“We’re not destined to socialize in Lord Roland’s parlors. We could never conceal our infatuation.”
He blew out a heavy breath and slid off her. He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. She was snuggled next to him, and she fit against him perfectly, as if she’d been created for that specific purpose and no other.
“I visited Barrett,” she said after a bit.
“You did? Why?”
“Simon and I were sightseeing in the neighborhood. We passed the gate, and once I realized where we were, we snuck down the lane to gape at your house.”
“I wish I’d been there. I’d have loved to welcome you inside.”
“It’s beautiful. I’m incredibly envious that you own such a place.”
“I guess it’s beautiful—if you’re partial to rundown, decrepit mansions.”
“You’re lucky to have it. Don’t be snotty about it or you’ll annoy me.”
“All right. I won’t be snotty. I shall fib and state that it’s a grand residence.”
“That’s better.” She snorted with amusement.
“Your scolding is giving me a headache.”
“I have that effect on men.”
“No, you don’t. You turn them into blithering idiots. I’ve watched you. It’s absolutely diabolical how effortlessly you charm them.”
“Have I charmed you? Are you wrapped around my little finger?”
“Maybe.”
“How about your fiancée? Are you wrapped around her little finger too?”
“First off, I haven’t decided whether I’m marrying Penny or not.”
“Liar. You’ll proceed with her. I have no doubt at all.”
She was probably correct, but he wouldn’t debate the issue. “And second, I’m not discussing Penny with you. Not while we’re nestled together on your bed. We have so few chances to dally. Don’t waste them by irritating me.”
“Your fit of pique reminds me that I’m mad to have loafed up here with you. Penny will be looking for me. I’m surprised she hasn’t already blustered in to check on me.”
Just as Libby voiced the remark, the door from the hall opened, and they blanched with alarm. When Fish had stormed out, Luke had forgotten to lock the door after her. Why hadn’t he? His only excuse was that Libby completely overwhelmed him.
He was a navy commander who barked orders and had them instantly obeyed. He was so used to being in charge that he frequently felt like a god who could control his destiny. Would it all crash down? Would his foolishness destroy his friendship with the Pendleton family? Was Libby Carstairs worth that type of upheaval?
He wasn’t sure yet, but he was beginning to suspect he’d pay any price to have her.
“Libby, where are you hiding?” her cousin, Simon Falcon, called from the sitting room.
There was no opportunity to jump off the bed or pretend they hadn’t been misbehaving, and for a brief moment, Luke couldn’t deduce if he was relieved or not to have it be Mr. Falcon rather than someone else. But was his arrival preplanned? Would he express umbrage and demand Luke fork over damages for Libby’s ruination?
Falcon appeared in the doorway, and if he was astonished to observe Libby stretched out on the mattress with Luke, he gave no sign. His lack of a reaction definitely made Luke wonder about what sort of life she’d led. He was convinced she wasn’t nearly as innocent as she liked to claim.
“There you are,” Falcon said to Libby. “You delivered a stellar performance, and people are dying to chat with you. Lord Roland is especially delighted. Fish sent me to drag you downstairs.” Then he focused his caustic gaze on Luke. “And Lord Barrett, I won’t say I’m shocked to stumble on you, but for pity’s sake, if you intend to trifle with my cousin—and right under your fiancée’s nose too—you really ought to spin the key in the lock before you start in.”
Libby was nonchalant about being discovered. She slid off the bed and glared at Falcon. “Why are you pestering me, Simon?”
“I told you. Fish sent me to fetch you. I figure she knew what I’d find. I’m glad you’re still dressed. Otherwise, I might have been struck blind.”
“Go down without me,” she said. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Apparently, that’s what you insisted to Fish when you chased her off. I’m not as gullible as she is, and I have to inject some sanity into this situation or it will become totally untenable. What if Lady Penny had been with me? What then?”
Luke slid off the bed too, and he ignored Falcon and spoke to Libby. “Let’s take a ride in the morning.”
“You and I are not socializing,” she responded. “How often must I explain this to you?”
“We can leave the manor at different times. We can meet out on the road.”
“No!” she firmly stated.
Falcon tsked with aggravation. “Will you come with me, Lord Barrett? I’ll escort you down to the gentlemen’s card room.”
“You should listen to Simon,” she said to Luke. “We’ve been up here much too long. I’ll follow in a bit.”
“You’d better,” Falcon said. “I’m tired of having to justify your absences.”
“Yes, Simon, yes,” she complained. “I heard you, and I’ll be right down.”
“Don’t you dare avoid me tomorrow,” Luke said to her. “Don’t make me spend all day searching again.”
Falcon raised a brow. “You spent the day searching for her? My, my, but you and I need to have a long, frank talk.”
“No, you don’t,” Libby said to Falcon. “I won’t have the two of you palavering over me like a pair of fishwives at the market.”
She clasped Luke’s hand and squeezed tight, silently telling him goodbye. They sighed, sounding like adolescent sweethearts who couldn’t bear to part.
Falcon scoffed. “If you lunatics grow anymore infatuated, syrup will be dripping from the walls.”
He stepped in and physically separated them. He pushed Libby toward the dressing room. She winked at Luke and sauntered off. He watched her go, his attention riveted on how her hips swished under the fabric of her skirt.
Falcon smirked. “You are in deep trouble, Lord Barrett.”
“I know,” he could only reply.
“We should tarry in a
