Page 31 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

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The group played three more parlor games. Giles lost interest by the middle of the second one. Beating the other couples in the first game had been enough of a challenge for one night. At least as far as games were concerned.

“I find myself growing quite warm after all this activity. Perhaps a walk in the garden would be just the thing, before tea is served.” Lady Honora was once again the ultimate hostess, which was beneficial to the guests, since Lady Hawkins had spent the entire evening playing cards. Which was where he would have spent his time, were it not for his pursuit of Suzanna.

After all the guests agreed, there was a flurry of activity as ladies donned pelisses and bonnets. Before anyone else could claim Suzanna—he’d seen Mr. Davies paying her particular attention—Giles took Suzanna’s arm and tucked it under his, against his side.

The air did feel wonderful after the heat of the house. Torches had been lit along the pathway, which stretched before them, winding around in curves, giving strollers a view of the extensive gardens Lady Hawkins took such pride in. Much of the comeliness of the floral arrangements was lost to the darkness, however, but a stroll in the dark with Suzanna held a certain appeal.

Giles held back, allowing distance to grow between them and the other couples. “The night air is quite refreshing,” Suzanna said. “I was growing overwarm during that last game. Although I always find charades fun.”

“Ah, yes. Parlor games. The very heart of house parties.” He slowed their pace even more, hoping Suzanna did not notice how far away from the others they were. It would be a wonderful end to the day if he could kiss her.

“I understand there is a picnic planned for tomorrow. Lady Honora mentioned at dinner that there are several rowboats to be had. Do you row, Mr. Templeton?”

Giles came to an abrupt halt, swung Suzanna around, and pulled her into his arms. “Suzanna. Every time we are alone, and you call me Mr. Templeton, I shall kiss you.”

“’Tis not proper to call you anything except Mr. Templeton.”

“Alone. When we are alone. No one will object, since no one will hear us.”

She gazed up at him, the light from the slight moon turning her fair skin to silver and her blue eyes to indigo. “Why is that so important to you?” The whispered words from her plump lips ended his control.

“Ah, you don’t understand, do you?” Before she could protest, or in fact, utter a word, he covered her mouth with his. His hands itched to run his fingers through her hair, but the bloody bonnet halted him. Instead, he spread his feet apart and cupped her bottom, pulling her against his growing hardness. He ran his tongue along the seam of her mouth, nudging, until she opened.

With a groan he swept in, loving her taste of mint and sweetness. One hand left her backside, and his fingers pulled the ribbon of her bonnet, releasing the bow tied under her chin. “I have to feel your hair. It’s like silk in my fingers,” he murmured against her lips.

At first Suzanna held herself stiff, but as soon as his hand wandered to her bottom, she slid her hands up his chest, to rest on his shoulders. She became a participant, and he pulled her closer, once again running his palm over the curves of her derrière, cupping and squeezing the soft flesh.

Aware that the pathway wove in circles and the other couples could be coming back, he slowly released her and, tucking her arm once more in his, continued the walk. They both took deep breaths, and he had the distinct impression if he had not been holding tightly onto her, Suzanna might tumble to the ground.

They said nothing as they continued their walk.

“My bonnet!” Suzanna pulled her arm free and hurried back to where they’d shared their kiss. He followed her and watched as she bent over to retrieve it. He closed his eyes, but it was too late. With the flaming torch right alongside where the wind had blown the bonnet, forever burned into his mind was the sight of her perfectly rounded bottom, outlined so exquisitely when her gown fell forward as she bent.

He took her arm once again. “I hear the others coming back; I think it would be a good idea to

wait here for them so we can enter the house as a group. No gossip.”

“Yes.” She still sounded out of breath.

“Before they join us, I think you might want to fix your hair.”

She quickly smoothed out the sides and tucked the loose strands into the bonnet. “This must not happen again, Mr. Templeton.”

He leaned forward and kissed her, but this time, lightly, since the group was not far behind. “A kiss every time you don’t use my given name in private, Suzanna.”

She turned to stalk back to the house, but he grabbed her hand and they strolled together, their fingers intertwined, with the others only about ten yards behind them.

When they returned to the drawing room, the card players and those from the billiard room had gathered around the tea cart. Most of the men held glasses of brandy in their hands as they conversed. Small sandwiches, cakes, pies, and tarts were laid out, along with teacups and a teapot. Lady Hawkins and Lady Honora were busy pouring tea, while Hawk filled and refilled brandy glasses.

Giles joined Hawk and Cam and accepted a glass from him. “How was the billiards?”

Since Hawk and Cam were exceptional card players, they usually did not avail themselves of the game when at house parties. It would not be well done for Hawk to sit at the card table and fleece his guests. Although he had mentioned on occasion it might help pay for the expense of a house party, which could become quite costly to the host.

“Billiards were fine. How goes the big romance?” Only Cam could sip his drink and still smirk at the same time.

“I think it’s going well.”