Page 35 of Scandal with a Sinful Scot

She smiled at the earl. “Sounds delicious, my lord.”

“Excellent. I hope you brought your appetites; be sure to tuck in.”

Everyone laughed.

“The flowers in the centerpiece are beautiful, my lord. What are they?” Abbie asked the earl. The orange, red, and yellow color scheme was attractive, as were their daisy-like petals.

“Cape heaths, from the south of Africa. A particular favorite of mine. Do you like them, Megan?” the earl asked.

She nodded. “I do, my lord. I adore flowers and plants.”

The earl snapped his napkin open and laid it across his lap. “Excellent. Pick a day next week and I will take you through our greenhouse and orangery. I should return from my journey by then.”

“Father and I are heading to Carrbury tomorrow morning for a short visit,” Tensbridge offered. “We thought it best to see Riordan in person and inform him of developments. Carrbury is south of here, in East Sussex. Riordan is schoolmaster there.”

“A schoolmaster? How lovely,” Megan stated. “Will I meet him soon, and your oldest son, my lord?”

It amazed Abbie how at ease her daughter seemed around the earl and viscount. If only she would extend it to Garrett.

A pained smile touched Tensbridge’s lips at the mention of Aidan. “Of course. Both are busy at the moment, but when they hear of you, they will be eager to make your acquaintance.”

Pleasant conversation continued as the courses were brought out, and Abbie was relieved when Megan finally asked Garrett a question about horses. Jonas joined the conversation as well, asking questions on breeding. Two hours passed swiftly.

When they had finished their meals, the earl stood. “I believe the gentlemen will forgo the brandy and cigars, and instead we shall all move to the parlor. Tea and coffee will be served, along with aperitifs and spirits.”

As everyone headed toward the parlor, Garrett clasped Abbie’s elbow and pulled her along the hallway into a vacant room. He closed the door, then swung her about until she found herself leaning against it, Garrett’s left hand lay flat on the wall near her head. Abbie could barely make out his features in the darkened room; only one gas lamp was lit in the corner. But he stood close enough that she could see his smoldering gaze, the green in his eyes glittering with emotions she could not name.

“All through dinner, I wanted nothing more than to push the dishes aside and lay you on the table. Lift the hem of your gown, touch you.” He kissed her with a ferocity that caused her stomach to drop clear to the floor.

The kisses trailed across her cheek to her neck, and she moaned. “When will I see you again? Tonight? How? Where?” he murmured as he nibbled on her earlobe.

Abbie could not think straight, her mind whirling. “I…I don’t know.”

He pressed his hard body against her, rotating his muscular hips against her so there was no mistaking his arousal. “I need you, Abbie. To be inside you.”

Where could they meet? Abbie could hardly smuggle him into her room; Megan was next door, and Alberta and Jonas not far away. They certainly hadn’t been quiet during lovemaking in the past; no doubt nothing had changed, if last night in his room was any indication. The stables were not a viable option; they would freeze, regardless of any woodstoves. The orangery? The greenhouse? Oh, he feels good. Clasping his broad shoulders, she inhaled. And smells good. It was a different cologne from before, but enticing. Sandalwood, or perhaps—

“Abbie. When?” His tone was pleading, desperation clear in his husky voice.

How tempting to say, “Here, against the door,” except Garrett would follow through on her suggestion without hesitation.

“Tomorrow night. Find a place we can meet far from the residences. A place not too chilly.” Abbie could no more deny him than she could deny herself. She wanted him, too. Most desperately. Who could think of caution when he was near? When he nibbled enticingly on her earlobe, causing shivers of desire to ripple through her?

Garrett captured her mouth once again, exploring, making her ache in places she thought would never ache again.

“Garrett, we must—”

He broke away, his chest heaving. “Rejoin the others? Before they suspect? Mo chridhe, they already suspect.”

She touched her flushed cheeks. “Well, perhaps it is wise we not give further evidence to the contrary.” This time she glanced down. Thankfully, his furry purse hid most of the evidence of his arousal.

“Staring at my sporran? Vixen.” He winked teasingly.

“Is that what the purse contraption is called, or are you referring to another appendage?” Abbie winked in return.

Garrett threw back his head and laughed. Tears clustered on her eyelashes, for she had not heard his masculine, full-throated laughter since they first met all those years ago. This is the Garrett she fell in love with upon first meeting. This is the Garrett she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Abbie would do all she could to see this lighthearted, happy man enjoy life, embrace love, and not become lost in the gloom of the curse ever again.

Her earlier conversation with Megan replayed in her mind. What was between her and Garrett was chaotic, passionate, invigorating, and because of it she must remain vigilant. Be open to the emotions swirling between them, but not allow herself to plunge headlong into this desire as she had all those years past. For she was scared witless that he would break her heart again. If he did, Abbie knew, this time she would never recover.