Page 31 of A Wallflower's Wassail Punch
Andrew grinned and followed, letting her determine the pace.When the hedge they’d jumped came into view, a knot twisted in his stomach.He spotted the fresh dirt ahead just as the mare stumbled in the hole.Lady Annette had just cued Domino to take the hedge, and when the mare went down onto her knees, the lady continued over the jump.
His blood froze as he pulled his rein back and brought his gelding to a stop.He leaped over the hedge and found her on the ground but sitting up.Rushing to her, he dropped to his knees beside her.“Is anything broken?”He could hear the panic in his voice.
To his surprise, she had the nerve to laugh.“We’re supposed to let the horses take the hedge, not go over on our own.”
Lord Weston stood and peered over the hedge.“Domino is fine, grazing and walking without a limp.”He sat back and laughed with her, relief replacing the fear that had gripped him.“No major injuries?”He got back to his knees, examining her with his eyes.“Did you hit your head?”
“I was lucky enough to land on my backside and then roll.Nothing broken, but I’ll be sore tomorrow.”When she leaned forward to try to stand, she grimaced.“Very sore, I suspect.”
“Stay where you are and catch your breath.”Andrew sat cross-legged so he could face her.“You scared the devil out of me.”
“That’s a good thing, eh?”She blew at a strand of hair that had come loose and was hanging between her eyes.
Andrew reached over, held the piece of silk between his fingers, and tucked it behind her ear.It was as soft as silk, just as he had thought it would be.Nettie had gone still at his touch.Her huge emerald eyes stared at his mouth, then locked gazes with him.He felt desire stir low in his belly.
“You said there was one last thing to determine if I am to court you.What is it?”he asked in an almost-whisper.
“A kiss.We should find out if we are… compatible… in that way.”
Andrew’s self-control broke.He leaned forward, one hand cupping her cheek.His thumb stroked her satiny skin, her warm breath fanning out in white puffs in the chilly air.He brushed his lips against hers, a whisper of a touch.
* * *
Annette’s heartthreatened to pound out of her chest.She closed her eyes and knew, with the first meeting of their lips, she wanted this man.Nothing had prepared her for the tempest spiraling through her body as his mouth caressed hers.When he pulled back, she blinked, drawing in a long breath, and stared into his dark eyes.She tried to make a jest but couldn’t remember what she had wanted to say, only wishing she could drown in the sweet pools of chocolate holding her gaze hostage.
“Nettie,” he murmured, the use of her nickname starting the spiral of heat in her again.“Does that feel compatible?”
She nodded, knowing her lips could not form a word.This time, Annette leaned forward, her hand on his chest, and kissed the corner of his mouth, then the other corner, and finally a full kiss.It was just as dizzying the second time.She heard a little whimper as his tongue traced the seams of her lips and realized it was her own voice.
This seemed to be a signal of acquiescence, for Lord Weston pulled her onto his lap.Cradling her gently in his arms, he closed both of her eyes with his mouth, trailed kisses along her jaw, nipped at her earlobe.“We should stop this before the stable boy catches up with us.”
Again, she nodded.But first, just one more kiss.Her arms went around his neck, and he bent his head, covering her mouth with his, asking for her to part her lips, and she did.His tongue swept in, and the beating of her heart seemed to echo lower, in her most intimate place.Annette ran her fingers through his thick auburn hair and knew her world had just changed forever.When she stood up, the innocent girl she had once been would disappear.A wiser, greedier, happier woman would take her place.
CHAPTER14
Andrew knocked lightly when he reached the library, then peeked around the open door.“Drew, come in.I was just finishing up.Ready for something to eat.”Beecham paused, his gaze taking in Andrew’s riding clothes.“Looks like you’ve already worked up an appetite too.”
“I thought I might speak to you before breakfast.”Andrew hated the tension in his voice.“It concerns Lady Annette.”
“It’s about time.I’ve been waiting for this conversation.”
Andrew couldn’t tell by Beecham’s expression whether he approved.He sat down across from the earl, took a deep breath, and gripped the arms of his chair.“I would like permission to court her.”
The earl steepled his hands and stared at Andrew.“Have you considered Nettie’s age?”
“Of course, that was one hindrance, but many couples have a greater age difference?—”
“I don’t care about that, you nodcock.I mean that she’s still of childbearing age and may want children.Are you open to more?She could give you a son.”
Andrew sat stunned.This hadn’t occurred to him.“I-I would be open to it if that is what she wanted.I’m not averse to increasing my family, though I thought that time had passed.”
“Then you have my permission,” Beecham said easily.
Andrew opened his mouth, closed it, opened it, then closed it again.
“You look like a fish just pulled from my pond.”Beecham’s shoulders shook.“Are you so surprised?”
“I-I am.Happily so.”He closed his eyes, let out a relieved sigh, and draped his arms over the sides of the chair.“I assumed the speed with which this has progressed might make you leery.”
