She tightened her arms across her middle. “It is not fair that men should have all the fun.”
“I promise to keep practicing with you. Does that help?”
Louisa sighed before looking up at him. “I suppose. But I had better be more careful next time, for I would hate to ruin that handsome face of yours.” And then, as if realizing her words too late, her eyes widened.
“Is that so?” he asked with a smile.
“Yes, well.” Louisa tucked her hair behind her ear. “Last time I inadvertently punched you in the nose.”
“I won’t let you this time. I will be more prepared.”
She nodded, a faint smile across her lips as Norman helped Robert get dressed. Perhaps if he did not push her, but continued allowing her into his personal sphere, she would desire to know him more and more.
A man could always hope. And he had years to try.
Chapter twenty-two
Louisa gazed around theroom—its masculine hues and soft fabrics forming a perfect balance. It had taken more of her time than she anticipated, but she was very pleased with the finished product.
“It needs a different name.” Robert stood with his hands on his hips.
Louisa smiled. “I disagree.”
“You do?” His head spun toward her, his creased brow and turned-down lips making her laugh.
“It would be our little joke. Keep the name the same, and have people wonder the entire time they visit why on earth this room is called the Lavender Room. It would be great fun.”
His mouth quirked up, and he turned back toward the space. “Only you would think that is funny.”
“You seem to be entertained.”
“Yes. Because it is something you would find funny, and I am happy to be on the inside of the joke.”
Robert had been respectful of the boundaries she had set. He had kept to his word and not kissed her, but more and more Louisa was wondering what it would be like if she let him. Perhaps his tethered emotions would let free and he would encase her in his arms, kissing her relentlessly until she could think of nothing else . . .
“Louisa?”
She jerked back to attention. “Hm?”
“Are we keeping the name the same, then?”
She gave a single nod. “Yes. I fear I cannot bring myself to rename it. Consider it an ode to your departed grandmother. I feel she would be happy we are honoring her wishes.”
“Except we redesigned the entire room,” he said dryly, his hands clasped behind his back.
“That I do not regret. It was quite horrendous.”
“On that, we agree.” He spun back to her, smiling, and her knees turned to jelly at the openness of it. Gone were the timid, hidden smiles from their early days. Now, he let them free—and they were dazzling. Little half-moons formed on his cheeks, and she wanted to trace her finger over them—to know the feel of his skin beneath her touch.
“Be careful, Duchess.” His low voice rumbled in his chest. “If you keep looking at me like that, I cannot promise I won’t ask you to change your mind about that kiss.”
She tried to swallow, but it stuck in her throat as she held her breath. She finally forced a laugh so she did not give herself away. “You are incorrigible.”
He stepped closer, gazing down at her as the fire in his eyes intensified. “But if you have changed your mind . . .”
She put a hand to his chest, smiling as she wagged a finger at him. “I have not changed my mind. But I applaud your effort.”
Robert straightened his lapel. “Very well. It was worth a try.” He pulled his watch from his pocket, studying the hour before tucking it safely away. “What are your plans for the day?”
