Katie Rose by A Case for Romance

Author:A Case for Romance [Romance, A Case for]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

16

The Preacher Is Unmasked

It was impossible for a woman to be so beautiful.

Thomas sat across from Emily in the dining room of the Hotel de Paris, sipping a wine that could only be called excellent, and savoring the beef burgundy, scalloped potatoes, almond beans, and French pastries. In spite of the good meal, he found he couldn’t take his eyes off Emily, nor could he remember enjoying an evening more.

The duality of her personality still astounded him. By day she looked like a schoolmarm, all dowdy clothes and spinsterish spectacles, but at night the temptress emerged, dazzling in a burgundy gown that dipped daringly low in the front, and a hat that could only be an Emily Potter original. He didn’t know much about women’s millinery, but he knew enough to recognize quality and genuine artistic ability. The hat she wore tonight was obviously for evening, and it complimented her dress, drawing one’s eye to her face, setting off her upswept hairstyle to perfection. She was so talented, as sure of herself with satin and feathers as she was with her magnifying glass and logical discourse.

His gaze lowered. A froth of black lace had been discreetly added to the neckline of her gown, but it hid little of the smooth expanse of creamy skin that gleamed like rose petals. The lights caught her hair, giving it a reddish cast like polished wood, and those silver eyes seemed to twinkle merrily. And her conversation was as interesting as she was lovely, for Emily could talk of many things. Even if most of them included poisons, famous murders in the last decade, and outlaw legends, he was fascinated. This was Emily Potter.

His eyes fell to her enticing cleavage again and he frowned, aware that she’d caught the attention of other men in the room. Emily saw his look and her brows drew together questioningly. With his wineglass, he indicated her dress.

“I was just admiring your gown. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that one before. Isn’t it a little … bare for Boston?”

“Oh, this isn’t mine,” Emily said with that forthrightness he so admired. “This belonged to Rosie.”

“Rosie?” When she nodded, he stared at her incredulously. “Emily, isn’t that a little strange, to borrow a dead woman’s clothes?”

Emily appeared to have a sudden coughing fit and had to swallow hard, catching her breath. When she could speak, she giggled like a young girl.

“I suppose. But to me, Rosie is as alive as ever.”

“I see,” Thomas replied, though he didn’t see a damn thing. Aware that a man across from them was trying desperately to look down her dress, he scowled. “Maybe next time you could borrow something a little more discreet.”

“Oh, Thomas, don’t be a bother,” Emily waved her hand dismissively. “This dress is in the latest style, and is no more low-cut than any other woman’s here.”

“Not that there are many others,” Thomas remarked dryly. Still, when his gaze ran over Emily, he felt the familiar sexual tension between them begging to be alleviated.

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