Page 36

Noone had ever done anything as kind and thoughtful for her, let alone her mischievous pet. She had no doubt that SirWaddlesby would follow Darius about like a devoted puppy now, which meant the bookstore might well have a regular feathered visitor.

“That was very thoughtful of you, Darius.”

Theystared at each other in silence for a few lengthy moments until she remembered where they were.

Glancingswiftly over her shoulder at the parish cottage, she said, “Papa and the girls aren’t in a state to receive visitors, but I made shortbread this morning and could offer you a cup of tea to go with it.” She pulled a face. “I know you prefer coffee, but I’m afraid we don’t have any. Papa’s a tea drinker to his core.”

“I’d like that very much.” The smoldering smile Darius gave her nearly unhinged her knees. “I’ve brought books for the twins and your father and seed cake, pasties…”

Noother parishioner had brought so much as a spoonful of honey to soothe sore throats, let alone the bounty that Darius carried.

Hegave the basket a rueful glance before shrugging. “Truthfully, I’m not exactly sure what Mr. Sherman put in here. I told him to fill it with food to tempt one’s appetite. I think there’s a custard too.”

“That was most considerate of you. I’m sure Papa and the girls will be thrilled.” After bending and retrieving the laundry basket, Araminta angled toward the kitchen entrance. “Shall we?”

“Certainly.” Darius fell into step beside her.

Silencestretched between them, poignant and titillating.

Withevery step, Araminta became more aware of his masculine charisma. It didn’t help that the muscles in his thighs bunched with each stride he took. She floundered for something to say to distract her from the far too virile man beside her.

“You needn’t have made a special trip just to deliver the gloves to SirWaddlesby. You could have waited until my next shift at the library.”

Excepthe’d also brought food for her ailing family too. Nincompoop.

“I could’ve waited, but I wanted to see you, Araminta. I’ve thought of little else these past few days.”

Therewas that husky tenor again, sending a wave of awareness cascading over her.

Shestumbled but recovered her balance.

Not, however, before he made a rough sound in his throat and cupped her bare elbow. Though he wore gloves, a streak of electricity zipped up her arm to her shoulder, across her back, and straight to her heart.

Behindthem, SirWaddlesby released muffled hums and honks, the glove still clenched in his beak.

Justoutside the open kitchen door, Araminta paused and, summoning her courage, met Darius’s penetrating gaze. Warmth and tenderness emanated from his eyes. But something else simmered in those blue depths.

Somethingmore potent.

“Why have you been thinking of me?” Goodness, there she went, sounding breathy again.

“Because, my darling,” his expression grew impossibly more tender, “I’ve fallen hopelessly, irreversibly, and completely in love with you.”

Aproper lady would’ve reacted with demureness and restraint, but what proper lady owned a pet goose and wrote romance novels?

Instead, Araminta dropped her laundry basket, almost hitting poor SirWaddlesby on the head.

Hegave a startled honk before sidestepping several paces.

Shethrew her arms around Darius’s neck and clung to him, not caring that anyone might come along and see her. “I didn’t dare hope you loved me too.”

Dariusencircled Araminta’s waist with his free arm and pulled her so near their thighs brushed. Then his lips were upon hers, and time stopped as sensation and desire encapsulated her.

Whoknew a tongue could cause such arousal?

Suchcompelling need?

Herblood sang in her veins as her heart thundered with untold happiness.