A Gentleman's Challenge by Caylen McQueen

Author:Caylen McQueen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sweet regency romance, clean romance book, regency romance, new regency romance, regency romance 2018, regency romance short story, disabled heroine
Publisher: Caylen McQueen
Published: 2018-10-31T00:00:00+00:00

Nine

“AND SO, MISS SUFFINGTON...” Riley leaned closer to Kitty's Bath chair. “I will need you to wrap your arms around the back of my neck.”

“I-I do not know if this is a good idea, Mr. Clayton.” Kitty could feel her cheeks getting warmer by the second. “It isn't proper. It's...”

“Your sister is right over there.” He bowed his head in the direction of Celia, who was sitting at the pianoforte. “If she thought there was something untoward about our dance, do you think she would allow it to happen?”

“I-I... but I...” There was a lump forming in Kitty's throat, choking her. The thought of being so close to Riley Clayton had put it there, and she was sure it would not subside until she was returned to the safe predictability of her chair. Why did he refuse to let her stay in the Bath chair? Why did he insist on testing her limits? The chair never made her pulse race, nor did it make her heart feel as if it would burst. “Oh... very well. I know better than to protest in the face of your persistence.”

As soon as she had her arms around him, Riley lifted her out of the chair, wrapped his arms around her waist, and held her aloft. “There.” He smiled down at her. “This isn't so bad, I trust?”

“Well, it is awkward,” Kitty whispered. “Terribly awkward.” She could feel her chest on his; she could feel his breath on her cheek when he spoke.

Riley gave a nod to Celia, who proceeded to provide them with music for their dance. With impressive grace, Riley glided around the room with Kitty in his arms.

“This isn't a waltz,” Kitty said. “This is you dragging me around the room and calling it a waltz.”

“I'm not dragging you. I'm holding you... as any man would hold his partner during a waltz,” Riley protested. “The only difference is that your feet will never touch the ground.”

“Ah, yes. My feet are lighter than air!” Kitty chuckled nervously, because her laughter made her momentarily forget how embarrassed she was. Riley Clayton could make any woman swoon—even Kitty, who most certainly did not consider herself the swooning type. As they swirled around the room, his movements were lithe and languid.

“You are very strong, to be able to hold me like this,” Kitty quietly observed. “The way you keep me suspended with ease, you would think a feather outweighed me.”

“Are you entirely certain a feather doesn't outweigh you?” he teased her. “I can barely feel you in my arms.”

“Hmm... I do not know if I should be flattered or offended.” When Kitty looked at Celia, she was glad her sister's eyes were preoccupied by her music. To have her sister watching them would have added to Kitty's agony. “I am sure Celia envies me at this moment.”

“Do you think so?”

“Of course! Look how close we are!” Kitty did not dare to look into his eyes, because the sight would surely make her giddy. “We are so close, I can practically feel your beating heart.

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