Page 47 of A Raven Repents

“What are you looking so pleased about?”

“You’re beautiful when you laugh.”

Her heart gave a little flutter at his words.

Daisy giggled. “I knew you were funny, Giles, but I didn’t know you could be sweet too.”

“I should hope not.” He looked appalled. “Your husband would have McKinnon teach me a lesson for even pretending to flirt with you.”

Gwen bussed Christina’s cheek. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we’ll see much more of you moving forward.”

“Thank you. I’ve very much enjoyed getting to know you both. I had no idea I was part of a sisterhood.”

“We’re glad to have you,” Daisy said. “You’d better not keep her away, Giles. Not only is she fantastic company, but she hasn’t had a chance to taste Mrs. Corstairs’ raisin scones yet.”

Christina laughed. “I can’t wait to try one.”

The two of them waved and started back toward Raven House, McKinnon following behind them.

“Unfortunately, you won’t be able to enjoy one until we get back from Michael’s. We’ll be leaving in the morning before the scones are ready.” He reached down and took her hand. “You don’t mind going with me, do you?”

“Are you bringing me back here after you’ve finished your business with your cousin?”

“It’s not business. He needs someone there with him until the baby is born.” He tilted his head. “Although, I suppose it partly is business now. But yes, I’ll be bringing you back here with me. This is my home.”

“Well, you didn’t bring me with you before.” She raised a brow to challenge him.

“I think we’ve already established that I was a bloody fool, behaving like a spoiled child having a temper tantrum, have we not?”

“I don’t know if I’d put it quite like that.”

“Need I apologize again?” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and leaned in. His lips brushed against her ear, setting a mass of butterflies loose in her stomach. “Or perhaps, we can go home and I can show you just how remorseful I am.” The tip of his tongue sent a chill racing down her arm as it tickled her neck.

She desperately wanted what he was offering, but it was still light out. He’d been very clear about wanting honesty. He would hate her for hiding her birthmark from him. Perhaps she could put him off just long enough for darkness to fall. “You haven’t even fed me a decent meal yet, and I fear the growling of my stomach will be quite a distraction.”

“You’re right. You should definitely have some sustenance beforehand, since I will be the one feasting once we get home.”

“Giles!” She swatted his shoulder, her cheeks surely about to burst into flames. “We’re in public.”

He chuckled. “And anyone who sees the color of your cheeks will know exactly where your mind has gone.”

She put her hands up to cover them. “Stop it!”

“I’m sorry.” He pulled her in and pressed a kiss against the top of her head. “Well, nearly.”

“Do you think your cook can put something together for us, considering staying here tonight wasn’t planned?”

“I’m sure she could, but that doesn’t sound like much fun.” He squeezed her shoulders and turned his gaze up to the sky in thought. “Hmmm. We’re not dressed for somewhere fancy. What would you say to fish and chips?”

“I’ve never had that before.” She had heard of it, and was always up for trying something new.

“It will be a treat, then. It’s a secret favorite of mine.”

“In that case, I definitely want to try it. I find I quite like learning about your secrets.”

He hooked her elbow and turned her in the opposite direction. “I just happen to know the place with the best fish and chips in London, but it’s a bit of a walk. Would you prefer I hailed a cab?”

“No.” It was the perfect opportunity for her to pass a little extra time. “I think I’d enjoy walking with you.”