Page 65 of Rival to Resist
Her brows drew together. “I believe I should be insulted by that comment.”
“Why?”
“That I should be the victim who finally tired you—it does not reflect particularly well upon me, does it?”
“Or perhaps you have inspired me to change my ways.” He became pensive. “ShallI reform? I feel as if I am only just beginning to get my feet under me as a rake. It seems a bit soon.”
“Too soon,” she agreed. “Reform must feel deserved.”
He sighed dramatically as they came to the fork in the road and slowed their horses. Frederick felt that familiar reluctance for their parting of ways, as though time with her was slipping through his fingers.
Who was to say what their next encounter wouldbe like? Particularly if she and Oswald mended things between them. She might well return to her more wary way with Frederick.
But this morning…it had felt like some paradisaical wisp of a life Frederick dreamed of, and now the breeze was beginning to blow.
“That sigh certainly does not bode well for you,” Lady Radcliffe said. “If you are going to continue as a rake, you had better commit to it.” Her gaze lingered on him now. The teasing had dissipated, making way for something curious and challenging.
“Very well, then,” he said. “What do you recommend?”
She shot him a quizzical look. “If you are to have success as a rake, you cannot be forever asking people what to do, Mr. Yorke.” She pulled on the reins, and her horse came to a full stop. Her gaze held his. “By the very nature of his character, a rake takes charge.”
He swallowed. “Just so. Now, for instance. A rake would take charge by…”
Her gaze held his, almost…challenging. Waiting.
His breath came only with effort. “It is difficult indeed to take charge as I wish when I am astride a horse.” And even more difficult when he feared one misstep might destroy whatever current was between them.
She merely watched him, saying nothing.
Frederick was too afraid to even blink, feeling that they were dancing on a knife edge between jest and invitation. He felt as though he had been handed the opportunity of a lifetime—one so unexpected he hardly trusted it. And what was he to do with it? Lean across the narrowing space between their horses and kiss her? Dismount and help her down?
His pulse thundered. If he was going to kiss her, he wanted it to be perfect. Unforgettable.
She nudged her horse forward. “Perhapsyou will find a more convenient opportunity in the future. Good day, Mr. Yorke.” With a smile that made Frederick feel as though he was going mad, she passed him, her knee brushing his as she went, leaving him in the lane to wonder whether he had just been tested or teased—or tempted beyond bearing.
Whatever he might be—hero, candidate, rake—each day, he was more and more at her mercy.
16
CAROLINE
The audacity of herself.
That was all Caroline could think on the ride back to Trevenna as the sea breeze rustled the leaves of the trees overhead.
Had she truly encouraged Mr. Yorke to find another opportunity to act toward her as a rake would?
Her cheeks burned doubly—once from embarrassment, and a second time as her mind ran away with the thought of what hemighthave done if she had given him the chance.
Oswald would have been thoroughly disgusted by the conversation. And to know of her unruly thoughts? He would have fainted clean away.
And with good reason. She had been unforgivably brazen.
Her behavior at the beach party had been fit for Court in comparison.
Even more worrisome? She had enjoyed every moment of it.
She did not know what had come over her.
