Her heart flipped. “It does, my lord.”
He stepped closer and placed his hand over hers as it rested against the horse’s neck. “Do you know how much I want to kiss you right now?”
Tingles buzzed through her body, making her weak in the knees. “What is stopping you?”
One side of his grin lifted higher than the other. “The servants. They are watching.”
Inwardly, she groaned. She didn’t need to peek at them—she trusted Vincent’s word. “Then know that I want to kiss you right now as well.”
Closing his eyes, he breathed faster as though fighting against his urges. “My precious,” he whispered as he opened his eyes, “will we ever get that moment? Every time we try to steal some time for passion, we are always interrupted.”
She chuckled. “Yes, it does seem there is something trying to stop us.”
He lifted her dirty hand and kissed her knuckles. “We shall try this again tomorrow.”
“Yes.” Her mind scrambled to remember what plans they had. When she recalled, she hitched a breath. “Vincent, tomorrow my parents are having a dinner social.”
“That’s correct, they are.”
“You leave the party early, and then I shall complain of a headache and retire to my room.”
“Do you wish me to sneak into your room?” he asked quietly.
“No. I shall come to your house.”
He shook his head. “I’m not certain that is the best—”
“Yes, it is. That’s what I shall do. It will work this time, I assure you.”
Vincent was quiet for a few seconds before he nodded. “My sisters are visiting their cousins. They won’t be back for two more days.”
“See?” She grinned wide. “My plan will work perfectly.”
“I believe you are correct.”
He kissed her knuckles one more time before turning her away from the horses and leading her back to the servants who waited by the coach. Hope sprang back into her chest and gave her the energy to move.
Vincent helped her inside and gave her one last smile. She winked. As he closed the door, she tried to stop the giddiness from letting loose. Within twenty-four hours, she and Vincent would seal their wedding vows…before they were married.
During the short ride home, she mapped out in her mind how things would happen. She’d find an old pair of breeches and a man’s shirt. She’d stuff her hair in a servant’s cap to make herself look like a boy. Then she’d take one of her father’s horses and ride to Vincent’s estate. Night’s shadows would be on her side, because nobody would notice her gone.
Ellie’s smile widened as she relaxed back against the seat. Her mind kept going…
Once she had reached his manor, he’d take her gently by the hand and pull her inside. Vincent would wear only his shirt and trousers. She would see his bare, muscular chest, and it would be sprinkled with light brown hair. Even his feet would be bare. Looking into each other’s eyes, they wouldn’t be able to contain their passion any longer. They would fall into each other’s arms immediately, fusing their mouths together.
Sighing, Ellie closed her eyes as her daydream continued.
Vincent wouldn’t be able to contain himself, and he’d lift her in his strong arms and carry her upstairs to his bedchambers. His long legs would take the stairs two at a time. His room would be dark, only a few candles lit. The blankets on his bed would hold his scent of pine and leather. He’d lay her on the bed first, and then loom over her…
The coach jerked to a stop and brought her out of her dream. Sadly, she would have to continue this dream tomorrow when it really happened. She would do everything in her power to make certain it occurred with no interruptions this time.
The footman opened the door and helped her down. She thanked him, and had taken her first step toward the house when a horse’s neigh stopped her. She swung toward the sound. In the full moon’s light, she saw Pegasus trotting toward her, and a man holding the reins. At first, she didn’t recognize the man, but as he walked closer, his identity struck her like a hand across her face.
What was Edgar Stone doing with her horse?
Chapter Twelve
Ellie stared dumbfoundedat Edgar as he brought her horse closer. The man’s happy smile churned her stomach. He acted as though he was bringing her a trunk full of gold and treasure. True, she loved her horse completely, but she didn’t want to give Edgar any thanks. Not yet, anyway.
