She forced a small smile. “Yes. I’m sure.”
He nodded once, but the movement was slow and reluctant. “Dominic and Selina should arrive anytime now. Dom and I will be back for dinner.”
Deena nodded silently as she sipped her tea. “Where are you two going?”
She needed to know that they would be safe.
“We usually meet at the nearby gentleman’s club,” Austin replied without hesitation.
“All right.” Deena believed him, but she still felt uneasy about it.
She involuntarily let out a soft sigh when Austin reached for a piece of bread, and his arm grazed hers
“What was that?” he turned to her, a mischievous look in his eyes.
“I didn’t say anything,” Deena stuttered.
“Oh, I was sure I heard something.” Austin frowned, and she knew he was toying with her.
“Perhaps, you are hearing things.” She teased him.
Austin laughed softly, and the sound threw her off balance. She wasn’t sure if she was allowed to enjoy her husband’s company when so much was unsolved between them and around them, but in that moment, she put aside their troubles and smiled as he chuckled.
“I’m curious, Dee, am I seeing things too?” He looked at her quizzically.
She frowned at him. “And what is it you’re seeing?”
“I see my wife— I mean,friend, blushing and laughing.” His voice dropped low, and Deena’s breath caught when he drew nearer to her.
Outside, the sound of an approaching carriage could be heard, but Deena couldn’t care much about it as she stared at Austin’s tempting lips.
“It seems our guests have arrived,” he whispered, and she felt the faint touch of his lips against hers before he pulled away and stood up, leaving Deena shaken and wanting. “I’ll take my leave now, but if you need anything, Dee, don’t be afraid to send for me.”
Deena caught the slight smirk on his face.
“You’re impossible!” she blurted out before she could think about it.
Austin feigned surprise. “What did I do now?”
“Oh, don’t act so innocent. You and your…your velvety ways!” She threw her arms up in exasperation, and Austin watched her, completely amused.
The door behind him opened, and Selina arrived with Percy, Mary, and their nurserymaid.
“Uncle Austin and Aunt Dee!” Percy launched himself at Deena’s legs. “We’re here!”
Deena hugged him tightly, grateful for the distraction.
“Are we interrupting something?” Selina looked at them.
“Not at all,” Austin said comically. “My wife was just telling me how impossible I was.”
Selina gaped at Deena, who was struggling to contain her nephew. “What? He is impossible!”
“Yes, Dee, but you don’t ever tell them that to their faces.” Selina rolled her eyes as she picked up Mary, who was crying at her feet for her attention.
Austin whistled at the doorway. “Women are harsh creatures.” He rubbed at his heart as though they wounded him. “Anyhow, I’ll leave you two to it.” Austin saluted Percy, who giggled and saluted back.
Deena ignored the fluttering feeling in her heart.
