“But you do not believe you will find love with a man?”he asked, intrigued.He did not like that she expected so little for herself.
Selena shook her head.“I do not know.I might fall in love one day, but I do not plan on it.”
“One does not plan to fall in love,” he said sardonically.“As I have been told, it just happens, whether we like it or not.”He motioned to the play.“In contradiction to the title, As You Like It.It would most definitely not be as we like it.”
“Perhaps,” she replied thoughtfully.“This has turned into quite the philosophical discussion.”
“Indeed.I do not know about you, but I had no desire to attend a house party at Christmastide.”
She sighed.“Nor did I.I feel as if my Christmastide solitude was stolen from me, but I honor my commitments.Emma wished to have me here, and I endeavor to be a good friend.So, here I am.”
Kingston smiled.“How about we make a pact.”
Selena narrowed her gaze.“What sort of pact?”
He chuckled softly.She was right to be cautious.Though she could not read his thoughts, he suspected she might have an inkling of what he was considering.He wanted to kiss her, but he would not give in to that urge.Not yet.Before the end of the house party, however, he might indeed yield to that temptation and taste those enticing lips of hers.If he were lucky, he might even find an opportune sprig of mistletoe to justify it.Something told him he might be that fortunate.He could be patient.
“Since neither of us enjoys our current predicament,” he began, “and neither of us has much patience for the niceties of social gatherings, we should use this time to become better acquainted.”
“That might prove to be a foolish endeavor,” she replied, flashing him a coy smile.“What if you fall in love with me, Your Grace?Then what would happen?”
“That is unlikely,” he assured her, though he knew full well that if he did, he would be prepared to marry her.He simply didn’t offer that part.“I do not believe in love, even if my friends claim to experience such an emotion.”It sounded reasonable enough, and he hoped it sounded convincing.
Selena considered his proposal, then slowly nodded.“Very well,” she said.“We can spend some time together.But I am not committing to the entire house party.I might wish to be alone, and, truth be told, you are insufferable at times.”
His lips twitched at her honesty.How refreshing… “Now that we’ve settled that…” He held up her book.“I’ll return this to you on one condition.”
“I fear what that might be,” she replied, frowning.“Go ahead—tell me your demand.”
“I insist, once again, that you refrain from addressing me as ‘Your Grace.’My name is Kingston.Use it.”He wiggled the book before her.“Do you agree?”
Selena tapped her chin thoughtfully.“I could always find a new book.”
“And I’d steal that one, too.”He was not above using any means necessary to get his way.He hated all the ‘Your Grace’ nonsense.
“Oh, very well.”She blew out a breath and then, begrudgingly, said, “Kingston, may I please have my book back?”
He held it out to her, and she snatched it from his hands, then leapt out of his reach.“I must go,” she said, nodding at him.“Until we meet again, Your Grace.”Her cheeky grin was all he saw before she darted out of the room.Lord above, but he adored her.He was in so much trouble.
Four
Selena strolled into the foyer and glanced around.Several guests appeared to be preparing to go outdoors.She narrowed her gaze, trying to discern why they suddenly thought this was a brilliant idea.It might not be entirely absurd, but generally, these society types did not venture outdoors in frigid weather without a good reason.They all liked their creature comforts.Not that Selena blamed them; she didn’t particularly enjoy cold weather herself—especially when the wet, icy snow was involved.
She took a moment to glance out the window.It had definitely snowed recently.That would mean dealing with the white menace if one decided to brave the cold.She nibbled on her bottom lip, debating whether or not to join them.There had to be a reason they were all going outside, and her curiosity might just get the best of her.
“What is so fascinating?”Kingston asked, his voice a low rumble behind her.
Selena turned to meet the duke’s gaze, as striking as she remembered.No matter how she tried to forget his handsome features, it seemed impossible.She had also started to refer to him by his given name—at least in her mind.That one time she’d said it aloud did not count.
“I would not presume to know,” she replied honestly.“Do you know why everyone has decided to go outdoors today?”
His smile lit up his face, and she drew in a sharp breath.That smile nearly stole her ability to breathe.This man was devastating to her sense of independence.If she didn’t keep reminding herself that she was decidedly uninterested in marriage—especially to a duke—she might find herself falling for his easy charm and handsome visage.“I may have some knowledge you would find helpful,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Selena narrowed her gaze.“Tell me,” she demanded.
“And why should I?”He lifted a brow, a rogue’s grin playing on his lips.
The scoundrel was teasing her.How silly it was that Selena actually enjoyed their exchange.She tilted her head to the side, pretending to consider his question.Besides, it gave her an excuse to gaze at him without looking foolish.Then she decided to take a different tack altogether.“Fine.Don’t tell me.Keep your secrets.”
