Her treacherous gaze roamed over him against her will, and she noted how the cloth stretched faintly across his muscular form. She already knew what that chest felt like beneath her palms, how those arms could crush her against him. Heat flared through her, her heart beating an erratic rhythm as her mouth turned dry.
When she dared meet his eyes again, she saw it: the same arrested fascination she felt mirrored in his gaze. For one perilous moment, the parlor faded—the house, the earl, everything, and there was only that memory between them.
Then Wayne blinked rapidly, breaking the spell, and bowed to Harold.
“Worthington,” Harold greeted him warmly. “It is good to see you again. I trust you are better today. You looked a mess last night after the tavern.”
Confusion swept Regina. Wayne had also been unwell? What strange twist of fate was this?
“Yes,” Wayne answered smoothly, though his glance flickered toward her. “Much better, my lord.”
That smile…oh, heavens, that smile. Regina’s mind betrayed her, imagining it once more curved against her lips, trailing down her throat. She pressed her hands together tightly to keep from trembling.
When Harold moved to the liquor tray, Wayne’s attention returned to her. The air between them seemed to thrum. She ought to flee, drop her gaze, dosomething.But she could not. She waited, almost daring him to show guilt, to confess with his eyes what they had done. Instead, his expression was maddeningly composed, even as his smile softened at the corners.
He bowed. “Good afternoon, Miss Taylor.”
Out of sheer habit, she sank into a curtsy, her throat dry. “Good day, Mr. Worthington.”
He stepped nearer, lowering his voice slightly. “Are you and Lady Jane engaged this afternoon?”
Her pulse leapt. “We…we are going to the dressmaker for her wedding gown.”
“Ah.” He inclined his head. “Then I wish you both a most delightful day. I’m sure you have much to discuss, as genteel ladies such as yourselves do.”
Her breath hitched. What did he mean? Was it a warning? A tease? Did he expect her to confess everything to Jane? Surely not. He scarcely knew her.
Before she could gather her wits, Harold returned, chuckling as he clapped Wayne on the shoulder. “Wrong again,Worthington. A day at the dressmaker’s is hardly Miss Taylor’s notion of delight. This young lady would rather hunt foxes, race horses, or raise barns than linger over lace and ribbons.”
Wayne’s eyes flew wide, his mouth parting in astonishment.
Regina nearly laughed aloud at his expression. For once, Wayne Worthington, the man who always seemed so smooth, so in control, was utterly undone.
“Indeed?” Wayne asked lightly, though his eyes lingered on her. “Then perhaps you would prefer to join us at the boxing match instead?”
Regina forced a shrug, every nerve alive. “Although the idea is tempting, I believe I shall go with Jane. She will need my help with her gown.” She made herself speak politely, though the words tasted like ash.
A small hand alighted on her shoulder. Regina startled, whirling to find Jane smiling up at her. Her pulse thundered. Caught…though caught atwhat, she could not name. Merely looking at Wayne had felt like trespassing.
“Reggie,” Jane said, lips curved in innocence, “if you wish to go with Father, I shall not mind. I know how much you enjoy a man’s sport.”
Regina’s throat closed. She dared not go. Wayne would be there, too close, and definitely too watchful. She shook her head quickly. “Don’t be absurd. Of course I will go with you to the dressmaker’s.”
Jane’s fingers tightened around hers. “But you have not done anything for your own enjoyment in ages. Go. Today, I insist. Father, will you not agree and help me convince Reggie that I am correct?”
Harold, trimming the end of a cigar, did not glance up. “Of course, my dear. Reggie will be a refreshing addition to the company.”
Suspicion prickled at Regina’s spine. Jane’s sudden cheerfulness felt brittle, forced. Why this eagerness to send her away?
Then Jane glided to Wayne’s side, slipping her hand with easy familiarity onto his arm, her smile sweet and triumphant. “Besides, this way you and Wayne may become better acquainted. By the end of the match, you will understand why I love him.”
Regina’s stomach clenched. Heaven forbid Jane should ever know the truth.
“No, that is not necessary—”
“Reggie.” Jane’s smile turned stern, her tone leaving no room for defiance. “I will not take no for an answer. My mother will assist me with the gown. You shall go to the match. It is settled.”
Regina’s heart sank. Her friend’s word was final.
