Anna, stop tempting me, please.
She came and placed a hand on his shoulder, turning him to face her. She had set her wineglass down on a table.Lord!She looked delicate, yet she was brave and strong. She must be to have survived the years she had in her parents’ hands. When she smiled, it went straight through him like a bolt.
“I want you to know that I will never forget everything you have done for me.”
“Anna—”
She pressed a finger against his lips. “I have not finished. I love my dresses.” He was unable to stop the smile that drifted onto his face. “I also want to ask you if you will introduce me to the tenants. I want to have as many activities to occupy myself with as I can.”
He had noticed that she was restless and the manor would not keep her for long. “Yes, I will. I have much to do tomorrow but we may visit them the day after.”
A soft grin brightened her face and she held her journal against her chest. “Have a pleasant night, Colin.” He began to turn but she stopped him again. “You do not mind that, do you? I mean calling you Colin.”
He shook his head. “No, I do not, but that is the final rule I will allow you to bend.”
“It is only one rule,” she murmured with a sweet little pout.
“You will be obstinate to trample the others if I allow it.”
“Very well.”
They stood there, and try as he might, he was unable to summon the willpower to leave. She leaned forward, while he took a step to cover the small distance between them. Then she dropped the journal as he took her in his arms, his lips descending onto hers. She felt too good, and he did not want to stop kissing her.
His member throbbed painfully, while his blood rushed in his veins so much so that he could feel his pulse in his toes. He sucked her bottom lip, then the top, and deepened the kiss until neither of them could breathe. He’d had mistresses before but dismissed the last one when he began to seek a wife. No woman had pushed him as Anna was doing.
He pulled away. “I earnestly have to go now.”
“I know,” she said, licking her lips. He shut his eyes against the current that gesture sent through him.
Colin took a step back, then turned and marched out. He would require a cold bath if he wished to get any sleep tonight.
The following day, a knock sounded on his study door, and Colin cursed, straightening. Before he could demand who it was, the door opened and Anna walked in.Heavens have mercy upon me!he prayed.
“I know you asked to not be disturbed and Bishop attempted to prevent me from coming, but I have to ask something of you.” She walked to stand before him, folding her hands primly in front of her. He could forgive her intrusion because she looked splendid in a dress that was a very pale green – it was almost white, and the low neckline afforded him an enticing view of her round bosom.
“Yes?” he prompted, resting one hand on his desk.
“You will not have to tolerate me any longer once I move to Northumberland,” she said, her eyes drifting around the room. “Your study is beautifully featured, Colin.”
“Anna, you were going to ask me something,” he reminded her.
“Oh, right. Pardon me. I was wondering if I could have a companion.”
Colin nodded. “Yes, you may have a companion. Speak to Mrs. Willis and she will make the arrangements. Unless you wish to have one brought from London.”
She smiled shyly and glanced down at her hands. “I do not mean a proper companion. I mean a dog or a cat.”
Colin sighed. “I am not fond of animals.”
“A cat is very small and you will hardly notice it in the manor.” Her large eyes implored. She could be positively assertive when she wished.
“Very well. You may have a cat.” He raised a hand as she was about to speak. “Only a cat.”
“Only cats.” She nodded vigorously. “Understood.”
“Onecat, Anna.”
“Yes.” She turned and started toward the door but paused. “Oh, I forgot to mention that Nathaniel sent word that he will not be joining us for dinner tonight.”
