Tis the Season to Be Sinful by Adrienne Basso

Author:Adrienne Basso [Basso, Adrienne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, General
ISBN: 9781420111910
Google: MHvniMwXYMEC
Amazon: 1420111914
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2013-11-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

By the time Juliet arrived back in the morning room a half hour later, Lord George was gone. Richard, who was perusing the newspaper, hastened to his feet at her entrance, his expression all politeness.

“Is everything settled with the children?” he asked.

What a loaded question! The boys had been peevish over their tutor’s displeasure, Mrs. Bickford had been frantic over the missing Lizzy, and Juliet was annoyed at the lot of them. Yet knowing at times her emotions could be far too easy to read, Juliet feigned a congenial smile. “Lizzy is with Mrs. Bickford, and the boys will finish their morning lessons and be ready to join in the afternoon festivities.”

Richard sent her a smile that was full of charm. “Excellent. Shall we begin that tour you promised me?”

Juliet found herself staring at his mouth. The abrupt, unsatisfying ending to their evening last night had left her feeling restless and edgy. His sensual, male gaze and low, husky voice weren’t helping much either, reminding her all too vividly of how easily he could turn her insensible with his kisses.

“Juliet?”

A blush rose, inflaming her cheeks. What was the matter with her? Was she incapable of thinking of anything else when she was near her handsome, mysterious husband? “Right this way,” she replied, grateful he was unable to read her mind.

She took his proffered arm, feeling the hard muscles flex under her fingertips. Ignoring the strange things the contact did to her pulse, Juliet guided Richard to the rooms where the renovations were completed. Her agitated mood soon gave way to excitement of a different kind when she beheld the honest appreciation on his face.

Though Juliet had consulted with Richard through her letters on most of the changes, it was very rewarding to observe Richard’s reactions as he viewed her efforts. More than once she felt a twinge of smugness when she saw firsthand how thoroughly she had impressed him, and she admitted to herself that proving her worth and abilities to him had become very important.

“A miniature version of a study?” Richard asked when they entered a small room tucked in the back corner of the house.

“My experimental room,” Juliet clarified as Richard ran his fingers over the intricate wood trim that decorated the window frames. “I was going to use this design for your office, but as the craftsman started fashioning the woodwork, I thought it might be a bit too fussy for your taste.”

“It certainly makes an impact,” Richard acknowledged.

He gazed at the room, his expression serious. Juliet also looked around, taking in the various details—the green marble fireplace, mahogany wainscoting, and crown molding all stained a deep hue. The rug was gold, with hints of green, the chairs grouped around the antique desk. Richard opened the drapery a tad wider, revealing a picturesque view of the winter garden.

The sunlight caught in his hair, making the streaks of silver at his temples glisten. The locks curled a little around the edge of his collar, and Juliet had the most absurd need to reach up and wrap one around her finger.

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