Page 11 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

The light scent of brandy and mint from his warm mouth eased her, while his wicked tongue touched all the sensitive parts of her mouth, creating havoc with her body. Her clothing felt restrictive, the tips of her breasts tingled, and the place between her legs grew moist and heavy.

He moved her head into a different position and took the kiss deeper. With her heart pounding in her ears, her thoughts spun, and she clung to his arms as if he were a beacon in a storm. Now she fully understood why innocent young ladies were protected from the rakes of the world. She was in danger of sliding to his feet in a puddle and offering him whatever it was he wished.

Slowly he pulled back and looked in her eyes. Her eyelids felt heavy, her body languid. Surely her face was flushed, and her heart thumped a cadence, as if she’d dashed over the hills at her country estate. She didn’t know whether it was a good or bad thing that Mr. Templeton seemed to have a hard time gaining air himself.

Without another word, he took her by the arm and walked her from the garden back into the house. Her thoughts were still muddled, and it wasn’t until they reached the front door that she spoke. “Thank you for your visit, sir.” She barely heard her own breathless voice.

He bowed over her extended hand. “It has been my pleasure, Miss Blake. Might I expect to see you at the Andrews rout later this evening?”

She stared at him for only a moment, trying to digest his words. “Yes, I believe Lady Montford accepted for both of us.”

“Excellent.” He took his hat, cane, and gloves from the man at the door and hurried down the stairs, leaving Suzanna dazed and dismayed because of her mother’s edict.

…

Giles entered White’s and immediately spotted Hawk and Cam.

“Well, don’t you look like the cat who stole the cream.” Hawk eyed him over the rim of his brandy glass as Giles sat in the chair across from his two friends.

“I take it the bridegroom is entertaining his new wife this evening?” He sat back and rested his booted foot on his knee.

“I am sure any one of us would be doing so, had we been foolish enough to get ourselves leg-shackled. After all, there must be some reward for giving up one’s independence,” Cam said. “However, you have neatly dodged our question. What is it that has you looking so smug?”

“You might be correct to say I stole the cream.” He grinned and waved to the footman to bring him a brandy.

He wasn’t sure he’d stolen the cream, but he was certainly a bit closer to it after the kiss he’d shared with Miss Blake. She had never been kissed before. At least, not really kissed—maybe a fumble in the dark with an untried youth.

Her reaction had been all he’d hoped for and more. ’Twould be no time before he had her exactly where he wanted her.

“I assume this has something to do with the lovely Miss Blake?” Cam nodded his thanks as the footman placed a bottle of brandy on the table in front of him. “’Tis no secret you had a fancy for her at Bedford’s wedding.”

“You might say that.” Giles reached over and poured a healthy

amount of brandy into his glass. He took a sip, then leaning forward, dangled it between his knees. “I plan to marry her.”

Hawk choked, causing Cam to slap him on the back. They both stared at Giles, wide-eyed. “Marry her?” Hawk squeaked, still unable to catch his breath.

“Yes. I do. I know neither of you believe in love at first sight—”

Two very loud groans interrupted him.

Giles glared at them. “—but from the moment I set eyes on Miss Blake, I knew she was the one for me.”

Cam turned to Hawk. “Do you hear violins playing in the background?”

“Sounds more like angels singing, accompanied by a harp.” Hawk’s retort was followed by a huge grin that annoyed Giles even more than the two dimwits’ words.

“Or the rattle of leg shackles.” Cam seemed to recover himself first. “And what does Miss Blake say about this? Or have you not advised her of your plans?”

“I have not formally proposed, but I told her I intend to pay her my address. Most young ladies know precisely what that means.”

“Ho, knowing women as I do, I am sure you telling her must have gone over quite well.” Hawk shook his head and regarded Giles as if his brain had suddenly slipped out of his ear.

“I admit, there is some reluctance on the part of my soon-to-be bride, but I have plans to overcome that.” He was fully aware how arrogant that sounded, but he had no intention of losing Miss Blake.

“Care to share those plans?” Cam asked. “Just in case I meet a woman I barely know, whom I immediately decide to marry, and tell—not ask—her of my intentions. One likes to be prepared for all circumstances.”

Despite the ribbing of his two friends, he continued. “As a matter of fact, I will need your help.”