Page 34 of An Unlikely Debutante

‘You’ve been reduced to sentences comprising of just a single word,’ Lina observed.

Ignoring her comments as they made their way to his carriage, Alex tried to let some of the simmering feelings go, but found it was almost impossible. Seeing Lina enjoying herself with Mr Gillingham had made him feel something he hadn’t felt for a very long time: jealousy. He’d wanted to storm over and snatch her away and keep her all to himself. It was ridiculous—Lina wasn’t his to covet. In four weeks’ time she would be out of his life and moving on with her family. And he would be... Well, his life would return to normal. Once he’d won the wager he could concentrate on what was really important: training his racehorses.

‘I was the model of propriety this evening,’ Lina declared as he helped her up into the carriage.

‘And I?’ Alex asked, raising an eyebrow as he settled into the seat beside her. It was a snug fit and Lina had to wriggle over a little to make room.

‘You were rude.’

‘Forgive me?’

She huffed, then looked at him slyly. ‘Were you jealous?’

‘Of Mr Gillingham?’

‘You certainly acted as though you were jealous.’

‘I acted as any responsible sponsor would on finding the young lady they were chaperoning had disappeared outside with an unknown man.’

‘There were plenty of couples outside.’

‘Has anyone ever told you that you’re exceedingly argumentative?’

‘Has anyone ever told you you’re arrogant and self-important?’ Lina countered.

‘My sister tells me most days.’ Alex smiled. ‘I take it as a compliment.’

Lina exhaled sharply as if biting her tongue and turned towards the window. Although he’d never admit it out loud he’d begun to like how argumentative she was, how she was never afraid of voicing her opinion. It might make their relationship a little more fiery, but underneath that it was a testament to how much she cared about what they were doing, how she had started to care for him. That was a hundred times more valuable than an easy life.

The ensuing silence gave Alex a chance to study her profile; the soft lips, round cheeks and thick, shiny hair. It would be so easy to turn her to face him and kiss her. He didn’t think she’d protest, he’d seen the way she responded when their hands touched or when he held her to dance. Perhaps he should allow himself this one pleasure. He’d held himself so tightly, been so strict for so long. Maybe it was time to start indulging in a little of what he desired again.