Page 25 of As the Earl Likes
“Don’t be shy, my boy,” Jo’s father said. “You must seal an engagement with a kiss, and we won’t even watch.”
Jo darted a glance and saw that indeed her father had turned away from them. Her mother looked…bored. But she also turned her head.
“They aren’t watching,” Jo whispered. “You don’t have to kiss me.”
“I know that is our agreement. How about if I just barely touch your cheek.” He looked askance, and the edge of his mouth ticked down. “Your father is, in fact, watching now.”
Blast! “Fine. Kiss me.” Her mother was right. This was too much effort for a fake engagement.
Sheff leaned his head toward hers and brushed his lips against her tightly closed mouth.
Dear God.
Jo was not prepared for the rush of heat that pulsed in her core, just from his merest touch. His lips were warm and firm. They moved gently over hers, coaxing her to relax. Her entire body had clenched in preparation for his kiss. Only for it be extraordinary.
She couldn’t help kissing him back. Her body knew what to do when she was kissed, when she was…aroused.
Then he was gone, his head lifting from hers.
She dared to look into his eyes. She caught the barest flash of surprise. Had he been as moved as she was?
This would not do. The no-kissing rule would be reinstated forthwith, and it would be absolute.
“Let me see the ring!” Jo’s father exclaimed, shattering the seductive aura Jo had found herself in—and none too soon.
Her father came toward them, and Jo held up her hand. “It’s a sapphire,” she said unnecessarily. “Isn’t it?” she glanced at Sheff, but didn’t want to look at him. Especially his lips. She could still feel them against hers.
“Yes. It belonged to my grandmother, the dowager duchess,” Sheff said. “She died last year.”
Jo would be very careful with it. Indeed, she was almost afraid to wear it, not when none of this was real.
“It’s spectacular,” Jo’s father said, taking her hand. He gave her a squeeze before releasing her. “I’m delighted for you both. I shall look forward to the betrothal ball. Do let me know the details as soon as you can. I must make sure I look like the almost father-in-law of the heir to a dukedom.” He laughed joyously. “And see what you can do about moving the wedding up. Jo would look so beautiful with summer flowers in her hair.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Sheff replied evenly.
“The wedding will be lovely whenever it is,” Jo’s mother said.
“Indeed, it will.” Jo’s father bid them all good day before bussing Jo’s cheek and departing.
No one said anything until they heard the front door close at the base of the stairwell.
Jo’s mother shook her head. “Your father is going to be devastated when this wedding doesn’t happen.” She directed her attention to Sheff. “This is a very odd scheme. I fail to see how it will help you in the end. You will still have to wed as dukes must.”
Sheff smiled, his gaze sly. “Rules are only meant to be broken by you?”
“Saucy,” Jo’s mother said as she laughed. “Touché.”
“We can count on your discretion?” Sheff asked.
“Yes, and I will help as I can—within reason.” She turned to Jo, her features softening slightly. “Be gentle with your father when you tell him the truth. He possesses a sensitive nature.”
Jo knew that, of course. She did not like having to deceive him, but there was simply no other choice.
“Mama, I forgot to mention that Sheff is also paying for my new wardrobe.”
“And I’m happy to do it,” Sheff said affably. “Jo is doing me a great favor.”
Jo’s mother speared him with a probing stare. “You will look after my daughter. I won’t see her hurt in any way as a result of your roguery. I suggest you engage in a period of celibacy for the duration of this farce.”
