Descending the stairs, she faltered. Hargrove had beaten her to the ready. She nearly blurted out how attractive he appeared in his cream-colored breeches, blue silk waistcoat, and darker blue coat, but managed to snap her teeth closed on the words.
He must admire her first. And he did. She could see it in his glittering eyes.
“Miss Talbot, you have outdone yourself.”
She tried not to look as pleased as she felt. “I’m sure it’s all Polly’s doing.”
He shook his head. “Who on earth is Polly?”
“Your maid, of course.”
“Not reallymymaid,” he said. “She came with the place, you know. I’m glad she finally has something to do since she is paid weekly with all the staff.”
“A few shillings,” she teased.
He smiled. “You may say it’s Polly who’s given you quite the shine, but you’re a well-rigged frigate without any help from anyone.”
Their gazes caught, and she would have welcomed him drawing closer and kissing her.
Instead, Glynnis let him take the lightweight shawl from her hands and turned as he directed until her back was to him. When he draped the silk across her shoulders, she shivered at the touch of his fingers, which remained for the briefest moment on her upper arms.
Facing him once more, she considered how intimate their living arrangement was — for he hadn’t yet donned his evening gloves.
Taking a pair from the hallstand, he drew each on with a quick tug. She swallowed. It was easily one of the most enticing things she’d ever seen, and her insides fluttered. What would it be like to be in his bedchamber when he was dressing? To see his bare throat before his cravat was tied?Gracious!
“Is something amiss?” he asked.
She had been staring shamelessly at his hands, imagining them upon her body. Daring to glance at his face, she seemed to get caught by the sight of his attractive mouth.
“Nothing,” she said, licking her lips. “Just ... nothing.”
When she dragged her glance to his blue eyes, she saw a spark flare to life that matched the heat curling inside her, low in her body.
“Miss Talbot,” he began. Then he cut himself off, gave a shrug of surrender, and drew her toward him.
“May I kiss you?”
