*Scarlett*
I have never heard anything more ridiculous in my life. His eyes twinkle with merriment, his hand, steady and sure, waits for mine.
“’Tis true,” he responds with such earnestness. “And you should know it to be true because I didn’t close my eyes.”
I nearly laugh again. Instead, I place my hand in his, ignoring the sense that it's returning home. I acknowledge the strength in him as he slowly lowers me to the ground, not that the power of his muscles comes as a surprise. I have felt them beneath my fingertips each time we have come together.
Once I'm situated, he crouches before me, balancing himself on the balls of his feet.
“I suppose your valet also likes the challenge of polishing your boots until they shine,” I tease.
“He is fastidious about my boots.” He chuckles.
I
