The Bookseller and the Earl (The Merry Misfits of Bath 1)

“I must say it looks far better on you.”

Miss Mallory sighed. “I take it Lady Berkshire was slender?”

Grayson nodded and leaned back in his chair, continuing to study her. “Margaret had the form of a stick. The only time she looked really well in her clothing was when she was increasing with Michael. You, on the other hand, have enough—”

“Pounds?”

“Nay. Enough curves to fill out gowns properly.”

He smiled at her raised eyebrows. “Thank you, my lord, now if you will excuse me, I think it is time for me to go home. If you could have your carriage readied, I would appreciate it.”

He tossed his napkin down and stood, circling the table and smiling when her eyes grew wide at his movement. He reached out and took both her hands in his and pulled her up. “I have a feeling that you find yourself lacking in masculine appeal.”

She just stared at him, her eyes wide, her mouth agape. Then she slowly nodded.

“You are wrong, Miss Mallory. I am very much a man, and I find you to be of a fine form. You are possessed of curves that would drive a man wild. Myself included.”

“I don’t understand . . .”

“Understand this. I’ve wanted to do this since I first laid eyes on you that morning in your bookstore.” Before he could change his mind, he cupped her cheeks in his hands and lowered his mouth.

Miss Mallory sucked in a sharp breath as his mouth covered hers. She held herself stiff until he slid his tongue along her sealed lips, and she opened. His invasion was swift and complete. He pulled her closer, all her soft warmth and luscious curves pressed up against him.

She was everything he had expected. Soft, warm, willing, and eager to learn. She gingerly touched the tip of her tongue to his and the heat exploded throughout his body. Unable to hold his hands still, he ran his palms over her back, cupped her round buttocks and pulled her against his hardness.

Miss Mallory—Addie, as he would think of her from now on—was an innocent, but she was no meek young girl. She allowed her own hands to roam over his back and shoulders, then allowed her fingers to play with the hair at his nape.

Grayson pulled back and scattered kisses over her jaw, neck, and the soft, sensitive skin under her ear. “You are so beautiful, so responsive.” Wandering into territory he should not traverse; he moved his hand to cup her generous breast. He rubbed his thumb over her already erect nipple. There was a soft moan. He wasn’t sure if it was him or her.

Addie sucked in a breath. “Oh, goodness, my lord. That feels wonderful.”

His tongue circled her ear, then he tugged gently on her earlobe with his teeth. “Grayson. My name is Grayson.” He blew softly into her ear. “Say it.”

“Grayson.” The word came out soft, whispery.

“My lord, Michael requests you read him a story.” Mrs. Banfield’s voice cut into his passion charged brain. “Oh, dear.”

Addie shoved him away and stared at him aghast. “My lord!” Her face was bright red and she was having a hard time accessing air, making her lovely breasts rise and fall.

Having had more experience with getting caught at inconvenient times, Grayson looked over at Mrs. Banfield who was grinning.

“Thank you, Mrs. Banfield, Please tell the lad I will be up shortly.”

She nodded and left the room. He looked at Addie, her palms covering her face. “Oh, I am humiliated. And ruined.”

Grayson gripped her elbow. She pulled back. He tried very hard to suppress his laughter because he knew she was embarrassed. But he felt elated. Wonderful. Excited. It all felt so right. She felt right. What he was going to do about it remained to be seen, but now he had to calm her down or she would march out of his life forever.

“Addie, please don’t be upset. I’m sorry that Mrs. Banfield interrupted us—”

Addie moaned.

“—But I am not sorry I kissed you. As I said, it was something I wanted to do from the moment we met.”

Addie looked up at him and took a deep breath. “Can you have your carriage brought around? I think I should go home.”

“Very well. But I will not send you home, I will escort you.” He was not about to let her go after what happened so she could dwell on it and probably sell her bookstore and move back with her parents.

She shook her head. “No. Michael is waiting for you.”