Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,189

kindness to Henry and Caroline," she said.

"It was pure selfishness on my part. I was glad to see the joy it brought them."

Lorelei fought off the temptation to kiss him. It would not do to scandalize her own family. Yet it was difficult to keep her emotion to herself. There was a great deal about Desmond that she liked, and each moment with him merely increased those feelings.

"If we were in a more private setting, I would be kissing you," she confessed.

"I have spent every hour since our last meeting with thoughts of your kisses. In truth, I have become rather adept at imaginary kissing."

"I have as well," she laughed. "I wonder if we were indulging in this imaginary kissing at the same time."

"I would not be surprised." His eyes took on a devilish cast. "Based on the path my thoughts took afterwards—"

Lorelei tried to give him a warning look but failed. Her thoughts were on the same trajectory, based on the heated response of her body just then. She was tempted to make some sort of excuse so they might sneak away for a brief moment…

"Tea is ready," Beatrice announced, her eyes twinkling as if aware of what she had just interrupted.

They seated themselves at the table with the children. Lorelei wondered if it would prove to be too humble for Desmond, but he seemed as comfortable as if he had been a member of their family for ages.

"My mama is already married," the little girl told Desmond. "But Auntie Lorelei is not."

Lorelei nearly choked on the sip of tea she had just taken. Her sister merely shrugged, a smile flitting about her lips.

"I shall tuck that information in my pocket for safekeeping." Desmond made the gesture, pulling his waistcoat pocket out and peeking inside, and then patting it closed. The little pantomime set the child off into peals of laughter. "I will also know where to go for such valuable information in the future."

Henry, not wanting to be outdone, piped up with, "Auntie Lorelei smiles a lot more when she sees you."

"Does she? She certainly makes me smile every time I set eyes on her." Desmond displayed an exaggerated smile that had the children cackling.

Lorelei joined in the laughter. "It is impossible to have any secrets with these two divulging everything."

Desmond said, "I believe they are keen observers, and are merely relating what they see." He gave Lorelei a quick wink. "Another bit of information I shall tuck away to be used at a later date."

Beatrice urged the children to finish their cakes. "Do not forget we have decorations to make."

Soon the table had been cleared of teacups and plates, replaced with brightly colored strips of paper and pots of glue.

"It has been a long while since I have done this," Desmond said. "I hope you do not keep the secret of how it is done to yourselves."

"We can help you," Henry said solemnly.

Caroline nodded. "It is not too hard."

They commenced pasting the ends of the paper together, showing Desmond how to link the next piece of paper before sealing it closed. He watched avidly before attempting it, following their instructions.

"You did it!" the little girl said.

"I had excellent instruction," Desmond replied.

Her brother beamed at the praise.

Everyone joined in, Lorelei and her sister regaling the children with stories of how they had done the very same activity when they were younger.

"Do you remember how we made our own jewelry?" Lorelei asked. She circled her wrist with a strand.

"And a scarf." Her sister wrapped a strand around her neck and then preened for her children. "I am quite dashing, aren't I?"

Desmond pretended to pout. "I feel quite plain in comparison."

Caroline jumped down from her chair, trailing a long paper chain. She stood on her tiptoes next to Desmond. He tipped his head down so she could place the strand about his neck. Henry rushed over to help her arrange it.

"I shall have to give my valet the boot and replace him with this pair." He grinned at Lorelei. "I believe I have never appeared so festive in my life."

"You are indeed a sight to behold," she answered truthfully. His grin broadened.

Finally, all of the paper had been glued together, and numerous chains had been made, and it was time for Desmond to leave. Lorelei could see he was reluctant to depart. He began to unwrap the chain still hanging about his neck.

"No, you must take it with you," Caroline insisted.

"You are certain?"

Henry added his agreement. "We have plenty, thanks