A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,90

his life, Rand House seemed like a true home.

Because of one unique thing.

Katherine.

The thought of her living here made his chest squeeze with a desperate need as vital as air. She would return from her long hours at the shop and he from his day in Parliament. With welcoming arms and warm kisses, both would be anxious to share an embrace and discuss the hours they’d been apart. It was a heady vision, one he could easily crave.

He entered his apartments, closed the door behind him, then headed straight for the bedroom. Katherine stood over his bed, straightening it as if she were a maid.

“I don’t recall hiring a new upstairs maid, but if you’re applying, I think you’re a little overqualified.”

Katherine glanced up and smiled. The brilliance of her eyes shone brighter than a perfectly cut topaz. He was riveted by the sight and couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“Good evening, Your Grace.” She dipped a slight curtsey, then waved her hand over his bed. “Tonight, you’ll sleep on a complete set of my bedding.”

For a moment, he thought she was inviting him into bed. He shook his head slightly to rid himself of the image of her lying there, waiting for him to join her to share all the erotic and sensual fantasies they could think up with each other. She wouldn’t have a stitch of clothing on.

His body tightened as his cock enthusiastically thickened from such wicked thoughts. He forced himself to concentrate on the bedding as he rubbed a hand across the folded sheets and the duvet. It was almost as soft as Katherine’s skin.

“This is a lovely gift.” He tried desperately to appear nonchalant and completely comfortable with a beautiful woman in his private apartments. Yet she was more than that. She was part of his life.

“This is the set that Meri bought when we first met. Morgan discovered it this evening in Meri’s things with a note that it’s for you.”

“Finally, my half brother left me something that I’ll cherish.” He winked at her, then took off his evening coat and threw it on a chair that was close to the bed.

She neatly folded the sheet corners, tucked them under the mattress, then smoothed the lovely duvet across the bed to cover the sheets.

Every inch of his body tightened at the sight.

Katherine walked around the side until she stood next to him. “I received a letter this evening.”

Christian frowned. Another missive from his miscreant half brother? No. She wasn’t upset. Instead, Katherine practically shimmered with excitement. “What?”

“From the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber.” She took his hands in hers and squeezed.

Christian lifted one side of his mouth. He suspected she won the contract based upon the way she was flushed, her pink cheeks betraying her excitement. But he wanted Katherine to tell him so he could watch the absolute joy that would transform her from a beautiful woman into a spectacular one.

“And?” he prompted.

She tightened her hold on his hands as if trying to keep herself grounded and not float away. The biggest grin spread across her face. “I received the royal appointment.” Then without letting go of his hands, she bounced on her toes. “Can you believe it?”

“I had little doubt. Your work is exceptional. They wouldn’t have chosen you otherwise. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” When Katherine reached up and brushed her lips across one cheek. Instantly, that familiar undercurrent that sizzled between them sparked anew. In a slow, easy movement, she drew away, but their gazes locked, and neither of them looked away.

How long they stood there, he hadn’t a clue. But what he did know was that he wanted to kiss her more than he’d ever wanted anything in this life. Such was the power she held over him. “Katherine.” His voice turned gruff, much like a growl. “We’re playing with fire.”

She answered by brushing her lips over his. He didn’t move but closed his eyes. Unable to bear it any longer, he kissed her in return. The light violet scent wrapped around him, and in turn, he wrapped his arms around her. She sighed in pleasure, and he slipped his tongue past her lips. Immediately, she met his with hers. It was like coming home from a very long war.

The moan that escaped her hit him like a shot, instantly spreading desire through every part of him. He had wanted her before when they’d shared intimate kisses. Each kiss had built upon the last, bringing them closer and closer