Mistletoe Christmas by Eloisa James

Author:Eloisa James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2021-09-28T00:00:00+00:00

Stephen’s older brother by a year, the Marquess of Rancourt, would have punched him in the shoulder if he were here. “Never anger a lady” had always been the family’s mantra, and Stephen tried to follow that creed, but some of Caro’s terms were absurd.

He peeked across the table and saw that her cheeks were flushed. Her brown eyes shot sparks of raw anger in his direction, which made her that much more beautiful. Her chestnut hair was neatly arranged around her heart-shaped face, but the moue of displeasure around her mouth gave him pause.

How long had it been since he’d last tasted those delightful, full lips that always reminded him of the brilliant pink of spring’s blossoms? Too long.

Exactly a year and three hours.

It didn’t escape his notice that today marked the anniversary of her leaving him without a goodbye, other than the letter he always carried on his person, a reminder that his wife had chosen London over him.

He shouldn’t have teased her about Betsey, another bad decision on his part.

“Caro, don’t be angry with me.” He smoothed the corners of the document before him. “You must admit, the idea of dictating that we share a pot of chocolate when we break our fast is a little controlling.”

“I wouldn’t say controlling. I’d say prepared. We must plan for every contingency.” She pursed her lips. “If my uncle is well enough to come downstairs, he eats later than everyone else. I thought it best that we break our fast and are gone from the dining room before he arrives. I’m willing to change the chocolate to tea. The important thing is that everyone else see us together so that word travels back to my uncle that we’re husband and wife.” This time, she was the one to thrum her fingers against the table.

“We are husband and wife and will always be so.” He clenched his teeth so tightly that, for an instant, he thought he might have broken his jaw. “You’re willing to forgo the chocolate and will consider tea? When shall we partake in that, and how shall I drink it? With sugar and cream or just cream? What if I want coffee? What impact will that have on our appearance as a happy couple? I know you despise the brew.”

She studied her clasped hands. “Don’t mock me.”

“I’m not. I’m making a point about how ludicrous this is. It’s Christmastide, a time for people to celebrate and enjoy one another’s company. It’s my favorite time of year, and I’ll be damned . . .” He let the words trail to nothing, then blew out a breath. “I’ve been devoted to only one woman in my life. You and only you.” How in God’s name was he supposed to address the real issue that bothered him? Oh, to hell with it. Best to lance the wound, as they say. “This proviso that we share a bedroom, but I’m relegated to a cot in the dressing room?” He sliced the air with his hand.

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