Ripe for Seduction by Isobel Carr

Author:Isobel Carr [CARR, ISOBEL]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Fiction / Romance - General, Fiction / Romance - Regency, Fiction / Romance - Historical, Fiction / Romance - Erotica, cookie429, Kat, Extratorrents
ISBN: 9781455510559
Publisher: Forever
Published: 2012-12-18T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 24

The look on Olivia’s face as she sampled The Pig and Whistle’s homebrew was priceless. Her eyes watered and blinked rapidly, her mouth screwed up with distaste, and she swallowed with obvious reluctance.

“You could have spit it out.” Roland took a sip of his own ale. A bitter nut brown, it was perfect on a hot afternoon. As late in the day as it was, they had the inn’s small outdoor garden entirely to themselves. It was little more than rough-hewn tables and benches spread out under a cluster of trees, and it usually played host to local laborers and the occasional lost traveler.

“I’ve never had an ale.” Olivia pushed the tankard away from her as though the beverage might leap out and force its way down her throat. “And I don’t think I ever shall again.”

Roland chuckled and took another sip of his own. “That’s probably just as well. Wouldn’t want your father thinking I’m corrupting you.”

Her eyes widened and color stained her cheeks. He loved her blushes. They gave away the simple fact that she was out of her depth when it came to flirtation, no matter the front she put up. It was endearing in its own way. She had so many little quirks that he was going to greatly miss when she sent him packing.

Old Thomas, who’d owned and run The Pig and Whistle for as long as Roland had been alive, came out with a large plate loaded down with the same simple fare he served the laborers: apples, sharp cheese, and hearty bread.

Roland reached for an apple. “Thomas, can you bring Lady Olivia a cider? Thank you.”

She smiled at the ancient innkeeper apologetically as the man wiped his hands on his apron and nodded. “Of course, Master Roland.”

He could see the laughter in her eyes at his being addressed as if he’d yet to be breeched. As Old Thomas disappeared back into his inn, Roland shook his head and made a reproving sound with his tongue. “Don’t start,” he warned.

“Having always been Lady Olivia, how I’m addressed hasn’t changed, but yes, there are certainly servants—and tenants—at Holinshed who still treat me as though I were five years old.”

Before he could respond, Thomas reappeared with another clay tankard, which he set before Olivia with an expectant air. “It’s pear cider, my lady, very sweet and cold from the root cellar.”

“Thank you, pear is my favorite,” Olivia said before picking up the rough pottery mug and taking a drink.

Thomas beamed, and Roland bit into his apple, letting the sweet juice flood his mouth. He’d bet a monkey she’d never tasted cider before today either, but it was more likely to please a palate used to sweet wines and orgeat punches than ale.

“Coffee?” he said as Thomas left them.

“Coffee?” Olivia cocked her head, her expression uncomprehending.

“Yes, coffee. Do you drink it? Or do you prefer cocoa or tea in the morning?”

“Cocoa and a muffin with ginger preserves.”

“Though you had tea and toast this morning.”

Olivia took another sip of cider.

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