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“Really.”
She cheered and then rushed to him with her arms wide open. She hugged him tight. Her soft curves pressed against him and at that moment, he only had one thought on his mind—kissing her.
He pulled back just far enough to stake a claim on Annabelle’s glossy lips. He just couldn’t help himself. No other kiss had ever been so sweet. He just couldn’t get enough of her.
He lowered his head—
Knock. Knock.
Grayson uttered a curse under his breath as he released Annabelle.
Her fine brows drew together. “Do I even want to know what else you’re up to?”
“Me?” he said innocently. “Why are you blaming me for someone knocking on the door? Do you want me to get it?”
“No, I’ve got it.”
She swung the door open and the butler was standing there with another large box. Annabelle immediately took it. A grin played upon her very kissable lips.
“Thank you.” She started to close the door.
“Ma’am.”
She turned back to Alfred. “Yes.”
“The box is for Mr. Landers.”
“Oh.” Pink tinged her cheeks. “I’ll give it to him. Thanks.” When the door closed, Annabelle sent him another puzzled look. “What’s this?”
He approached her and took the box
from her. “This is what I’ll be wearing to the ball.”
“You’re going?” The surprise in her voice rang out, making him smile.
“Of course. I wouldn’t make you go alone.” When her mouth opened in protest, he held up a finger silencing her. “And before you complain, just remember that you owe me. And be grateful that there’ll be no chariots involved and that you won’t have to pretend to be a horse.” As she broke out in laughter, he’d never heard anything so wonderful. “By my way of thinking, you definitely win.”
She subdued her amusement. “When you put it that way, I have to agree with you.”
“Good. I’ll take that as your acceptance. We’d better get ready to leave for the courthouse.”
“I almost forgot.” She checked the clock. “We don’t have long. I just need to change.”
“I think I will too. I’ll meet you back down here.”
Her gaze moved to the note. “What about this?”
“We don’t have time to do anything with it now. Do you have someplace safe to keep it?”
She nodded. “My room will be safe enough.” She lowered her voice even though they were the only two in the library and the doors were shut. “As a little girl, I found a loose piece of molding with space behind it. It will be the perfect place.”
“Sounds good.”
He knew that he shouldn’t be so eager to spend time with her. After all he’d gone through after Abbi’s death, he’d sworn off letting anyone get that close to him again. But if he could just maintain this friendship with Annabelle, they’d be all right.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
WHO’D HAVE GUESSED that he could be so charming?
