“Not that I think the same way about you,” he hurried to add. After all, they were about to be alone together for many hours. He didn’t want to anger her and ruin all chance for jollification.
Too late!Her expression turned, if possible, more outraged.
“Come now,” Jasper soothed. “Your best was better than anyone else’s, and we didn’t even finish.” He spoke the truth.
Leaning forward, he hoped to make amends with one of the kisses she enjoyed so much.
She pressed herself back against the squabs.
“We have no chaperone,” she reminded him.
He needed no reminding of that delightful fact. There was no better way to be with a woman than unchaperoned, as far as he was concerned. Deciding to test the boundaries of what might happen, he reached out to touch her knee.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“In Lord M__’s absence, all of London is wondering what has happened to Miss S__ who vanished at the same time.”
-The Gazette
Quick as a driver’swhip, Julia smacked Jasper’s hand. She might be at the earl’s mercy, but she would not become his “bit of stuff” during the trip to his country home. When she got out of the coach to meet the Dowager Countess of Marshfield, she didn’t intend to be disheveled like a cockish wench.
“I shall scream,” she promised.
Adorably, Jasper tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “Whyever for?”
“You cannot have your way with me on a whim. I shall scream and your driver will stop the coach,” she said, frowning at the bemused look upon his face.
“If I hadmyway, you have led me to believe it would beyourway, as well. You’re blushing again. Besides, if you screamed, I’m not sure my driver would stop. Shall we try it?”
“No, that’s quite all right. Please keep your hands to yourself.”
“How about if I sit next to you?” He had a gleam in his eye.
“Definitely not.” She sighed, feeling weak at how much she wanted him to kiss her and do more. Daily — sometimes hourly — she yearned for his hands upon her bare skin.
“Lord Marshfield, while my mind and morals insist I resist you, we both know the closer your proximity, the more I want you to kiss me.”
