Page 75 of Managing the Major

When he continued to talk of the upcoming season, Octavia set down her glass and went to find Genevieve. Hopefully, Alastair was still in her company.

She discovered Alastair with Rafe, who greeted her enthusiastically.

“Blister it, Miss Merrick, what a race! Ehnes and I thought we had it for a moment, but your chestnut was game to the very end.”

“Is all well with the horses? No post-race injuries or worries?” Alastair asked.

“All three are fine, I hear. Lord Ehnes and the marquis both train at the Oaks, just east of the track, so they don’t have far to go. Firefox is all bandaged and set up to return to Audley’s shortly.”

“What are the arrangements for our return?” Alastair shifted weight, and she wondered if his leg was bothering him. It had been a long day for him.

“I believe Jerome will drive us back to the King’s Head. Hopefully, it’s soon, for I’m a bit fatigued and I think Genevieve and Evan will travel home from here.”

Alastair looked at her with concern. “Let me speak with Richard and find out when he intends to leave. Perhaps Jerome can take us now if your brother wishes to stay longer.”

“I’m sure Lord Ehnes will be more than happy to give Lord Seldon a seat to the hotel on his landau,” Rafe offered. “It was just the two of us coming over, and we’re staying until the end. I’ll wait with Miss Merrick, if you want to find the earl, Alastair.”

“Thank you both,” she said gratefully. Perhaps it was the excitement, or her early morning, but she wished for nothing more than a nap.

Rafe kept her entertained until Alastair returned. “Richard sent word for Jerome to fetch the horses and meet us outside. I think he will stay longer.”

She sent Alastair ahead and went to say goodbye to Genevieve and Evan, since she wouldn’t see them again until they returned to London on Wednesday.

Outside, Jerome waited at their landau with Richard and Alastair, grinning widely. “Now there, Miss Octavia, what did you think of our stallion? He’s a right good one, ain’t he? He ran his heart out, so ’e did!”

“Firefox certainly proved his mettle today.” Richard agreed. “I hope you made a good bet, Jerome.”

“Course I did! Naught a doubt he’d win, though them shenanigans near the post set me off.”

“Take Miss Merrick and Major Fairfax back to the hotel, Jerome, and Audley will see that Firefox gets home. Then, why don’t you take the rest of the afternoon off and enjoy the tavern with your friends?” Octavia could hardly believe her good fortune; she and Alastair would actually have some time alone.

The tiger lowered the step-down from the carriage. “No, sir, I won’t be goin’ to the likes of a tavern tonight,” he confided, winking conspiratorially. “I have summat else in mind, so I do.”

Richard sighed. “I’m sure you do. Be careful not to bring any trouble down on yourself.”

“Yer Lordship,” he said, greatly aggrieved, “you know Bath weren’t my fault! If only the young lady had told me she had a husband, I would na—”

“Jerome!” the earl said sharply.

Octavia dissolved in gales of laughter. When it subsided, she looked at Alastair, who had somehow kept a straight face, although the corners of his lips twitched.

Richard shook his head. “Tell Monsieur Françon we’ll have dinner at seven thirty, if you please, Major.”

When he had left, she turned to Jerome. “I’m feeling a bit of a chill, Jerome. Do you mind putting up the cover?”

“Now, miss—”

“And do walk the horses back. I fear the champagne had given me a headache, and the last thing I want is to be jostled.”

That night, Octavia decided to take dinner in her room. She had fibbed about a headache, but she really was tired. More than that, she wanted to be alone and recall each kiss she and Alastair had exchanged in great detail.

He was reluctant at first to take advantage of the situation and looked at her warily when she removed her bonnet and gloves. Even after she moved next to him and laid her hand on his trousered thigh, he inhaled sharply but still hesitated. Biting her lip indecisively, she considered kissing him first, but when his eyes darkened, fixing on her mouth, she knew the battle was won. It took little more than pressing closer and letting her hand drift lower before his breathing hitched and his sinfully curved mouth descended to hers.

After exchanging heated kisses, his tongue slipped between her lips, exploring so leisurely that she had to stifle a moan. She returned the intimate caress, and he released a knotted groan loud enough that she placed her fingers over his lips. He shocked and delighted her by taking each one into his mouth and sucking it until her breath came in short little pants. Only their lips had met, and she was already breathless with desire.

Luckily, Alastair came to his senses first and disentangled himself, leaving some space between them. He straightened his coat and adjusted his trousers. She looked down and saw the conspicuous bulge tenting his buttoned fall and felt a primitive satisfaction at his arousal. The carriage listed slightly, and Octavia realized they were turning into the courtyard of the hotel.

“Oh,” she gasped, reaching for her hat. Alastair tied the ribbons under her chin as she slipped on her gloves. Once she had moved back to the opposite side, the side of his mouth lifted in a lopsided smile.