The Balloonist's Wager: a steamy standalone Regency romance by Sandra Sookoo

Author:Sandra Sookoo [Sookoo, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: New Independence Books
Published: 2021-09-21T18:30:00+00:00

An hour later, Anne strolled the grounds at the south end of Benedict’s property where the fair had been set up. Tents and caravans of colorful wagons dotted the landscape. Squeals of delight and laughter rang through the air. Knots of people clustered about men doing pantomime or others running various games for trinkets and prizes. Sweet scents of roasted and sugared nuts wafter to her nose vying for attention with the savory smells of meats on spits.

“No doubt this will be a successful fair,” she said from his side. Though the July sun was high and hot, a gentle breeze blew over the area that brought relief with it.

“I hope so. The Romani people are a cheerful, hardworking lot; they’re travelers wishing to help. They don’t deserve the contempt they receive throughout England.”

As they passed a stout oak tree, a sheet of paper tacked to the trunk caught her eye, mostly for the colorful drawing of a hot-air balloon. “What’s this?” She left Benedict’s side and approached the tree to better read the hand-lettered sign. “Bah! It’s naught but an advertisement for the detestable Mr. Davies.” She narrowed her eyes on the sign. “’Come to London and watch the daring balloonist Mr. Davies complete a flight over the whole of Town to land on the grounds of Carlton House. Sure to provide many delights to the crowd. Entertainment will follow his successful landing. The Regent will be in attendance.’”

“Well, that’s unfortunate.” His arm brushed hers as he joined her at the tree. “It’s a little presumptuous of him to assume anything at this point.”

“Agreed.” She curled one of her hands into a fist. “All the more reason to put him in his place in three days.” When her spleen required further venting, she ripped the advertisement from the tree, balled it up, threw it on the ground, and then stomped upon it until it was flattened into the dirt and grass.

A pox upon Mr. Davies!

“If anyone can do it, you can.” When he turned his head and caught her gaze, heat jumped into her cheeks, for he was rather intense. “We have plenty of time to make certain everything is perfect.”

“It already is.” Her mind jumped again to that tryst in the hayloft and how he’d made her feel. She didn’t want that coupling to change the relationship they currently enjoyed, but how could it not? He looked at her as if she were the most wonderful creature he’d ever seen, and though it flattered her to some extent, it also frightened her.

I don’t want to exist on a pedestal in his world.

A slow grin curved his sensuous lips, and she forgot herself enough to stare at his mouth. “I agree. However, the key to risk management demands we check and double check all the data and numbers.”

Though he was adorable in his support of her, she couldn’t afford to be distracted. But she nodded because his logic was sound. “Agreed.”

“Come. Let’s continue our stroll.” He took possession of her hand and threaded it through his bent elbow.

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