Page 22 of One Night of Temptation
“We should sleep,” he said, sounding gruff and not looking at her.
No, they should finish what they’d started. Dissatisfaction roiled through her. If only the maid hadn’t arrived just then!
If she hadn’t, what might have happened? Did Penelope really think that a rector would throw propriety completely out the window—it was scandalous enough they’d spent so many hours alone and would spend the entire night that way—and kiss her?
She’d certainly wanted him to.
“I would offer to step into the hall to give you some privacy, however I pledged to remain with you.” He looked away. “But perhaps you need a moment…”
Yes, she did need to take care of delicate needs, though she didn’t plan to undress. That seemed an endeavor that would only heighten her desire.
Desire?
Yes, that was precisely the right word.
“What about you?” she asked.
He frowned but still didn’t meet her eyes. “I don’t want to leave you.”
She sent him wry look. “What would be the alternative? I presume you need, er, a moment to yourself too.”
He cracked a smile, and she relaxed slightly. “You have a point. Lock the door behind me, and I’ll be back in a trice.”
She nodded, and he left. As she locked the door, she wondered if he’d go visit the serving maid.
No, silly. He said he’d be back in a trice.
She might be a virgin who’d never been kissed, but she was educated enough to know that coupling took more than atrice.
Crossing back to the table, she finished the rest of her wine, then took care of her needs. A few minutes later, he returned with a knock. “It’s Hugh.”
“Hugh again?” she said, unlocking the door.
He was smiling as he came inside. “Very funny.”
“You started it. Should I call you Hugh?”
“Probably not.” He sounded regretful. “But I wouldn’t complain if you did.”
“Then while we’re here, you must call me Penelope.”
He tipped his head to the side. “May I call you Pen?”
Her nurse had called her that until her mother had forbidden her from doing so. Then she’d only done it in private. Until the day she’d been caught, and Mother had terminated her employment.
Penelope felt deliciously defiant. “Please.” She realized he was carrying a blanket. “Did she forget to bring that up when she collected the dishes?”
“Yes. I think she wanted me to have to find her.”
“So she could proposition you again.”
He shrugged. “I found Con instead.”
She was inordinately pleased by this, but didn’t say so, of course. “Did you tell him she behaved inappropriately?”
Hugh laughed. “Con would hardly care, nor would he try to stop her.” He went to deposit the blanket on the chair.
Penelope moved to the bed and folded back the coverlet. She sat down on the mattress.
