Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

gentleman’s offer to dance, I’m not allowed to dance with another. Is that the rule?”

Bronwyn sighed. “Aye. You are correct. I hoped you might meet a gentleman who might finally be of interest to you.”

Christopher’s smile disappeared as his posture stiffened. Ignoring his strange reaction, Emma countered, “Ha. I know ye, Bronwyn Cadby Neale. Ye just want me to join yer misery.”

Placing the instructions upon the small table next to her, Christopher said, “I require the use of your office—to speak with Emma, alone.”

Bronwyn slid her gaze to Emma. Attempting to appear undaunted, she nodded.

“I’ll go order us a pot of tea.” Her best friend backed out of the room, her gaze never leaving Emma.

Once the door was shut, Emma opened her mouth, but Christopher raised a hand in the air and said, “I have a proposition.”

Her hackles rose at the word proposition. Christopher was a gentleman; certainly he meant nothing untoward. Emma tilted her head and waited for the man to continue.

Christopher continued, “I shall promise to decide upon and hire an assistant the day we satisfactorily finish our dance lessons.”

“I already explained. I don’t plan on dancing at Bronwyn’s ball.” She clasped her hands behind her back and added, “There is no need for the lessons nor for those.” She nodded towards the white parchment.

“I look forward to your concerned visits when Bronwyn continues to act as my secretary for another few months.” He turned as if he was about to leave.

Bloomin’ barrister! Emma should have known to tread more carefully in her dealings with him. “Wait.”

He swiveled slowly with a smirk that impulsively she wanted to kiss away. “Yes?”

“Five days.”

Retrieving the instructions, he stepped closer and opened the parchment. After he scanned its contents, he crisply folded it in half. “If you abide by everything outlined, I believe it possible to complete our lessons in five days, but it will require two or more hours of your time each evening.” She reached for the lesson plan, but he held it overhead. “You have to trust me and agree first.”

“Ye expect me to trust ye?”

“If you don’t trust me, what use is a promise to make an offer of employment five days henceforth?”

It was a clever argument. She didn’t trust men. But Mr. Neale made her want to throw caution to the wind, and his smile made her contemplate wicked things she’d heard whispers about and never experienced in real life.

His lips twitched, but he didn’t reveal the smile that she couldn’t resist. Instead, he smirked and said, “If you fail to complete the lessons, then I…”

“I won’t.” She jutted out her chin and stared into his eyes.

Clear, intelligent eyes that begged the question as to why a perceptive man like Christopher would agree to remain unmarked. Now was her chance to find out the answer. “If I agree, ye need to hire Bronwyn’s replacement, but ye also agree to receive the mark within the week.”

Christopher’s eyes narrowed and pinned her with a look that would intimidate most but instead sent a hum of energy through her. “Hmm. Do you know the stipulations my brother has made in regards to the PORF mark being placed upon my body?”

“Aye.” Everyone in the Network was aware—he must marry first.

His gaze didn’t waver. “Then you must know your demand is unreasonable. Banns would need to be read…And who would you suggest I marry?”

“Ye seem rather fond of Lady Arabelle. Why not procure a special license and propose?” A pang of hurt stabbed at her heart.

He blinked slowly and released a deep sigh. “She is in love with another.”

“Blimey, wot does love have anythin’ to do with marriage?”

“I want to marry for love like family has before me—my papa, my brother, and even my dear cousin Theo. I will not break the family tradition.”

She shifted her weight slightly forward, close enough to poke him in the chest, but she didn’t dare touch him. “So ye choose love over duty.”

“My wish is that I shall accomplish both, just as both Landon and Theo have.”

She stared at him mutely. His answer made no sense, yet he was correct. Both his brother and cousin had successfully managed to find love and fulfill their duties to the Crown. Unable to formulate a witty response, she said, “It is important to both PORFs and the Network that Bronwyn and the babe are hale and safe. I’ll settle for your terms. Five days of dance lessons, and ye will no longer require Bronwyn’s assistance.” She stuck out her hand, expecting him to give her the list of instructions.

Ignoring her hand, he leaned in close and said, “Shall we seal the agreement with a kiss?”

His eyes blazed with interest and settled upon her lips. He wanted to kiss her. It made no sense. She wanted him to want to kiss her, but she suspected he was merely attracted to her looks, so similar to the woman he really wanted. Did she dare take advantage and allow a kiss, knowing it wasn’t real?

Her throat tightened, and she croaked, “Do ye kiss men when ye enter deals with them?”

“No.” He chuckled, and his lips barely brushed over the tops of her cheeks as he leaned in to whisper in her ear, “I look forward to our lesson later this eve.” He straightened, placed the parchment between her fingers, and left her looking at the door like a pea goose.

Bronwyn returned with a maid laden with a tea tray. Emma tucked the parchment into a hidden pocket within her skirts.

Bronwyn resumed her seat and waited for the young maid to leave her office. The second they were alone again, she asked, “Did he try to kiss you again?”

“Aye.” Exhausted both mentally and physically, Emma fell back into her own seat.

“And did you let him a second time?”

“Nay.” She fidgeted with her skirts before meeting Bronwyn’s questioning gaze. “How is Christopher to receive the mark if he won’t marry but for love?”

“Hmm. You didn’t grant him a kiss, but you have taken to