“Is my disguise so transparent then?” she asked in a small voice.
“Only to me, and only because I’ve done nothing but visualize your face since we met. If it’s any consolation, my butler, Poole, who is known for his discerning eye, never doubted for a minute that you were a boy. So I commend you on a job well done.”
He was rewarded with a hint of a smile. “You’ve comforted me yet again, my lord, and this time without need of a handkerchief.”
“I’m honored,” Dustin replied. Soberly, he assessed her delicate features, thinking to himself that even disguised as a boy, she was breathtaking—all that he’d remembered and more.
On impulse, he reached out, tugging at the brim of her cap, frowning when it wouldn’t budge. “Did you cut your hair?” he demanded.
She shook her head. “No. I wanted to. It would have been prudent, given the circumstances. However, Papa became irate at the prospect. So I compensated by pinning the cap on so securely it cannot fall free.”
“Take it off.”
“Lord Tyreham …” She glanced uneasily at the door.
His eyes darkened. “Two days ago it was Dustin.”
“That was before I knew who you were.”
“I’m the same man you met on the river walk. Only now you have a title to put alongside the name.” Swiftly, he crossed the room, turning the key to lock the door and protect Nicole’s secret. “I also have a surname. It’s Kingsley. As yours is Aldridge. Now, does that conclude all aspects of our introduction?”
“You’ve made your point, my lord—Dustin,” she amended, detecting the clenching of his jaw. “Now what is it you want from me?”
“From whom? Nicole Aldridge or Alden Stoddard?”
“Both.”
“Very well.” He walked slowly toward her. “From Alden Stoddard, I want answers.”
“That’s what I was afraid of, once you mentioned this mysterious incident you have yet to disclose.” Sighing, Nicole resettled her cap more firmly on her head. “So you were toying with me when you offered me the job.”
“You didn’t let me finish. I also want first place in the Derby. And I believe Stoddard is the man to hand it to me.”
“You were serious then?” Her chin shot up. “The job is mine?”
“Um-hum.” He stifled a grin—as well as a nearly unbearable urge to haul her against him and kiss her senseless. “If your father says you’re that good, you must be.” He continued toward her, halting only when mere inches separated them. “Is everything you said about being Aldridge’s protégé true?”
“Yes. I practically grew up in the stables.”
Dustin searched her face. “Why?”
“Because I adore horses. Because I come alive when I ride.”
“That wasn’t the question I wanted answered.”
“I suspected as much.” Nicole’s fists knotted at her sides, steeling her to deliver the necessary reply. “Which why did you require an answer to? Why am I dressed this way? Because the marquis of Tyreham couldn’t be expected to take me seriously as a female jockey. Why is my father taking this risk? Because he believes, as I do, that I’m a damned good rider. And why now? Because Papa’s life depends on it. Does that cover all your whys?”
Despite the menacing significance of her final words, Dustin chuckled. “You and Dagger should be a good match. You’re as fiery as he.”
Nicole blinked. “Nothing I just said surprised you, did it?”
“No.” He raised her clenched fist to his lips, unable to resist teasing her. “But I do think you owe me an apology for assuming I’d dismiss your riding abilities simply because you’re a woman.”
Now she looked totally stunned. “Have you given any thought to the consequences of allowing me to ride in the Derby?” Guilt tinged her cheeks as she realized how true her words were. “If not, you must. You’re renowned and
respected on the turf. You could be disqualified, penalized, if someone should see through—”
“They won’t.” His breath grazed her knuckles. “But I thank you for your integrity and your concern.” Kissing a path to her wrist, he smiled at the way her pulse accelerated at his touch. “I know what I’m doing, my fervent Derby contender. Fret not. Beneath my”—he raised his head, giving her a wicked grin—“handsome, well-bred, and devastatingly charming exterior lies a shrewd businessman, one who is hell-bent on winning. And winning means taking risks. I’m taking one with Dagger. I’m taking another with you. Both will pay off.”