“Eden, when I slip away to an elegant garden, it is merely to get a breath of air. I am not saying I am a monk, not at all. I just… Hell, we should not be talking about this.”
“No, I am curious. Please go on.”
“I had better not. It is highly inappropriate for your delicate ears.”
“Connor, I am going to step on your foot if you repeat that stupid remark.”
“All right, spare my feet. But my exploits are not nearly as exciting as most people think. That London set is more about ballrooms, boudoirs, and hallway niches. They are not keen on the outdoors.”
“I love the outdoors.”
“I know, but I am not talking about the respectable activities you engage in when out among nature.”
The women of his acquaintance were like indoor cats. They liked their creature comforts. They liked engaging in the sort of dances one performed in the bedroom. Sometimes, they liked itup against a wall. Or on a desk. On a floor. Just not outside, where one’s naked arse might get bitten by a gnat or crawled on by something hidden in the grass.
And when the deed was done, in whatever manner it was done, they liked the man to leave. No arms around each other or cuddling in bed or whispering sweet nothings in one’s ear—which suited him just fine, because there was no real intimacy involved. Deed done. Get the hell out.
“Honestly, Eden. Can we not just leave it at that? You are the only woman I have ever danced with in the moonlight. Why do you look disappointed?”
“Not disappointed, merely surprised.”
He twirled her around slowly. “Well, there you have it. Our rakish reputations are exaggerated. Have I not always said so?”
She nodded. “But it is hard to believe when everyone idolizes you.”
“We encourage the naughty rumors, I suppose. But I give you my oath that I have never danced with a young lady at midnight, or any other time of night, in a garden. Nor have I ever kissed a young lady in a garden. Nor—”
“Not even kissed a woman in a garden? Connor, how can this possibly be true?”
“I don’t know. It just is.” He twirled her again, but they got too close to another couple who were in the throes of a dance of a very different sort. He heard their moans as they were reaching their climax, and quickly steered Eden away. “Nor have I ever donethatin a moonlit garden.”
Eden buried her head against his shoulder and smothered a laugh. “I should be shocked,” she said, still chuckling. “I wonder who—”
“We are not going to pry,” Connor warned her. “I had better escort you back inside.”
“But the waltz hasn’t ended yet.”
“You still want to dance with me?” He was surprised, but it could be he was overly protective of Eden’s sensibilities. She was an intelligent woman, not an ignorant girl. Although she would never engage in such behavior, was it not condescending of him to think she would have a fit of the vapors over catching another couple in the act?
She sighed. “You don’t have to dance with me if you are tired of my company. But I’d like to sit out here on my own a little while longer.”
“Then I’ll stay too.” He made certain to move them away from the other couple, who seemed to have finished now, if their moans and groans were any indication.
He settled with Eden back on the stone bench where he had found her. He watched as she closed her eyes and embraced the music. Was this not the perfect moment to kiss her?
Yes, he was going to do it. Bother the consequences.
What was the worst that could happen? A compromising situation? Forced to marry Eden to protect her honor?
In truth, he would not mind this at all.
He was about to lower his head to hers when his mother’s stern voice cut through the night. “Connor!”
Hell in a handbasket.
Eden’s eyes had been closed and now flew open.
“Connor! There you are. I—” His mother came to an abrupt halt when she noticed Eden seated beside him. “I…I…”
