Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology, page 47
"It is bad luck to refuse a kiss." She moved closer until her lips were hovering near his. "Once all the berries are gone, there can be no more kisses."
He almost looked up to ensure there was an abundance of the white fruit, but he was unable to tear his gaze away from her. He also wanted to prolong this first kiss, reveling in the anticipation.
Impatience finally got the best of him. He leaned forward slightly and his lips met hers.
He meant it to be a brief kiss, an introduction of sorts, as well as an acknowledgment that they were still in a rather public spot. But she was so responsive that he did not know when he might end it. Her hands rested against his chest. She was not pushing him away, however. One hand clasped his lapel to ensure he did not retreat.
He finally managed to pull away, gratified when she bit her lip in disappointment. He grinned and reached up to pluck one of the mistletoe berries. "There are quite enough here to last the evening without need for rationing. Though I best ensure no one else saunters over for a kiss."
"I am certain I can stave them off. After all, I did rescue you once already."
Indeed she had.
Still, he wanted to converse with her without everyone milling about, tossing curious glances their direction. He also wanted more kisses and he did not want their newfound attraction to become the center of attention.
"Would you be amenable to a more private locale? I see a quiet nook nearby where we can converse."
Lorelei glanced over her shoulder, to the spot he had indicated with a nod of his head. "I suppose this is when I should warn you about unscrupulous behavior."
He pretended to frown. "I appreciate the warning, but I did not expect you to indulge in any sort of unscrupulous behavior."
As he'd hoped, it elicited another of her delightful laughs. Her expression was an intoxicating blend of amusement and indulgence, all of it directed at him.
"You have nothing to fear from me, Lorelei the temptress." He wanted to convince her of his sincerity, yet did not want to appear too serious. "I mean you no harm, and if I ever contemplated such a thing, the matchmaking earl himself would thrash me within an inch of my life."
He had unconsciously placed his hand on his heart during his speech. She lightly placed hers atop his and whispered, "There might not be anything left for him to thrash once I am done with you."
His burst of laughter caught everyone's attention. "Now that I am in fear for my life, I wonder if I dare to ask for another kiss?"
"Bring the mistletoe," she said with a grin, "and we shall determine how brave you can be."
Desmond reached up and removed the greenery from its fastening. He sighed with contentment when he saw just how many berries it contained.
His heart danced with eagerness at the numerous kisses they would share that evening.
Lorelei grinned at her handsome suitor as he led her to a nearby niche, intended for just such a lovers' hideaway. There was a small sofa, designed for two, as well as a branch of candles on tables at either side, illuminating while also creating intimate shadows. They could still view the dancers, and hear the orchestra, but tucked away as they were allowed for quieter conversation—as well as kissing.
He held her hand so gently, as if he was carrying a precious gift, and ensured she was seated before he sat down. Her heart fluttered, signaling how amenable it was to commence a flirtatious amour—those delicious moments that made life so enjoyable, brief as they always were.
"I wish I had thought to procure some wine," Desmond said. "Yet I cannot leave and risk that someone else will be attending you when I return."
She bit back a smile. "And I cannot go to seek out refreshment. For if I were to return and discovered you had expired, all because Miss Chatterling was here detailing her latest exploits—"
He pretended to shudder. "No, that will not do at all. We shall have to prepare better the next time."
That sent a frisson of excitement racing along her spine, though she knew how fruitless it was to consider the possibility of a next time. Best to enjoy the moments presented to her now.
A passing footman solved their dilemma. Desmond caught the man's attention and grabbed two glasses of wine, which he handed to Lorelei. Before the man could depart, he removed two more glasses. The footman remained impassive as Desmond said, "I think this should do for now."
Once the servant had left, Lorelei said, "I am not accustomed to drinking two glasses of wine at once."
"Nor am I," Desmond answered with a chuckle. He set both glasses on the table next to him. "Those shall be in reserve, if needed later."
She handed him one of the glasses. "To a most propitious meeting," she added.
He lightly tapped the edge against hers. "Indeed. One that almost did not occur." He took a sip of his wine. "I thought you had decided against it, actually."
"Did you? Because I was late?"
He nodded.
She felt a twinge of guilt. After all, she was not the one he was supposed to meet. But she brushed it aside, remembering the flighty young woman who had left with another man—making this wonderful one believe he had nearly been cast aside.
