Rake,” came the succinct reply. “Oh, all right,” Lillian grumbled. “I suppose he is a rake. But that may not be an impediment to his courtship of Lady Natalie. Some women like rakes. Look at Evie.” Evie continued to snip doggedly through the brocade ribbon, while a smile curved her lips. “I don’t l-like all rakes,” she said, her gaze on her work. “Just one.” Evie, the gentlest and most soft-spoken of them all, had been the one least likely to capture the heart of the notorious Lord St. Vincent, who had been the definitive rake. Although Evie, with her round blue eyes and blazing red hair, possessed a rare and unconventional beauty, she was unbearably shy. And there was the stammer. But Evie also had a reserve of quiet strength and a gallant spirit that seemed to have seduced her husband utterly. “And that former rake obviously adores you beyond reason,” Annabelle said.
Lisa KleypasA gleam of humor flickered in those obsidian eyes. “I should warn you, Hannah: when we meet at Stony Cross Park, take care to avoid the mistletoe. For both our sakes.
Lisa KleypasHis thumb caressed the scarlet surface of her cheek. “From now on, Hannah, no matter what you say or do, I’m going to look at your mouth and remember how sweet you taste.” A self-mocking smile curved his lips as he added quietly, “Damn it.
Lisa KleypasMy God, you’re opinionated. You must terrify nearly every man you meet.”
“I don’t meet many men.”
“That explains it, then.”
“Explains what?”
“Why you’ve never been kissed before.”
Hannah stopped in her tracks and whirled to face him. “Why do you…how did you…”
“The more experience a man has,” he said, “the more easily he can detect the lack of it in someone else.
Evie gave birth later that year to a high-spirited girl with flame-colored curls, leading St. Vincent to the conclusion that it was his destiny to be loved by many red-haired women. He was very pleased.
Lisa KleypasHannah leaned her face against his chest, and he felt the curve of her smile. “What is it?” he asked.
“Our first night together. And our first morning will be Christmas.” Rafe patted her naked hip. “And I’ve already unwrapped my present.”
“You’re rather easy to shop for,” she said, making him laugh.
“Always. Because Hannah, my love, the only gift I’ll ever want”—he paused to kiss her smiling lips—“is you.
Seeing her indecision, Bowman said casually, “The others will be coming in here momentarily. And I should probably mention that I have an excellent view up your skirts.” Drawing in a sharp breath, Hannah tried to gather her dress more closely around her, and her balance wobbled. Bowman cursed, his amusement vanishing. “Hannah, stop. I’m not looking. Be still, damn it. I’m coming up there to get you.
Lisa KleypasBut before he left, Matthew drew his wife aside and whispered, “Why do they have holes in their dresses?”
“I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation,” she whispered back, and pressed a fleeting kiss on his jaw.
Don’t come near me with those,” Annabelle said firmly. She shook her head with a grin, watching as Evie solemnly held up her own arms for Lillian to cut holes beneath her sleeves. This was one of the things she most adored about Evie, who was shy and proper, but often willing to join in some wildly impractical plan or adventure. “Have you both lost your minds?” Annabelle asked, laughing. “Oh, what a bad influence she is on you, Evie.”
“She’s married to St. Vincent, who is the worst possible influence,” Lillian protested. “How much damage could I do after that?
Her heart beat hard in her chest, until she felt the echo of its pounding in every part of her.
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