Page 98 of Love ad Lib
Libby’s eyes widened. ‘How did you know?’
Henry shrugged. ‘It’s either that or Amelia Earhart. She likes kickass women who wear trousers. She’s never going to come dressed as a princess.’
His sister galloped past everyone at the lakeside towards them. Libby ducked behind him as Duke reared to a halt and his sister dismounted.
‘It’s okay,’ Estelle said to her, shucking a pack off her back with a fluffy head sticking out the top. ‘Duke may be huge but he’s good as gold.’ She unzipped the pack and Chester bounded out. ‘He can’t run as fast as the others, so he gets to ride with me.’
Libby crouched down to pet him. ‘I think you’re the coolest person I’ve ever met,’ she said to Estelle.
A brief expression of shock crossed his sister’s face before her smile almost split it in two.
She punched Henry on the arm. ‘Hear that? Although it’s not hard to be cooler than you, let’s face it.’ She turned to Libby. ‘And you look like a summer goddess. Fancy a ride on Duke?’
Libby stood, shaking her head so fast a few petals fell off her garland.
‘Can Henry ride him?’ she asked.
‘Yes, of course.’ Estelle narrowed her eyes. ‘Hang on, is this some kind of Regency role play fantasy thing for you, Elizabeth Bennet?’
‘No, not at all.’ She blushed. ‘Erm, I just didn’t, er, believe that Henry could really ride. That’s all.’
Did Libby have a thing for men on horseback? Henry didn’t hesitate, swinging himself onto the saddle.
‘Did you just squeak like a mouse having an orgasm?’ Estelle asked, incredulously. Henry couldn’t see Libby’s face as she stared down at the grass.
‘That was Chester,’ she mumbled.
Estelle snorted. ‘Yeah, right. Your costume choices are now making a whole lot of sexy sense.’ She looked at Henry with a smirk. ‘Brother, you are getting it tonight.’
The thought that Libby might like a man who could ride spurred Henry on. He nudged Duke and the horse took off. He laughed out loud at the thrill. It had been years since he’d ridden and he’d forgotten how joyous it was. They galloped across the park then wheeled around and cantered back to Estelle and Libby, slowing to a walk as they approached so as not to scare her.
Libby’s cheeks were pink, her mouth open, her nostrils flared. Henry’s heart thumped faster in his chest. Did she likehim? Or just the fantasy? Right now, he didn’t care either way. Her attention was so entirely on him, she’d failed to notice Chester humping her leg.
‘Fuck’s sake, Chester-Chops.’ Estelle pushed him away. ‘That’s Henry’s job, not yours.’ She glanced at her brother, a cheeky grin on her face. ‘Your girlfriend’s in heat. Want to nip off to a field for a quick roll in the hay?’
Henry froze, as did Libby. Heat moved up his neck as her cheeks turned from pink to red.
Estelle jammed her hands on her hips. ‘Seriously? Whatisit with you two? Henry, you look like you’re about to be shot. Lighten the fuck up! Jesus Christ. I think Eveline’s more up for it than you two, and she’s the bloody vicar.’ Estelle started striding towards the group by the lake. ‘Come and get some Pimms in you. And if that doesn’t loosen you up, I’ll nick you some Viagra off Dad.’
19
Libby concentrated on breathing slowly in and out, trying to calm herself. This was a difficult task when Henry’s pert backside was swaying on Duke’s back in front of her.
‘Go on then,’ said Estelle. ‘Top five Austen fantasies.’
‘What?’
Estelle took her arm. ‘Indulge me. They don’t have to be in any particular order.’
Libby bit her lip.
‘Oh, come on! Look, if you tell me, I promise I’ll save you from Rupert or Julian if they get too close.’
Libby giggled. ‘Okay, but you have to promise not to tell Henry.’
Estelle looked at her askance. ‘Why not? Surely this is the basis of your entire sexual relationship?’
She shook her head.
