AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, that soundsfascinating,” Caroline cooed. “And what is it that one does on the Cape to keep oneself busy, outside of…work? I can’t imagine there’s much in the way of society or culture.”
Elizabeth’s eyebrows arched in amusement. “On the contrary. The Cape has a varied array of museums and cultural centers. It’s also home to several nationally recognized musical and theater companies, including the College Light Opera Company, which is based in Falmouth. We actually have an advantage over big cities in that the productions here are performed at wonderfully intimate venues.”
She gave Caroline a patronizing smile.
Caroline shrugged, appearing unimpressed. “Still, you must agree that the Cape is lacking in proper society. It can’t compare to the city at all.”
Who careswas on the tip of Elizabeth’s tongue. “Well, I suppose that depends on your definition ofpropersociety,” she said instead. “If you mean all those fancy dinners and balls and benefits, it probably compares to the city. Don’t forget, the Cape is known to be the playground for those Boston society types, especially in the summer.”
Caroline smirked condescendingly. “Obviously.”
Elizabeth was about to launch into a retort when Will cleared his throat and applied gentle pressure to her knee. “Elizabeth and I actually visited the aquarium today.”
“Really?” Caroline said with a bit too much enthusiasm. “I haven't been there since I was a little girl. And what do we have planned for tomorrow?”
“We?” Charles and Jane asked simultaneously.
“We, meaning you,” Caroline clarified. “What doyouall have planned for tomorrow?”
“Elizabeth wants to go to the farmer's market, so we might do that,” Jane said.
“And Will and I have made plans for the two of you, so leave your afternoon free,” Charles said casually.
“What kind of plans?” Elizabeth asked, turning to Will expectantly.
“You'll find out tomorrow,” he responded.
“Maybe we can go to the market in the morning?” Jane asked Elizabeth.
“Would you girls mind if I joined you?” Caroline asked. “I've never been to a farmer's market. I'd love to experience one. It sounds soearthy.”
“Oh, sure, we'd love for you to come,” Jane replied. “Wouldn't we, Lizzy?”
“Sure. We'd love it. Absolutely.”
After dinner, Charles insisted they leave everything in the kitchen for him to take care of in the morning. He turned on the gas fireplace and dimmed the lights, instantly making the room cozier. Caroline excused herself to go to the bathroom, and Jane and Charles headed into the kitchen to pick out another bottle of wine and get dessert ready.
Will took Elizabeth by the hand and led her over to the couch, tugging her down into his lap and making her giggle.
“This is no laughing matter,” he said seriously. “I haven't even had a chance to kiss you properly all night.”
“What are you waiting for?”
With that, he lowered his lips to hers, his hand lightly stroking her thigh and causing coils of sensation to spread through the rest of her body. His mouth caressed hers slowly, and as much as she would have liked to continue kissing him, she knew Jane and Charles or Caroline could return at any moment, and she slowly pulled her lips from his. She heard him exhale heavily, and he pulled her closer.
“That was an awfully big sigh,” she whispered and leaned back to look at him.
He said nothing, only ran one hand through her hair, sifting through it and wrapping it around his hand. He kissed her again, so gently and lovingly that it took her breath away. He slowly pulled away from her and rested his forehead to hers.
“So…about this surprise,” she whispered, and snuggled against him. “Can you give me a little clue?”
He leaned his head back against the couch. “Nope. You’re not getting anything out of me. Nice try, though.”
Caroline walked back into the living room then, her expression clearly illustrating her shock at their seating arrangement.
“Well,youtwo certainly look cozy. Are you—?”
“Yes, we are,” Will said, and smiled brilliantly.
