A Little Bit Scandalous Page 0,41

But she had a point. He couldn’t very well play the man himself. The duke’s presence in the back room had caused enough trouble the first time he’d done it to play Caroline, and it would rattle Mr. Lamb enough that any observations would be inaccurate. Caroline was really in the best position to do it.

Roe exhaled slowly and Caroline’s smile lit up the room. “I promise to be careful.”

“One night, Caroline, that’s all.” She came to her feet and before he knew what was happening she’d lunged herself at him, giving him a big hug.

It started out innocent, an embrace of gratitude, but he was instantly aware of her form, her very feminine body with her soft curves and those legs he knew went on forever. Damnation, but he longed to see those legs, to trail his finger from toe to the delicious apex that awaited between her legs.

She stepped backwards, her face flushed, pupils dilated. “Thank you,” she said, her voice coming out in a tight whisper.

He swore, then pulled her back to him and pressed his mouth down on hers. She responded immediately, threading her fingers into his hair and kissing him back. Her tongue slid against his and he growled in response. It was becoming obvious that he had no defenses against her. And he didn’t want any. She arched against him, pouring into the kiss the full range of her emotions. She met him touch for touch. Her hands were greedy as they explored his chest, and he cursed the fact that he still wore clothes. He grabbed her bottom and pressed her to him. She released a soft whimper in response and he nearly lost control.

Her touch—her desire—stirred his hunger like nothing else ever had. He wanted her, in that moment, in a way he’d never wanted another woman, and he knew with alarming clarity that he’d never want another woman the way he wanted Caroline. It was that thought that stilled his hands and gave him the strength to step away from her.

He tried to think of something soothing to say, something that would explain his actions, but there were no words. He was a selfish ass.

“Be ready tonight. For Rodale’s.” And then he left the room.

Chapter Nine

Caroline sat across from Roe in the carriage dressed as Mr. Grey, the boy who loved cards. It was unnerving to find her so damned attractive even when she dressed as a man, but there was a reason why women did not wear trousers. The pants cupped her curves, her rounded hips, and delicious bottom. He’d nearly swallowed his own tongue while helping her up into the carriage. Not only that, but he could certainly see how long those legs were in those trousers. Though partly hidden in a pair of dirty boots, Roe could still tell they were heavenly long and shapely.

She had obviously bound her breasts, as there was no hint she had anything but a flat chest. Her lovely hair was stuffed into a hat so that only the fringe at the front showed. It hung over her eyes just enough to hide her long curling lashes. The smudges on her cheeks, nose, and fingers finished the look, making her appear like a dirty chimney sweep. She looked adorable. He wanted her, there was no denying that, but he knew he couldn’t have her.

One touch and he’d ruin her, then he’d have to marry her; he wouldn’t be a complete cad. But he had no intention of marrying her because she deserved so much more than the likes of him. He knew what men in his family did to their wives—they cheated and berated them. What’s more, he knew he was capable of such things. He’d given things a try with Penelope and damned if he hadn’t begun the same road his father had taken before him. Roe had been tempted, had ended up with another woman in his arms. Yes, he’d stopped himself just short of bedding that woman. Still, in his mind, the damage had been done. So he’d vowed not to marry anyone. The damned title could die with him. It was what his father deserved. It was what the lot of the Grisham men deserved. Roe would not touch her. Kissing her was one thing, but he knew once he put his hands on her skin, there would be no turning back. He’d never get enough of her.

“This is not going to work,” he muttered, more to himself than