Page 41 of Winning Her Duke

He was laughing once again. “And that is the very reason why I find you so charming. You intrigue me. Every time you open your mouth, I have no idea what will come out, but I’m sure it will be vulgar or amusing. Generally, both.”

“Are you suggesting you welcome this rumor that we are courting?”

“I can’t say that I have an opinion. London is filled with gossip, half of which is not even close to the truth. I don’t feel the need to correct anyone who thinks we’re more than friends. As long as you and I are in understanding as to what our relationship is and isn’t, then why should we care what the rest of the ton thinks?”

She let out a breath and visibly relaxed.

“I suppose you’re right. I never care what they say about me. It’s just that when they implicated you, I wished to spare you the embarrassment.”

“I am not embarrassed to be your friend, Gia, and I do not appreciate that you think it is my reputation that is at risk here. You’ve met my other friends. They are far more of an embarrassment. Besides, as we’ve discussed, I am known to be a rake and a scoundrel. And don’t forget a savage from Scotland. If anyone should worry about being seen with the other, it is you who should not want to be found in the shadow of my character.”

“Are you angry?” she asked bending forward to look at him closer. He caught a whiff of something warm and inviting. Jasmine? Honey? Or just her?

“Aye. As a matter of fact, I am.” Though he couldn’t be sure why.

“Not because you’ve been caught up in a possible scandal, but because I am apologizing for it?”

“Yes.” He answered before thinking, that was exactly it.

“That makes no sense.”

“Just the same.” He’d found recently that many of his feelings made no sense.

“I’m not sure if I should apologize for my apologizing or if doing so would just make you angrier.”

She glanced at him and he could see the smile that played at the corner of her lips.

“You are utterly ridiculous,” he said, not hiding his grin.

“Your Grace, I’m offended.” She might have convinced him if she’d not been laughing.

Keeping up the charade, he took her hand in his and stared deep into her dark eyes.

“Forgive me, my lady.”

She returned his gaze and shrugged.

“I would never hold a grudge against one of my dearest friends.”

They had been teasing one another a moment ago, but he could tell she was sincere now. That she thought of him as her dearest friend warmed his heart.

He had friends. Ones so close he thought of them as brothers. But what he had with Gia was different. Easier somehow. Necessary.

He found he wanted to know her better. Not better. He wanted to know everything.

“Can we speak about something other than horses or scandals?” he asked as the song ended and he led her toward the dining room for supper.

“What else would one talk about except horses?” she answered.

Once again, she pulled a laugh from his rusty chest.

“I’ll come up with something.”

“You realize if the mamas think you are courting me, they will leave you alone and you no longer need your title of fogue.”

He chuckled. “I believe I will make an excellent fuiter instead.”

She giggled at his made-up word for a faux suiter.