AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I grinned, burying my head into his shoulder. Perhaps if I did not see the ground so far below, I would not be frightened.
We started back toward the house, and James graciously commanded his horse to walk at a sedate pace. Something about James’s arms surrounding me was immensely comforting.
Leaning back slightly, I looked into his steady eyes. “I am sorry we were unable to see whatever you were hoping to show me.”
His gaze flicked down to me. “Do not apologize. We can go another time.”
I nodded, but I did not see how that would be possible. “Only if you find me a pony.”
“I was actually considering a mule. Or perhaps a donkey.”
“I would much rather ride a mule. They are far less likely to bite.”
“A mule, it is.”
I laughed, and James joined me. His chest shook, and I could not help but look up. His face was mere inches from mine. I had not realized that Solis came to a stop until James’s hands, free of any hindrance, raised to move the rogue strands of hair out of my face and hook them behind my ears.
“I promised myself I would not kiss you until the agreed upon six months had passed.”
“I did not realize kissing was part of that deal,” I said breathlessly.
His lips flickered in a smile. “It wasn’t, not really. That was my sad attempt to remain a gentleman.”
“You cannot think that doing your best to act like a gentleman will ever be in bad taste, James. I commend you, and I am glad to have found myself married to someone so thoughtful.”
Something I said unlocked a smile on James’s face so wide it took me by surprise, and I nearly loosened my hold around his waist, but my fingers were locked into place. James curved one hand around my cheek. “You constantly surprise me, Felicity.”
“With my clear talent at riding?” I asked facetiously.
“With your ability to trust me.”
Trust him? I sobered, considering the truth of his words. I had trusted him, enough to mount a horse after one of the most frightening equine experiences of my limited experience. But my safety, under James’s control, had not been in question—because he was correct, and I trusted him.
It was altogether a heady experience to realize how wholly I did value this man and place my safety so easily in his hands—from the long carriage ride alone between London and Chelton, to the conversations at our bedroom door each night, to riding his horse after nearly being thrown from one, I placed my trust in this man over and over again. It begged the question that had niggled at the back of my mind for the last five weeks since our initial meeting at the Huttons’ ball: could I do the same with my heart? Could this be more than a friendship, become a love match?
“I would like to kiss you,” James whispered.
My body warmed, and my heart raced, nerves mingling with anticipation. “That is agreeable to me.”
He found something funny about what I said, though heaven knew why, and he leaned down and closed the space between us, pressing his smiling lips to mine. My chest exploded with heat, and I clutched the back of his riding coat, gripping the fabric in my fists. James splayed a hand against my back, pressing me closer to him, the other against my cheek to direct my head as he deepened the kiss.
It was no wonder young ladies were ruined for kissing cads. James was no cad—but his kiss was exhilarating, and the longer it continued, the more of him I wanted.
Thundering hooves came toward us, and I pulled away. James looked over my head and his gaze hardened. “We have company.”
I looked over my shoulder to find Henry riding toward us, his face stone. “I was sent to find you,” he called, and I felt James stiffen. “Do not shoot the messenger, brother.”
“What is it?” James asked, clearly unwelcoming.
I wanted to slide to the ground and walk away. Whatever was occurring between the brothers, I wanted no part in it.
“Cousin Matthew has arrived and requested a private audience with you.”
James swore under his breath, then looked apologetically toward me. I pretended not to have heard it.
“We must go,” he said quietly. “One cannot expect an earl to wait.”
I swallowed hard. Earl? “Of course.”
My heart raced as we took off to return to the house, and I had a feeling it would not slow again for some time. I only hoped that I was not so much a disappointment to James. The only thing proving to me otherwise was the lingering feeling of his kiss.
