She took his arm before meeting his gaze. “Indeed.”
“Would you prefer to do something other than taking a ride in the curricle?” He asked as he led her across the porch. Brazenly taking a loose curl into his hand, he leaned close. “I fear the wind will ruin your appearance.” It had not escaped his notice that she did not wear a bonnet. Nor had he failed to notice the absence of a proper traveling dress. By days end, she would be speckled from the sun, and her coppery hair would be a mass of knots.
Olivia smiled up at him, her cheeks flushed. “Nonsense.”
“Very well,” he said as he handed her into the curricle. A Moment later, he climbed in beside her. He’d planned on driving them to the ocean with hopes that she would bare her ankles and dip her toes into the water. Perhaps he still should. However, he could not stomach the thought of allowing her discomfort even if it stemmed from her own desire to shock him.
William took up the reins and set the carriage into motion. Due to her lack of proper attire, he couldn’t take her into town either. Had that been her plan? To ensure he took her nowhere? How would his little minx react if he did venture toward society? He gave her a wicked grin. “I thought we might enjoy a sweet at the local bakery.”
“I cannot go in public as I am. Let us drive around the estate.”
“You little hypocrite,” he teased. “You have no issue with impropriety so long as you are at home, but in public, you appear the perfect wallflower.” William stopped the curricle so he could fully turn his attention to her. “Do you wish to retrieve your bonnet?”
Olivia peered at him, the copper fleck’s in her eyes sparkling. “Most certainly not.” She notched her chin in defiance. “I shall go as I am.”
As if the devil had whispered in his ear, William turned the carriage toward the road. He should not instigate her as he was, but he could not help himself. He had to know how far she was willing to go. Would she risk her reputation, her parents scorn, all to be rid of him?
He glanced at her as he turned onto the road. The minx sat beside him with a stubborn tilt to her chin. When their eyes met, she shot him a confident smile.
“It’s a lovely day for a ride into town.” She wrapped her fingers around the mass of hair spilling over her shoulder and smoothed her hand down its length.
His chest tightened with longing. How he wished it was his hand skimming the length of her soft coppery waves. William let out a slow breath as he turned his attention back to the road. She may seem relaxed and confident at present, but he’d wager that her tone would change the moment she was faced with any real danger of discovery.
A wager he would soon loose for when they neared a bend in the road, they were greeted with the pounding of horse hooves and creaking of carriage wheels. He snuck a glance in her direction. She did not so much as flinch while his heart nearly pounded free of his chest. Her reputation would be ruined if anyone took notice of her in her current state.
William leaned forward as he drove them around the bend, hoping to shield her as much as possible from prying eyes. Once the other carriage had passed, he drew them to a stop. He’d not allow the little fool to destroy herself. Assuming she hadn’t already.
“What are you doing?” Olivia asked.
He shot her a bewildered look. “I’m turning around.”
“Why?” She angled her chin.
“Because I no longer wish to go to town.” He set the curricle back in motion, turning the team back toward the estate. Perhaps he should not have tested her as he did. Now there was no way of knowing whether or not repercussions would follow. It depended on who occupied the passing carriage and whether or not they’d been paying attention to notice Olivia.
She sat beside him, remaining silent as he drove them back to the house. A few times, he thought to say something to her, but in the end, held his tongue. When they arrived, he drove back to the stables rather than stopping in the drive. Doing so would allow him to walk back with her, allowing him a while longer in her company.
William jumped down from the curricle, then went to her side and held up a hand. “Allow me.”
Olivia smiled before placing her hand in his. “That was interesting.” She narrowed her eyes on him. “May I ask what changed your mind?”
“I suspect you already know?” He looped her hand around his elbow, then started toward the house.
A slight smirk pulled at the left corner of her lips. “On the contrary. I wouldn’t presume to know your mind.”
“Wouldn’t you?” He drew them to a stop and pinned her with his stare.
“Of course not.” Olivia smiled, sweetly. “But do tell me what caused our quick return.”
He trailed his gaze over her then captured a silken strand of her hair in his hand as he leaned closer. “I feared for your reputation.”
She stared at him all wide-eyed innocence, then her cheeks colored. “Bloody hell,” she narrowed her eyes on him as her cheeks flamed. “It is—”
William brought his lips to hers, cutting off whatever she’d been trying to say. A gentle press of his lips against her plush mouth. When she did not pull away, he slanted his mouth over hers, taking more. He’d kiss her senseless if she allowed him too. Erase all ideas of unladylike behavior from her mind. Make her forget the game she played with him.
Olivia weakened under his ministration. She leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his neck, meeting his kiss with her own fervor. Her fingers soon found the hair at the nape of his neck and tangled there as their lips moved together.
He swept his tongue over the crease of her lips, and she opened for him, her tongue darting out to meet his. Passion engulfed William, heating his blood and coiling in his gut. He deepened the kiss taking all she offered.
