Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) by Marie Higgins Read Free Book Online Page B

“No.”
     
    “Indeed?” Strange, but he thought she’d be betrothed to someone by now. “I cannot believe such a lovely woman doesn’t have a beau.”
     
    She giggled. “There are men who try to court me, but none have impressed me or my father.” She lifted her attention back at him. “My father promised I could choose my own husband. So far I have found none I could fall in love with.”
     
    He caressed her cheek. “You are still very young, and you have awhile before you need to settle down.”
     
    She nodded.
     
    He moved closer and swept his fingers along her chin. “Do you think your father brought you to the colonies to find the right man?”
     
    Her gaze softened, and he tried not to grin. He should be ashamed for leading the poor girl on, but it had been a while since he flirted this way. Thankfully, he still had that certain touch which made a woman’s knees weak.
     
    “I don’t know,” she replied. “Perhaps.”
     
    He scanned her face again and rested his attention on her lips, which were now parted. Although she was lovely, he didn’t feel any attraction for her. Besides, he only acted this way to make Miss Emmie upset.
     
    “Lady Sarah, I cannot believe how lovely you are.” He came closer until her dress rubbed against his breeches and overcoat. “Will you consider letting me kiss you?”
     
    She swallowed hard. She was nervous, he could tell, but he really wasn’t trying to seduce her. He waited for a reaction from the hidden peeping companion. From the bushes heavy breathing overrode Lady Sarah’s ragged breaths. Keeping a solemn expression, Gabe tried not to smile.
     
    Lady Sarah cleared her throat. “Mr. Lawrence, I think it is improper to kiss you at this time. We have only just met.” Her voice squeaked.
     
    Gabe hovered his lips above hers, hesitating, making the moment linger. The scent of wine was on her warm breath as it blew against his face. She licked her lips. Staring deeply into her eyes, he watched the fear laced with eagerness in her expression. Her breathing quickened, and he knew he’d better stop this before she passed out.
     
    Slowly, he pulled away. He admired her courage, but more so of that of Miss Emmie. So far, the little minx hadn’t blown her cover.
     
    “Very well, Lady Sarah. I shall have to bide my time until the moment is right, and until you approve. Please forgive me for my forwardness.”
     
    She shied away again. “There is no need for apologies.”
     
    “Come.” He held out his elbow. “Allow me to take you back to the party. My uncle is probably worried sick about the guest of honor right now, and I’m quite certain Miss Emmie is beside herself.” Literally.
     
    As he turned, he took a quick peek at the woman still hiding in the bushes. He grinned, continuing on his way. Miss Emmie surprised him at every turn. Remarkably, he wondered what she would do next...and realized he couldn’t wait to find out.
     

 
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
     
    Once Gabe and Anna had walked away, Emiline released the breath she was holding and it came out in a gush. Thankfully, neither of them had seen her. Relief also poured through her to know that Anna had not let Gabe kiss her. Her maid played a role, and Lady Sarah would have not allowed a man to take the liberties in stealing a kiss…no matter how handsome he was.
     
    Then again, she had really never known any man as handsome as Gabe. And blast it all, it didn’t help that she kept seeing him in the water! Perhaps if she had been in Gabe’s arms, she would have been sorely tempted to let him place his lips on hers.
     
    Breathing slower, she relaxed against a tree. Finally her heart beat a normal rhythm. Vicariously, she’d experienced Anna’s thrill of excitement and couldn’t help but wish she was the woman in Gabe’s arms instead of her friend.
     
    Groaning, she rubbed the throb starting in her forehead. She wished she knew why she felt this way. It was so unlike her. Had