Page 45 of Juliet's Touch

“You go on ahead of me.” He moved aside and extended his palm.

Nibbling on her lip, she peered up at him. Then, to his surprise, she popped onto her toes and kissed him on the lips. One firm, glorious peck. Before he had time to react, she stepped back and slipped into the hallway.

For the second evening in a row, Eric sat at the long dining table in awe of the extravagance surrounding him. The crystal goblets sparkled like diamonds beneath the flickering chandelier. The silver platters held duck, fish, and every imaginable vegetable. Even the ruby-colored serviettes were elegant and soft.

Seeming to enjoy the lively discourse, the marquess chuckled a lot. At one point, Emily filled their patriarch in on the details of their afternoon constitutional. Despite wanting to focus on the conversation, Eric struggled because the beautiful woman across from him consumed his thoughts.

Juliet barely ate. Occasionally, a subtle smile played across her lips. Every time she caught Eric watching her, she coloredup and quickly looked away. Perhaps she was recalling their intimate moments with fondness. Lord knows, he certainly was.

Hopefully, nobody noticed her kiss-swollen lips or gave the waves escaping from her coiffure a second thought. Next time, he’d take care not to muss her hair before dinner. After dinner, all bets were off.

Next time. What sweet words. He’d count the minutes until then because he was addicted to Juliet and her soothing touch. The way she’d clung to him when she’d landed in his arms. The feel of her lips on his. Her fingers interlocked with his when they’d held hands.

Not only was she taken with Knight Roamer, but she also seemed to be attracted to the real him. When she found out the two men who had kissed her were one and the same, would she feel betrayed? She had every right to feel that way. Even if this was the unfortunate consequence, he still owed her honesty.

However, this was not the time for complete disclosure.

First, he would protect her from Riley. She also needed to repair her relationship with her parents. Once she felt safe, and if she were still interested in knowing him, he would share his past and perhaps his secret identity. Even then, he must take care not to dim her sunshine with his thunder clouds.

“Mr. Stone, Juliet,” Emily said. “Shall we relocate to the drawing room for brandy and books?”

Eric considered taking one last bite and balked. He was quite full. If he continued to shove food into his mouth at this rate, he’d end up lumbering around the ring like an overfed bull. If only there was some way to keep in fighting shape while surrounded by the prodigious amounts of fine food served at Chesterhill Manor.

Bed sport might work.

“That would be delightful,” Juliet said.

He knew damn well Juliet was referring to books and brandy, and yet, for a second, he allowed himself to pretend she’d meant that bed sport would be delightful. He stifled his moan and shifted in his seat.

“I believe Juliet left the book in the drawing room,” Emily said.

Juliet nodded.

“Then let us be on our way,” Lord Chesterhill said.

Footmen pulled out their chairs as they all stood. No matter how much money Eric was gifted, he’d never make someone pull out his chair. Or help him into his small clothes. However, he might love to have a cook as fine as either Mrs. Paulson or the Chesterhill’s chef.

Their arms linked, Juliet and Emily walked ahead of the men.

Alexander clapped Eric on the back. “It does my heart good to see my wife so happy. She misses Juliet and Maria, their younger sister, so much.”

Eric simply nodded. Acknowledging that the ladies’ loving relationship also warmed his heart might betray his intense feelings for Juliet. Since he wanted to know about everything that was important to Juliet, he also made a mental note to ask her about Maria.

Once they reached the drawing room, Alexander poured brandy, and they arranged themselves in front of the hearth. Eric relaxed in the wingback he’d occupied the previous evening.

Frowning down at her feet, Juliet discarded her shoes. She sat on the settee beside her sister. Curling her long legs beneath her, she worried her lip. “I hope you all enjoy the book I chose.”

“Of course, we will,” Emily said. “I love Fanny Burney.”

“How wonderful,” Juliet said. “I was worried because…Well…”

“I know you well enough to know what you are thinking.” Emily clasped her hand. “Would you stop fretting that your choice is not intellectual enough for Alexander and me, because that is absolute balderdash?”

“Well, you are the smart daughter.” There was no judgment in Juliet’s tone, only sadness.

How could a woman as wonderful as Juliet ever feel less than? The very notion made Eric want to scream.

“But you are the beautiful daughter, and that is even better.” Emily sighed.