Viktor gave a small nod.“Oxford, as were my younger brother and our father.But it might surprise you to know that parts of Glenloria are very much like northern Washington.It makes me feel quite at home, and while Seattle is no New York or London, it offers many diversions.You see, I did my research.”
Quinn lifted her camera and took a couple of shots of the viscount, who startled and protested.She continued to take pictures of him.Viktor’s response was to take on a more regal pose, like ones she would expect to see in the portrait hall of a grand house in Europe.She lowered her camera.
“Go stand by the Japanese maple tree over there.With the aspen grove to the left and the sugar maple to the right, the colors will look great behind you.”She waved him in that direction, and with a huff, he did as she said.
Quinn took a few pictures of him as he made his way.When he turned and found she was photographing him again, he went into that stupid pose.She sighed and lowered her camera.
“Anyone can photograph you in your formal stance.With those blue eyes and your dark hair, you’re very photogenic.I’ll bet all the ladies love to get their pictures taken with you.”
The corner of his mouth quirked up, and his voice turned flirty.“You think I’m photogenic?”
Quinn knew how to deal with clients who tried to come on to her.“Don’t worry.With Photoshop, I can make anybody look good.”
Viktor pulled a face, and she couldn’t help laughing again.
“You know, if you’d cut out the flirting and get rid of the chauvinistic attitude, you seem like a decent guy who’d be fun to hang out with.”
“I would enjoy that very much.”He took a step toward her, and Quinn took two steps back.
“And that’s how you ruin it.Remember, I’m happily engaged.Your continued persistence is an insult to my character.”It was true about the insult, but that Heath wasn’t really her fiancé was a lie which didn’t speak well to her honor.
“He is not good enough for you,” Viktor said with a vehemence that surprised her.
“You’ve known us for a day, and you think you can say that?”Quinn shook her head.“No.I’m not going to argue with you about it.Let’s go.The session is done.I’ll send the raw photographs, and you can have your staff clean them up.”
“No, please.Continue.I will do as you ask.”He stayed where he was, his hands stiffly at his sides as though fighting not to step closer to her.“I wish to have photographs taken of all the day’s events.”
A weariness Quinn hadn’t felt before hit her.If she survived the day, it would be a miracle.
“Ah.There you are, sweetheart.”Heath jogged over and put his arm around her waist.“I thought this might be where I’d find you.”And then he kissed her.
8
Considering what had happened yesterday, Heath should have known better.But with Viktor watching, and the memory of his words from the day before going through Heath’s mind, hehadto kiss her.
Once again, Quinn played along.She slid her hand up and around his neck, pulling him closer.He loved the feel of her but didn’t lose himself in the moment this time.
A cough from the direction of the duke-let gave the signal Heath had been waiting for.He pulled back a little but then kissed her one more time, a quick peck.Her gaze met his, her cheeks flushed that pretty pink she hated but he loved.Why hadn’t he been kissing Quinn O’Brien for months?
Another cough, now even louder and irritated, made them step apart, but Heath laced his fingers with those of her free hand.Together, they faced the man, and Heath found them staring at each other.What had transpired between them before he’d arrived?
Viktor’s expression turned resigned, and he nodded.“We will meet again at noon when the events begin?”
“Yes, but we don’t need to be together the entire six hours that the festival is open today.”
“Ah, but as you know, I must do my duty.”
Once again, something passed between them, and Heath felt a tinge of jealousy.Quinn wasn’t the standoffish and annoyed woman she’d been yesterday.It was almost like she and Viktor were reluctant friends now.The man worked fast.
While Heath had reservations about getting involved with her, he tossed them away.He liked how things were developing with Quinn.She obviously had feelings for him too, and he wouldn’t let her go without a fight.
“Well, my love,” he said, pleased at how naturally the endearment slid off his tongue, “it’s time for us to get our lunch before we head out into the festival.”He lowered his voice and added, “I’ve arranged for lunch in the apartment again.”
“Perfect.”She looked up at him and her gaze dropped to his mouth—and she licked her lips.Was she inviting Heath to kiss her?He might have but her cheeks flushed, and she turned to face Viktor.“We’ll meet you where we did yesterday.At noon.”
Quinn started to pick up her equipment bag, but Heath grabbed it instead and flung it over his shoulder.He’d done the same thing many times since she’d moved to Wildstone, so it felt natural.Hopefully, it looked that way to Viktor.
“Later, my Lord.”With Quinn’s hand in Heath’s, they walked toward the castle.
