Thatwas interesting. She’d kissedhim,of course, but he couldn’t correct her. “And…?” He cleared his throat, letting his words drift off significantly.
“And it wasquiteenjoyable.” She cleared her throat.
“So he kissed you? Is that all?” This was excruciating, but if he hadn’t been there last night, he’d be asking these questions.
“Not quite.” More blushing.
His brows inched higher. “Did you?—?”
She slapped at his shoulder. “Honestly, Griffin. I cannot tell youeverything.”
He blinked at her innocently. “Fine. Then just tell me this. Did you…enjoy yourself?”
Her smile was wicked. “Suffice it to say, I am going back Thursday. To see him again. If he decides to return, that is.”
Griffin narrowed his eyes on her. “Why wouldn’t he return?”
She shrugged. “How do I know that he enjoyed himself as much as I did?”
“I’m certain he—” No. Better to let that comment go. Instead, Griffin inclined his head. “So, the pleasure club was all you hoped it would be?”
“And more,” she breathed.
Damn. There was no doubt he was going to hell for doing this. Here she was telling him about what she’d done with the gentleman she’d met, and Griffin had not only kissed her and touched her, but he still wasn’t telling her it washim.
What the hell would happen when she discovered he’d lied to her? This entire charade couldnotend well. There was no possible way it could. Griffin had been up most of the night trying to think of an efficient way to end it all. But by the time the sun had come up, he still had no good plan.
To make matters worse, even though he’d told himself a hundred times that he shouldn’t, heknewhe would return to the club on Thursday. What choice did he have? It was wrong, but he couldn’t leave Meredith there alone. Marsden and his ilk would be only too happy to swoop in if he wasn’t there.
He’d briefly considered taking Ash’s advice and telling her immediately that he loved her. But that idea didn’t sit well with him either. He still wanted to provide her with the perfect Season, the perfect courtship, the perfect betrothal. She deserved that. Not to mention the fact that he hadn’t yet had time to woo her. She might not even say yes if he declared himself so soon. He couldn’t risk losing her friendship if the time was not yet right. Damn. Damn. Damn.
“Enough about me,” Meredith continued, snapping him from his thoughts. “Youneed to begin courting the woman you’re going to marry. An engagement won’t just happenwithout some effort on your part, you know.” She glanced around the ballroom. “So…where is she?”
Griffin smiled and shook his head. “That wasn’t even a good try. I believe you’re on your fourth guess.”
Frowning, Meredith pressed her fists to her hips. “How am I supposed to make a proper guess when you refuse to show interest in any lady?”
He bit his lip. “What if I told you I’ve already shown plenty of interest in this particular lady?”
Her eyes lit up. “Ooh, a clue? How sporting of you, Griff.” Meredith tapped her chin with her gloved finger and frowned again. “But I can’t think of anyone…except…” This time her eyes went wide and so did her mouth. “Cecily Grundy?”
“No,” he said simply, staring straight ahead with his hands folded behind his back.
“Oh, you infuriating man! You gave me that clue, knowing I would guess Cecily, didn’t you?”
“You cannot prove it.” He grinned at her. “That only leaves three guesses, Mere. You may want to be more cautious in future.”
“I intend to be, don’t you worry,” Meredith grumbled. “Now, allow me to give you some advice. You cannot expect to court a lady unless you do things like bring her flowers and take her riding in the park. Have you doneeitherof those things?”
“Not yet, but I intend to do both…quite soon.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Thursday Night, The Onyx Club
“Looking fer some fun, lovey?” a blond woman in a scarlet-colored gown and matching mask asked Meredith. She was sitting at the bar waiting for Griffin to arrive. The woman had just materialized at her side.
Meredith had thought about it quite a lot, and she’d already decided she wouldnottell Griffin she knew it was him. Because for all she knew, itwasn’thim. After all, he hadn’t taken off his mask. He hadn’t admitted it. He certainly hadn’t acted any differently toward her at the Harrisons’ ball. She’d begun to wonder if she’d been imagining the entire resemblance.
