Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,303

“Yes, thank you. I admit I’m rather famished.”

A few steps brought them to the doorway where Lord Gillingham paused. “Did you choose a book you wished to read?” His gaze returned to the tall-standing shelves. “I apologize if I interrupted you.”

“I couldn’t decide,” Anne told him. “I’ll come back later.” Then she made to step across the threshold but stopped when Lord Gillingham failed to move.

Tobias frowned as the man smiled at Anne in a rather odd way, then pointed upward. “It would seem we find ourselves under some mistletoe, my dear Miss Thatcher.”

Tobias’s heart almost beat out of his chest as he stared at Anne. She had stilled at Lord Gillingham’s words and was now slowly raising her gaze. When her eyes fell on the small branch, she drew in a slow breath. Her jaw tensed, and he thought to see a hint of reluctance come to her face.

Lord Gillingham chuckled, “I’ve heard of yesterday’s unfortunate encounter.” The man’s gaze sought Anne’s. “Perhaps you’ll have better luck with me.”

Red hot jealousy burnt in Tobias’s veins, and he could barely keep himself from charging out of his hiding spot. If he’d still needed an answer as to how he felt about Anne, it now seemed perfectly clear. Still, he could not allow her to be compromised, which was exactly what would happen if Lord Gillingham learned that Anne had not been alone in the library.

Nevertheless, the thought of another man kissing his Anne turned Tobias’s stomach. It was wrong.

Simply wrong.

She was his, was she not?

At least, he wanted her to be. But what was he to do now?

“Lord Gillingham, perhaps…,” Anne began as the young lord stepped closer, intent on claiming his prize. Her eyes flitted over her shoulder, and for the barest of seconds, they met Tobias’s before she lifted a hand to stop Lord Gillingham’s approach. “I do not believe it wise to−”

The man’s hand grasped Anne’s, pulling her toward him. “I admit I’ve been hoping for such an opportunity.”

“My lord, I−”

“There you are!” exclaimed a familiar voice a moment before Lady Louisa appeared in the door frame. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”

Lady Louisa’s gaze moved from Anne to Lord Gillingham and then, with no more than a glance, she took note of the mistletoe above their heads. Instantly, her jaw set, and her eyes met Anne’s. “You must excuse us once more, Lord Gillingham,” she said with an utterly sweet smile. “But I require my cousin’s aid in a most serious matter yet again.”

Lord Gillingham sighed, clearly displeased with Lady Louisa’s interference. Tobias, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief. Never in his life had he been this grateful for Lady Louisa’s meddlesome tendencies.

Indeed, it was good to know she was on his side.

After Anne and her cousin had walked away, Lord Gillingham’s footfalls also retreated, and silence once more fell over the library. Running a hand over his face, Tobias stepped out of his hiding place, his gaze gliding over the peaceful gardens, slumbering under a white blanket.

He’d kissed her; and she’d kissed him back. The thought brought a smile to his lips, and Tobias hardly knew how to contain the joy that surged through his heart.

“I see you took my advice.”

At the sound of his brother’s voice, Tobias closed his eyes. “Why is it that you always appear when it’s least convenient?”

Phineas chuckled as his feet carried him to his brother’s side. “It is my special talent, I would say.” Leaning casually against the wall, Phin looked at him, the look in his eyes one of inquisitive watchfulness. “I assume you were successful.” His brows rose in meaningful innuendo.

Tobias exhaled a deep breath and turned to look at his brother. “And why would you assume that?”

“Because you look like the cat who got the cream, that’s why,” Phineas replied with another chuckle. “Will you now finally admit that you love our little Annie?”

Unable not to, Tobias smiled. “There’s no point in denying it now, is there?”

Phineas shook his head. “Very little. But then, you’ve always been a bad liar.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

His brother shrugged. “I suppose that depends on your perspective.” He pushed off the wall and came to stand in front of Tobias. “So, when will you ask her?”

Tobias frowned. “Ask her?”

“To marry you!” Phineas rolled his eyes. “Please, don’t tell me I’ll need to talk you into this as well.”

Tobias turned to leave. “I’ll not discuss this with you, dear Brother.” After all, who knew what Phineas