A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,64

his throat. “Whenever you’re ready.”

It was their good fortune that they stood surrounded by large rosebushes and his worktable blocked the view from the doorway. Slowly, Christian drew away, not wanting their interlude to stop. “Damnable timing. I’ve half a mind to dock his pay,” he teased, a secret between the two of them.

The pulse at the base of her throat fluttered even faster than before. Her chest rose and fell as if she’d run a race. He knew the exact feeling. The sight of her flushed face, pinkened by desire, was so erotic, he wanted to capture such a vision and hold it in his thoughts forever. He took her in a brief kiss again, not wanting to let her go.

“Katherine…” He cleared his throat.

She glanced down and smiled at the obvious tenting in his breeches, then took a step back. Immediately, he wanted to follow. He’d follow her anywhere right now.

“We should go,” she said.

Reluctantly, he nodded. The interruption had to be a curse or a punishment that Meri had gladly cast upon him from above.

On second thought, it most likely came from below.

Either way, his brother was playing a cruel game with him.

Half brother, that was.

Christ, he should be concentrating on the correspondence in his office rather than Meri’s widow’s sweet lips.

What was happening to him?

If any soldier had deserted him like his well-bred willpower just had, he would have called for a court martial of the fugitive.

* * *

Meri’s personal items were spread across the burl wood library table that matched Christian’s desk. It stood centered between a set of bay windows that overlooked a private courtyard only accessible through the study. The samples of upholstery and fabric that Katherine had admired before were missing. The tea service sat on a table surrounded by matching sofas facing one another.

Interesting was the only way Katherine could describe Christian at the moment. After Wheatley had interrupted their kiss, Christian had politely escorted her to the study without sharing a word.

Whether it was because Wheatley had interrupted their lovely interlude or because he was in a high spirit from their kiss was anyone’s guess.

She was certainly in high spirits and wanted more and everything from him. When they spent time together, she forgot her past.

Finally, Christian broke the silence between them. “Will you pour?”

“Of course.” So lost in her thoughts, Katherine had sat like a frog on a log while the hot water for tea cooled. She quickly arranged a tower of cucumber sandwiches, lemon tarts, and fresh raspberries on a plate, then served him. He looked calm as he took a sip of tea while forgoing the delicious treats.

She took a sip of tea from her own cup at the same time. His large Adam’s apple danced as the hot tea slid down his throat. Her gaze wandered to his massive hand holding the cup. It wasn’t the normal way a person held a teacup. He didn’t thread his forefinger through the handle. Instead, his entire hand surrounded the piece of bone china.

She took her time chewing a bit of tart while he continued to stare at her mouth. Then he glanced at the table where Meri’s personal items lay. Immediately, he thrummed his fingers against one of his knees. She quietly wiped her serviette against her mouth, then set down her cup. “I noticed the way you hold a teacup. I’ve never seen anyone do that before.”

“My fingers don’t fit,” he mumbled. “The blasted cups have tiny handles.” He stole another glance toward the table, and the color seemed to drain from his face immediately.

“Hmm,” she answered noncommittedly.

It was quite possible, even probable, that he’d never grieved over Meriwether’s death. Christian kept things bottled up. But every once in a while, the grief spilt, and she could see the pain. He tried to act immune to hurt, but he was as human as the rest of the population who inhabited the planet. Besides, he had a good heart. He had committed to help Constance and Beth. He cared for Morgan and the rest of his men who had served him. Though he groused, he cared for his servants and probably the same for his tenants. Even the way he took his time to protect Poison Blossom showed his intention for good. He had so much to give others—his leadership, his ideas, and his love.

“Shall we?” He stood and waited for her to join him.

Together they crossed the study to the table. He held out a seat for