Page 86 of Duchess By Accident
“His name is Sir Socks, Father.” Melody sighed and gave him an exasperated look. “It is not a difficult name to remember.”
Natalie hastily turned her laugh into a cough, hiding it behind her hand. Adrian arched an eyebrow at her before turning back to Melody.
“Stockings, socks, it is much the same.” Adrian inclined his head. “But I am sorry for the mistake. And I trust you will convey my apology to Sir Socks.”
“I was not planning on telling him that you still did not know his name. He is rather sensitive.” Melody added in a whisper that was just as loud as her normal speaking voice.
“Then it shall just have to be our little secret.” Adrian bowed solemnly. “Now ensure you check all of his tack properly. The last time we went out you forgot to check your stirrups in your excitement and it was only because Henley, the stable hand, discovered it that we fixed things before our ride.”
“I was excited.” Melody twisted her hands together.
“I know. But you must always take time to check things properly. Now run along or at this rate, we will never get started.” Adrian held out his fingers and Melody pressed her fingertips to his, before giving him a hug and then darted towards the stables, chatting animatedly to one of the grooms.
Natalie smiled as she watched the little girl go.
“It seems you are well and truly part of the family now.” Adrian canted his head towards her.
“So it would seem.” Natalie sighed theatrically. “Perhaps this means you will be tired of me, given my new matronly status.”
Adrian chuckled his eyes dancing with mischief. “I could never tire of you little Thief.”
Her heart flipped over in her chest, her lips parting. Natalie shook herself and danced out of Adrian’s reach. “Do not think to distract me, my Fox. Your tricks will not help you win this race.”
“Are you sure about that?” he grinned at her, and she shivered at the heat in his eyes.
“Quite sure.” Her words were more breathless than she planned. “I have no intention of letting you win.”
“No matter the outcome I win. One way, I have the glory of a good race. And the other, a rather magnificent view.” His eyes were hungry, but his smile was soft and teasing.
“You are ridiculous.” She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of scarlet. “What if someone heard you?”
“They do not need to hear me when they already think it.” Adrian laughed, and then yelped when Natalie swiped playfully at him.
“Are you utterly incapable of being serious for even a moment?” She teased.
“For today? Yes.” He looked her up and down. “Especially if you are so intent on testing the limits of my control.”
“I am doing no such thing.” She moved closer to him, resting a hand against his chest.
“Your existence is enough.” His eyes drank her in hungrily.
“It is a pity your control is so easily tested.” She murmured, moving even closer to him.
“Is it?” His breath tickled her skin.
“Yes. Because that is exactly how I will win.” She pushed him, unbalancing him and running towards the stables.
He let out a surprised yell that turned into a laugh, and chased after her.
“You are going to regret that.” He called as Natalie ran behind a barell.
“Only if you catch me.” Natalie called back.
“Oh I intend to, Duchess. I intend to.” He caught her around the waist and hoisted her into the air.
She yelped and half heartedly batted him away. He chuckled and turned her around in his arms. “As I said, you are going to regret that.”
“Oh, I doubt very much that I will. Or I would not have let you catch me.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “You have fallen for my trap, Sir Fox.”
