The Earl with the Secret Past by Janice Preston

Author:Janice Preston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-04-07T19:11:10+00:00

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By mid-afternoon, however, his head felt stuffed full of wool. The weather had turned hot and humid, begging for the release of a thunderstorm to clear the air. Adam had already opened wide all the French doors that led outside on to the flagged terrace that wrapped around this wing of the house—the wing Sir Angus had designed—but there was little relief to be had and he had resorted to removing his jacket, discarding his neckcloth and working in his shirt sleeves and unbuttoned waistcoat.

Finally, craving the relief of a breath of fresh air, he pushed his damp hair off his forehead, laid down his pen and packed his instruments away before striding for the nearest open French door.

‘Oh!’

He’d stepped outside without looking, only to collide with someone walking along the terrace. He reacted fast, his hands wrapping around Kitty’s bare upper arms, even before he realised whom he had sent staggering backwards. He hauled her upright, her scent of warm woman mingling with that of the mass of blooms she carried as it coiled through his senses.

‘Take care! You are crushing my flowers.’

Adam released her. The tingling caused by the satiny softness of her warm skin against his palms only registered with him when it ceased. He rubbed his palms against his breeches, conscious he had left his jacket hanging over the back of his chair and that his shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. Their eyes locked—hers widening and darkening as a flush bloomed on her cheeks and her lips parted, giving every impression of a woman aroused. Adam’s blood surged to his groin. Dare he hope she was mellowing towards him? Could they both let the past go? The tight knot that had lodged in his gut on arrival loosened a little.

‘Rather a few crushed blooms than allow you to fall.’

She smiled and it appeared a more genuine smile than the strained efforts of last evening.

‘That is true. I spoke out of turn. A few mangled flowers are as nothing compared to a bruised—’ She bit her lip. ‘That is, compared to a bruising tumble.’

Adam laughed. ‘Indeed. I shall take especial care another time I exit the library. May I carry those for you?’

Her smile faltered. ‘There is no need... I...that is...thank you.’ She relinquished the flowers and indicated the open door. ‘We may as well go through the library—I had intended to walk around to the back door to save disturbing you.’

She sent him an inscrutable look from beneath the sweep of her lashes. His gaze lowered to her lips as they parted and sparks of desire sizzled through him.

‘You are our guest and I understand you have refused any payment from Robert for your services. While you are under this roof you may expect your comfort to be our highest priority.’

The perfect society hostess had returned and those sparks fizzled out. In his short time in this world, Adam had learned Kitty was renowned in the ton for her graciousness, her propriety and her charm.

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