Evan blinked. Oh damn, he’d put his foot in it now. She thought he was referring to her father’s or husband’s attitude wearing off on her.
He reached for her hand, but she evaded his grasp. “Althea, you have my most humble apologies. I was trying to provoke you, yes. But I did not mean it that way. I was saying anything I could think of to get a kiss. That was the price I wanted. I’ve missed you. Your eyes and lips and skin and scent. But more, your fire and intelligence. I never meant to hurt you, just to dare you.”
“Oh.” She bowed her head for a moment. “I suppose I might have a touch of sensitivity about that topic. You’re certainly forgiven, Lord—”
“Evan.”
“Evan.”
“So?”
“So…what?” She lifted her eyes more than her face, chin still tucked down.
He did not bother with words. Instead, stepping closer, he slid an arm around her waist, his other hand tilting her chin up.
As she sucked in a surprised breath, he capitalized on her parted lips. His mouth met hers on a slant, tongue sweeping to tease along her lower lip, not quite entering, yet not retreating.
Her tongue crept out to meet his.
Lust surging hot through his veins at her initiative, he pressed into her, deepening the kiss. He swallowed her gasp as he nearly moaned from ecstasy.
From a kiss. What had his world come to?
Finally, he raised his head.
“You-you’re wearing my shampoo.” Her voice was faint.
“Yes. I have not yet had a chance to try the other one.” He was fascinated that even dazzled by a kiss, she identified the scent as one he’d purchased from her store.
Having taken the moment to regain his senses, he recalled what he’d wanted to tell her. Declining to release her, he kept his arm banded around her, his other cupping her shoulder. He liked her in his space.
“There are at least three apothecaries in the center of Bath,” he murmured in a lover’s voice, “and a few more outside the city center. I know of one location not far from the Grand Parade that might be for rent. An excellent location.”
“Ohh.” Her response was everything he’d want if he were stroking her nipple.
Speaking of…but no. He had his strategy; he must stay with it.
Stepping back, he released her. “I shall be in London for at least a sennight if you wish to discuss anything further. But for each consult, there will be a price. And they won’t all be simple kisses.” He winked and stepped out of her arms. “Good day, Lady Althea.”
****
Evan glanced around the ballroom in the London home of an acquaintance. He only knew the gentleman from Sarah’s club, but they moved in the same circles. Tonight’s gathering was a sort of half demi-monde, half Ton acceptable ball. No masks were required because on the surface, it was simply a ball. Easier to do in the off-Season but still risky.
Hence why he used Greenborough Park for the house party. But given the time of year and borderline acceptability of this fête, there would be few if any debutantes he’d need to avoid.
Discretion is the better part of valor.Evan shook his head mentally. He must be really far gone to be paraphrasing the Bard.
He’d managed to drag Ford with him, despite the man’s complaints about filling orders from Evan’s party. Conversing with Ford allowed him to avoid all but the most aggressive would-be dance partners. And Michael and his new bride were there, which was a pleasant surprise. Of course, Penelope had started in the world of the demi-monde, but Michael’s family desired strict adherence to society’s rules.
’Twill be like university, only Michael is the first to get his girl rather than me.Happy for his friend, Evan bore no ill will about being outbid for Penelope when she’d auctioned herself off. It had all worked out for the best for both Michael and the little baker.
Evan spied Althea and Beth sidling along the ballroom wall from the entrance. Althea wore another deep hue, this one a deep emerald, with a square neckline. Beth was in her preferred pastel peach.
He grinned.What a nice surprise. I should have expected Beth to attend and bring her cousin. No wonder Ford gave in. He suspected Beth was entertaining a dalliance with Robert. Mayhap she’d bring him out of his shell a bit.
Her presence and the nature of the ball provided a perfect opportunity for him to woo Althea into a casual affair that would suit both their appetites. Nudging Ford, he angled his head toward the duo.
His friend harrumphed, shrugging with a straight face.
