A Little Bit Scandalous Page 0,57
officially releasing her from the lease agreement. She held the letter to her chest and nearly squealed with delight. At least that was one battle she had won. The victory gave her renewed courage to step into the corridor that led to Roe’s bedchamber. The hall was quiet as she made her way to his bedchamber.
She raised her hand to knock, then paused. What would happen if he refused her? Walked away from her? Nothing. Her feelings would be bruised, her pride wounded, but she would not die. She would persevere, just as she had the first time he turned her away.
Knowing that calmed her nerves enough to knock on the door. It took a few moments before she heard his footsteps approaching. He pulled open the door and her breath caught. Standing there with no jacket and his shirt undone nearly to his waist, Roe looked so handsome, so roguishly masculine that she nearly forgot why she’d come to his room. Crisp, dark hair sprinkled across his chest. Her mouth went dry and her palms itched to touch him.
“What’s the matter?” he asked gruffly.
“Nothing is the matter, I only wanted to, that is, I thought we might talk for a while.”
“Have you more thoughts about Mr. Lamb?” he asked, still standing in the doorway.
“Well, no, not exactly, though I most assuredly think he is the vilest of men. Making those poor girls do such things. It’s unforgivable.”
His eyes narrowed. “Indeed. But we discussed that in the carriage. Caroline, what do you want?”
“Oh for Heaven’s sake, Roe, let me in.” She pushed her hand against his chest, moving him out of the way. “I want to speak with you. Certainly you can spare a few moments to entertain me.”
Caroline was surprised she got all those words out. And coherently. The warm, hard, and sinewy expanse of his chest had nearly rendered her speechless. This wasn’t going to be as easy as she’d hoped. She spied a decanter with amber-colored liquid across the room. “Might we have a drink?” Perhaps that would ease her nerves some.
“I was not aware you’d started imbibing.” His tone was casual, perhaps a little amused, which boded well for her. He moved to the dresser and poured them each a drink.
She stood silently while she waited for him to bring her the glass. “I thought I deserved a little celebratory drink.”
“What are you celebrating?” He handed her the glass, and she brought it to her lips.
He watched every move she made so she did her best to look as sophisticated as possible. She took a large swallow, and then almost choked as the liquid burned down her throat. Her eyes burned and watered, and she coughed twice.
He smacked her on the back with a chuckle. “Slow down. You’re supposed to sip the brandy, enjoy the smooth flavor as it warms your throat.”
“Right,” she said through the burn. “I received a letter from Mr. Murdock. He’s found another residence and has released me from our previous agreement.”
“That is worth celebrating.”
She took another hearty sip of the drink, glanced around his bedchamber.
“Are you nervous about something?” he asked.
“Yes.” Her voice came out in a whisper.
“You need not disguise yourself again to play Mr. Lamb,” he said, but he continued, not waiting for her to respond. “It’s understandable you’d be concerned about seeing him again. We will find another way to prove he’s stealing from Dover House.”
“It’s not that. No, I really came here to talk to you about something else.”
“And what would that be?”
She took another drink of the brandy, but this time did as he’d suggested and sipped slowly. It went down much smoother. She leveled her gaze on him, tried to focus on his eyes and not allow herself to stare at his chest. “I believe we should have an affair.”
It was Roe’s turn to choke on the brandy. He wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his shirt. “Have you gone mad?”
Perhaps she should have timed that better and waited until he wasn’t taking a drink. Or at the very least she could have waited until he’d actually swallowed it.
“Of course I’m not mad.” She fidgeted. “I’ve considered this thoroughly, and I think it is a good idea. It could just be one night if you prefer. It need not change anything between us.”
“You’ve certainly figured it all out, then.” He tipped up his glass and downed his drink. His eyes closed as he swallowed, then he quietly walked back to the decanter and poured