A Scandalous Ruse by Ava Stone

Author:Ava Stone
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Night Shift Publishing
Published: 2017-05-28T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

A fter a blue blob of paint had landed on her dress the day before, Bella had been certain to bring her smock with her to Clayworth House today. She strode into the countess’ sitting room and found Greg already there, in the corner, looking over her canvas.

“This looks nothing like me,” he said at her entrance.

The man was not artistic, she reminded herself. “Not yet.” Bella narrowed her eyes on him. “But you’re not supposed to look at it until I’m finished, Greg.” It was just a mess of colors and shapes at this point. It wouldn’t look like anything to anyone except for her.

He flashed her a smile that made her knees slightly weak. “Can’t blame me for being curious.”

No, but she could blame him for making her belly flip. How did he do that? And on so regular a basis?

“Phoebe says you ride. Any chance you could be talked into going to the park today instead of painting?”

“Instead of painting?” she echoed.

“Well, for just an hour or so.” He flashed her that grin again. “One’s muscles get stiff sitting in the same spot for hours on end.”

When he smiled at her like that, it would be difficult to deny him anything.

“I just bought an Andalusian this week,” he continued. “I’m anxious to take her for a ride, but if you’d rather not…”

“No, no,” she said quickly. “I’m happy to go for a ride. I’m not dressed for it, but—”

He winced slightly. “Of course not. It was a foolish suggestion.”

“Well, you have your new Andalusian. I can see—”

“Tomorrow,” Greg said with a nod. “We’ll go riding tomorrow. How’s that?”

“That sounds perfect,” she said. “You’re sure you don’t mind sitting in the same spot today?”

“I’ll muddle through.” He winked at her. Then he started toward the settee to resume his spot from the day before.

“Oh!” Bella lifted up her smock in her hand. “Would you mind tying this around me?”

“Of course not,” he agreed with a nod.

Bella slipped the smock over her head and Greg came up behind her, grasping the sash in his hands. “You smell wonderful,” he said near her ear, making a shiver race across her skin.

Goodness. Was someone nearby who needed to be convinced of their betrothal? She glanced over her shoulder at him, so very close, close enough for him to kiss her again if he was of a mind to do so. Bella swallowed a bit nervously before muttering, “Sweet pea oil in my bath.”

He tied the sash around her waist, but let his hand linger on her hip for just a moment and warmth settled in her core.

Goodness, it was quite hot all of a sudden.

“So you want me just to sit where I did yesterday?”

Bella thought she might much rather have him kiss her again, but she couldn’t say that. So she nodded instead. “If you don’t mind.”

Greg nodded in agreement and then made his way back to the settee. “While I’m here today, sitting completely still, I think I’ll ask you some questions to pass the time.

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