Page 26 of Once Tempted

“And cats,” Minerva threw out.

“At least a dozen of those,” he promised, with another wink for his future wife.

“But what about our wager? Two nights ago, he was flirting with another woman!”

“But not last night. Last night, he was busy kissing me,” Minerva told him, and then dug into her breakfast plate a servant brought in, a slight blush forming on her cheeks.

Frederick held in a laugh. He had done far more than kiss her. He received his plate and threw the money across the table at Chase. “That reminds me. Here you go. Your winnings. Well done.”

Chase pushed the money back toward him, scowling. “I didn’t win.”

Frederick gaped and slowly took the money back from his friend. But as he watched Chase’s face color with discomfort, he had to wonder what happened. A failed bedding would explain Humphrey’s sour mood this morning…or was it something else? “Well, I did not try to win, and never intended to.”

Minerva sat forward and frowned. “But who spent the night in her bed? The servants say she had company.”

Chase’s face slowly turned red. “I would like to know that, too.”

Frederick threw a glance toward Minerva, suggesting they should drop the subject. His only concern was for his and Minnie’s future now. Twenty pounds would buy the special license and flowers for his bride. “Well, I have all the thrills I need right here with you, my dear.”

“Hard to believe she’d have you,” Chase muttered, frowning as he looked them over. “Never in my life would I have imagined my friend and m’sister. ’Tis a miracle.”

Frederick nodded. “Yes, a Christmas miracle indeed. Now, my love, when do we start decorating your brother’s house in earnest, and what do you need me to do to help? I plan to make this the best holiday ever.”

“It already is,” Minnie promised, reaching for his hand, and then his face to kiss him, while they both ignored the sounds her brother made as he spluttered about propriety and spoiling his breakfast.