He shook his head. “No, my lady. A kiss good night for every night we’re together for the rest of our married life and—” he drawled.
“And?”
“And a kiss good morning for every morning we’re together for the rest of our married life.” He dangled the offer like bait before a fish. “And I choose the time and place.”
Gillian thought it over. “That’s all?”
“If it isn’t enough, I could charge you for my services as lady’s maid.”
“That hardly seems fair,” she countered, “since I already pay a lady’s maid.”
“In London,” he reminded her. “Not here.”
She looked up at him. “I’m not sure the information is worth that much.”
“I am.”
“Prove it,” she challenged.
“First you must promise to abide by the terms of the agreement.”
“I promise.” This time she didn’t attempt to cross her heart.
“Then it’s a bargain.” Colin placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around so that she was headed back toward her bedchamber. He bent at the knees and pressed his lips against that vulnerable spot on the nape of her neck. “Good night, Gillian.”
He reached for the doorknob, intending to close the connecting door, but she stopped him.
“Please, leave it open.” She turned to face him.
“The light from my lamp may keep you awake,” he warned.
“I don’t mind the light,” she told him. “At least I’ll know you’re there. At least I’ll know I’m not alone.”
“You’re not alone, Gillian, I’m here.”
Chapter Twenty-two
“What is love? ’Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth has present laughter;
What’s to come is still unsure.
In delay there lies no plenty,
Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty;
Youth’s a stuff will not endure.”
—William Shakespeare, 1564-1616
Twelfth Night
“Move over.”
When Gillian opened her eyes and found herself staring at the underside of the ivory damask covering the frame of the half-tester bed. She gave a little squeak of protest and sat up as Colin walked over to the bed and flipped back the covers. “What are you doing?” she demanded, squirming against the feather mattress, fighting to tug her nightgown back down over her hips and legs.
“I’m climbing into bed with my wife,” he replied.