A Kiss With Scandal (Scandals & Secrets 4) Read Online Free Page A

perhaps finding quality garments was a hardship.
    Oh, why did she have to second-guess this? Why couldn’t she just enjoy the feel the of his hand in hers, the way their bodies twirled as one as if they were meant to be together. Her skin hummed with an awareness that only he’d been able to arouse in her three years on the marriage mart, and yet she was ignoring all of it in an effort to paint him as someone sinister.
    She offered him a genuine smile and pushed her fears to the side. “That is kind of you. Forgive me though, I do not know where these were purchased.” Disappointment marred his face, and she felt ashamed at having doubted him. “The truth is, I spilled lemonade on my gloves earlier and was given these by a maid. If it is that important, I’m sure you could ask them where you might purchase a pair.” She finished her explanation and glanced up to find hard eyes on her.
    Breath clogged her lungs.
    He doubted her.
----
    B uying gloves for my sister , indeed. Derek choked on the lie. But what other explanation could he give? Fortunately, Lady Charlotte seemed to believe him.
    He twirled them around the floor without thinking of the steps. His body tuned into hers, sifting through every nuance, judging, discarding information as quickly as she presented it. She was nervous tonight. More so than in the past, but that could be for any number of reasons. So far, her answers were sufficient enough for him to move onto the next lady.
    He was relieved, actually. If his best friend’s sister-in-law was the witness in this investigation, it could cause problems. And more problems were not something he wanted to deal with.
    The music drew to a close with a poignant chord. “It’s been a pleasure, Lady Charlotte. Shall I escort you back to your friends?” He inclined his head toward the group of bitty women she had been speaking with earlier.
    “Thank you, no,” she said too quickly, drawing a smile to his lips. “I’d like a refreshment before rejoining.”
    A blond curl caressed her neck as her head turned toward the table, and he had the most peculiar need to touch it. He refrained. Barely.
    Now that Lady Charlotte had been crossed off his list, he needed to find the other two ladies who had replaced their gloves, quickly, before either took their leave.
    “Allow me.” He offered her his arm, and she accepted with a small smile that dimpled her cheek. How had he never noticed such an attractive quality?
    What the hell was wrong with him? He needed to focus on his mission and not contemplate the charms of Lady Charlotte. Although, those charms were extensive, and the fact that he was only now noticing them spoke volumes about his state of mind the last few years.
    If he hadn’t already made the decision to retire from the War Office, he would have to consider ending his career. If he missed basic details of those around him, how was he expected to notice when something was amiss?
    “Thank you, but you needn’t stay with me,” Lady Charlotte whispered to him.
    His eyes glanced down to her, a brow cocked. “And I’m supposed to leave you all alone over here?”
    “I don’t mind. Truly. You seem preoccupied, and I don’t wish to keep you if you need to leave.”
    He was losing his touch. Smoothing the surprise from his face, he smiled at her. “What else could I possibly have on my mind when I am in your company? Tell me, how is your sister doing? I heard congratulations are in order.”
    She flushed prettily, and damn if he couldn’t look away. What would a few minutes more with Lady Charlotte hurt?
    “Yes. They are both quite pleased that Aubrey is expecting a child. The duke says he would be happy whether they have a boy or girl, but I think he secretly wants a girl.”
    “A duke wanting a girl first? Unorthodox, wouldn’t you say?”
    She bit her lip. “For most, maybe. But he is one of the few men I know who would love a daughter as much as a son. If only for that reason, I hope they have