Gown hitched up over her hips and her hair spilling out from the well-crafted coiffure, Anne lay boneless on the billiards table. Contented and utterly sated, she stretched like a cat. That thing Colin had done made her completely forget her desire to win the game.
She gazed over at him as he stood beside the table and adjusted his trousers. “Where did you learn that? I haven’t even shown you the book yet.” It had been one of the pages she’d marked and planned to ask him about.
He peered over his shoulder at her. A lock of hair tumbled over his forehead where she had grabbed hold when he was...busy between her legs. A self-satisfied smile was plastered on his face. “Give me some credit, Anne. I’m not a novice at this.” He held out his hand and helped her off the table. “Now, about that puppy for the girls.”
“We haven’t finished the game.”
He laughed. “Is that really necessary? You’ve proven you have the skill to beat me. Why don’t we leave it at that? Leave some of my pride intact.”
An aching tenderness ballooned in her chest, his praise liftingher high as if she had wings and could fly. Soaring so high, in fact, she hadn’t realized he was still speaking.
“...and if there is more than one remaining in the litter, I’ll get two puppies. One for each of the girls. It will save some fighting in the long run.”
She threw her arms around him and peppered him with kisses. “Really? I’ve already asked Mr. Ford to acquire one for me, so we only need one more. Although I promised my nieces I would share it.”
He grabbed her waist and held her at arm’s length. “What? You’d already had one waiting in the wings? Then why the challenge?”
She gave a little shrug. “It seemed like fun.”
He shook his head and laughed again. “At least the way it ended was fun. And I’ll write to your brother and ask him if I may purchase a puppy for the girls, if there are enough left.”
She circled back to his other comment. “You really admit I could have beaten you?”
He hauled her to him and cradled her head against his chest. “Yes. You play better than most men I know. But I’d appreciate the kindness of keeping this between us.”
Face pressed against him, she couldn’t resist the smile. “As long as I get another chance to beat you.”
Deep rumbling from his laugh vibrated against her cheek. “Very well. Now, it’s getting late.” He stood back and took in her disheveled coiffure. “Your hair needs work, but perhaps we can sneak upstairs without anyone noticing.”
“What about Alan, the footman?”
“Trustworthy. He won’t say a word. Now, come.” He held out his hand and led her to the door. After peeking around the corner, he pulled her out of the billiards room, and they raced upstairs like two naughty schoolchildren.
Out of breath by the time they reached her bedroom, Anne slipped inside while Colin stood in the hallway.
“Call your maid to ready you for bed while I say goodnight to the girls.”
When he turned to leave, she touched his arm, stopping him. “Let me come with you. I want to tell them about the puppies.”
“Puppy. We shouldn’t promise two until we’re sure they’re available, and we should wait until the morning. If we tell them tonight, neither of them will get any sleep.”
Anne gave him a little pout, although she knew he was right. As an aunt, she excelled, but as a stepmother, she had much to learn.
He brushed a fingertip over her lips. “However, if it pleases you, you may tell them. In the meantime, why don’t you prepare for bed, and I’ll join you later to finish what we started in the billiards room.”
The wicked grin he gave her coaxed a flush to her cheeks.
“And find that book. I want to see it,” he said, leaving her gaping into the empty space he’d just occupied.
“Don’t fall asleep this time,” she called after him.
A muffled chortle trailed behind him.
He did fall asleep, but Anne was pleased to say it was as they lay wrapped in each other’s arms. And only after exploring several of the interesting pictures in the book.
When she woke in the morning, she stretched her hand out seeking Colin only to find the other side of the bed cold. She blinked the sleep from her eyes. On the pillow beside her lay a perfectly formed red rose. With the bloom at her nose, she inhaled its rich fragrance and brushed the velvety petals against her lips.
The tingle reminded her of Colin’s kiss, and refreshed from her peaceful slumber, she bounded from the bed and threw on her dressing gown before ringing for Joan to help her dress.
