The Spellbinding Courtship: Calatini Tales Book 0.5 by Katherine Dotterer

Author:Katherine Dotterer [Dotterer, Katherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KatSpell Press

Chapter 19

Her heart squeezing, Selena eyed Aragon as she leaned against the parapet. Did he want her or not? Every time he appeared interested, he withdrew not long after. He rescued her from Uncle Adan like a griffin protecting his lifelong mate but pretended 'twas insignificant. He shoved her at other gentlemen but watched her the entire night. He refused to dance with her but brought her onto the balcony—the perfect place to sneak a kiss.

She almost sighed. He surpassed every gentleman she'd ever met. He was dedicated and kind and brave, and although they'd not fallen in love within moments like her parents, they'd been instantly attracted. She'd not experienced that with anyone else.

Her jaw tightened. She must find out if he truly wanted to court her. Surely she'd know if he kissed her again. But how could she tempt him into acting on their attraction? Perhaps if she drew him close. She shivered even though the spring night was pleasant after the sweltering ballroom.

Aragon frowned. "Are you cold?"

No, but Selena shivered again and rubbed her arms to feign a chill. "A little."

Aragon yanked off his evening coat and wrapped it about her shoulders.

Warmth filled her chest. He'd not surrender his coat so swiftly unless he was interested. She caressed his upper arm with a coy smile. "Thank you for your solicitude."

Aragon swallowed, his gaze riveted on her mouth. "'Twas nothing."

Selena lifted her chin. Why hadn't he kissed her yet? She must be bolder. Her heart pounding, she craned to brush a kiss against his lips then stepped back. "'Tis much more than nothing."

Aragon rasped, "You're making it arduous to remain a gentleman."

She licked her lips and eyed him through her lashes. "I never asked you to be a gentleman." Especially if that meant he'd never kiss her again.

With a groan, Aragon lunged forward and kissed her.

Selena clutched his shirt and parted her lips to return his kiss with equal fervor. Tingling heat swamped her as they devoured each other. Definitely as enthralling as last time—she never wanted to stop.

But then the duchess called, "Selena, are you and Aragon hiding from your guests?"

Aragon and Selena leapt apart like startled naiads when a traveler approached their lake. As the duchess glided onto the balcony, crimson scorched Selena's face. Goddess, 'twas mortifying for his mother to discover them kissing.

Yet the duchess beamed at her. "Edouard wants another dance."

Selena blinked, her head swirling. Wasn't the duchess going to scold them? Maybe she hadn't seen them kissing. And who was Edouard? "Edouard?"

Aragon pursed a tight smile. "My cousin, Mr. Gernand. You danced with him right before your uncle intruded."

Selena licked her lips. "I remember." Her stomach fluttered as she scrutinized his stiff face. Was he jealous? When he said nothing further, she deflated and nodded at the duchess. "Very well." Although she'd rather dance with Aragon.

The duchess beckoned her. "Return Aragon's coat and come along."

Aragon muttered as he accepted his evening coat, "I apologize for mauling you. I'll show better restraint henceforth."

Selena gaped at him.

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