and laid his palm flat on her belly. “Are you hungry?”
“I can smell food.” Pippa crinkled her nose. Thinking of it, she smelled mushrooms and cheese, Mrs. George’s signature dish. “Chanterelle pies!”
Nick brought his head to her face and propped himself up just so that his hard manhood laid flat on her stomach. “Are you hungry?”
“Insatiable,” Pippa said and wrapped her hand around his shaft. “But I could use a bite to eat.”
“They’ll know when they see me, Pippa.” A rueful expression washed over Nick as he sat in bed and pulled the covers over his erection. His gorgeous naked chest and muscular arms were even more appealing in the brightness of day.
“So what? They’ll have to know about our engagement at some point.”
He arched his brows and gave her a once-over. Pippa folded half the covers over her chest and climbed out of bed. They draped around her body like an evening gown.
It was a new morning, and it felt like a different life had begun.
She felt reborn.
As if the old clumsy Pippa had vanished, she was now Lady Penelope, mistress of the manor, and no longer alone.
“They work for me, and you are my guest.” She pinched her eyes shut. “You’ll be the lord of this manor soon.”
Nick fell silent for a moment. As if he were making a host of decisions, his mien changed from surprise to something dark and finally, he spoke, “I won’t take your riches, Pippa, only yourlove as far as you’ll give freely. But I’ll never let you go either, for as long as you want me.”
She feigned shock and gave the covers one last tug, leaving him naked on the bed.
He jumped up and wrapped himself against her.
His tall, naked body felt glorious around her, and she dropped the white covers with a giggle.
Lady Penelope had blossomed.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
As if bymagic, Pippa’s bathroom, bearing apricot-orange decor and marble tiles, had been outfitted with a stool and a tray of shaving supplies. One of the finest soaps wrapped in elegantly folded paper sat in a ceramic dish, a glistening new blade was on the side, and there was even mint toothpowder and a toothbrush in a silk bag. Hanging on the side of the tub was an array of clean towels in various sizes and—Nick had to look twice—his shirt or was it a new one in his size?
So, this was what it felt like to have servants.
He thought about the life he could offer Pippa and the life she was used to. But doubting his decision and worrying about the consequences of his actions hurt.Not today.He’d rather cherish the day.
He picked the parcel up because he’d recognized the collar. Someone had cleaned his shirt and pressed it. It looked better than new and smelled fantastic.
The waiting bath was steaming hot, and Nick let out the tension of his muscles. He never had a less restless night, nor had he felt more relaxed.
His life had clicked into place, and he had a path now.
How he’d navigate this path, he wasn’t sure. All he’d ever thought of was the practice and looking after his little sister.
But he’d declared his love to Pippa and felt elated.
It had to come out.
And her response was glorious.
He couldn’t wait to tell Wendy that he was engaged.
Just before they’dclimbed into the carriage, Mrs. George had whispered something to Pippa, but Nick had heard.
