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"I doubt that."
"This is really where you sleep whenever you're home."
"Yes. This is the viscount's bedroom. My parents slept here until Dad passed away, then I was forced to move in here. Tried to convince Mum she should keep this room, but she wouldn't hear of it. 'This is the viscount's quarters, and you are the Viscount Sommerleigh now.' That's what she said."
"Rosalyn cares about what's proper. I admire her dedication to following tradition." Avery glances around the room, her eyes lighting up. "Mind if I try out the bed?"
"Go ahead. You'll be sleeping on it tonight."
She grins and belly flops onto the bed, then rolls side to side while giggling.
I have never heard her laugh that way before, and I love it. But I can't resist jumping onto the bed feet first, which makes the whole thing jostle wildly. Then I lie down beside her. We both roll over at the same time so we're facing each other.
Avery nudges me with her knee. "You mother told me you'll turn thirty in two months. She wants to have a big party for you."
"Party? That's overkill." I eye her with curiosity. "I want to ask how old you are, but I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because it would be ungentlemanly."
She kisses me, then taps a finger on my nose. "You are so sweet, Hugh. But I'm not sensitive about my age. I'm thirty-two."
"An older woman? I've shagged several of those, but I've never dated one."
"I've never dated a younger man."
"How can that be? You're beautiful, sexy, clever, and accomplished. Blokes should be queuing up to beg for a chance to date you."
She smiles with such tenderness that I get another of those odd sensations in my chest. "Most men are intimidated by accomplished women. They feel inadequate or jealous or…whatever."
"Those wankers must be insane."
Avery snuggles up to me, and our noses rub against each other. "That's why I love you."
"Why, exactly? I'm confused."
"Because you think successful women are hot."
Avery slides off the bed, heading for the bathroom. She smiles over her shoulder at me as she asks, "Mind if I take a shower?"
"Have at it, darling."
Only after she goes into the bathroom do I realize what she said a moment ago.That's why I love you. The statement could have been an offhanded remark. She might not mean she genuinely loves me. But I love her, and I need to tell her that right now.
So I strip off my clothes and join her in the shower.
Avery startles when I open the frosted glass door, but her surprise quickly melts into a sensual smile.
"Mind if I help you get clean?" I ask. "It will involve getting dirty first."
"I'd love to do that." She loops her arms around my neck. "Showering with you is the best kind of dirty."
"First, there's something I need to tell you." I back her up to the tile wall, pressing my growing erection into her belly. "I love you, Avery."
She grins. "I love you too, Lord Steamy."
"Care to know a secret?"