"It was an unavoidable delay," she said, "but I shall make it up to you." She sat forward slightly, her attention on his lapel. "Oh, dear. It appears as though one of those mistletoe berries is about to fall off."
He looked down at the cluster of mistletoe he had stuffed in his pocket before setting off for their current location. He plucked the errant berry. "Shall I kiss you, or will you kiss me?"
She pretended to ponder for a moment. She tilted her head, and glanced up at the ceiling. "Hmmm." She took a sip of wine and thought about it some more.
Desmond chuckled. "This poor berry will be shriveled until it resembles a currant before you decide."
"I did not want to rush through such an important decision," she said.
"If you contemplate each berry in the same fashion, it will be next Christmastide and we will still be working on this one bunch of mistletoe."
She could not hold back her laugh. She noticed how his eyes lit up at the sound. She suspected he intentionally made her laugh as often as possible, not just for his own enjoyment, but to bring her pleasure as well.
Lorelei touched his chin, holding him as she placed her mouth on his. It was a gentle kiss, longer than the first one they had shared, giving them the chance to explore, to learn what each of them needed in a kiss.
Neither of them were in any hurry to end it. It slowly grew more passionate, building to an intensity that nearly made Lorelei forget where she was.
She halted, leaning her forehead against his lips. He dotted kisses against her skin, which she knew was heated from the intimate contact with him. She did not move away, though.
"Now I can truly appreciate your foresight in hoarding the wine." She felt his smile against her skin, which was quickly followed by a gentle kiss. She tipped her head back. "You must forfeit a mistletoe berry for that kiss."
His eyes twinkled as he reached toward his pocket. "It is only fair." He removed another berry. "I just realized that each time I remove a berry, I still have it in hand. Does that entitle us to twice the kisses?"
"I had not considered that point." She laughed once more, delighted by her mystery man, and thrilled to have even more kisses to anticipate. "Now I cannot think of anything else."
"If that is the case, we might want to fortify ourselves with some wine." He handed her the glass she had set aside earlier, and she took a grateful sip.
The wine was a perfect accompaniment to the numerous kisses. Lorelei lost count of how many they shared. She only knew each one was more intoxicating than the wine, and it was not long before she was completely light-headed.
Desmond held out one last berry, clearly intending to redeem it for a kiss.
"It seems I must bid you farewell," she said. "Once all the berries are gone, remember?"
"Surely we can see each other again," he protested.
"Perhaps." She gave him one last kiss, lingering as long as possible. She finally ended the kiss, enjoying his little moan of protest, and his perplexed expression. "Or perhaps it would be best to say farewell now, before there is a chance of things turning sour."
"I propose we at least finish this bunch of mistletoe." He extracted a strand from another pocket.
"Where did that come from?"
His eyes twinkled with mischief. Instead of answering her question, he said, "It would be a shame for these berries to go to waste. After all, it is their destiny to bring potential lovers together."
Her heart began to beat a little faster at the thought of them as lovers. She knew full well she was not suited for a longer relationship. Her marriage had proved that. But surely a shorter liaison was not out of the question.
"How long do you think the berries will last?" Lorelei bit back a laugh as she watched him calculating what sort of timeframe she might agree to. "I would guess a week or two, at the most," she added. "I cannot promise anything beyond that."
He appeared taken aback by her response. "I have delivered a similar message in the past and never realized until now how disheartening it could be."
She laughed. "You have never been the recipient?"
"No." His lips pursed with momentary pique. "I never anticipated I would be."
"You are quite alluring, of course." She halted before confessing he nearly tempted her to see if it was possible to engage in something beyond a short affair. The wine, the anonymity of the mask, the intimacy of their lovers' nook, all of it was conspiring to make her lose her wits.
"I am gratified you think so." His eyes glittered once more, making Lorelei wonder if he was able to divine her thoughts. "I have been captivated by you since the moment you arrived."
Lorelei's heart pleaded with her to continue with this man. Fate had surely brought them together. After all, he had been intended for another, while she had merely attended so she could regale her sister with the details of the event. Yet now it seemed there was meant to be more for them. How could she possibly resist?
"It would be a shame for all of this attraction, and mistletoe, to go to waste," she said with a smile. "Still, it is only meant to last until Twelfth Night, and legend says it must be burned at that time."
"And if it is not?"
She gave him a brief kiss. "We are bound to quarrel before the year ends."
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close while he continued to press light kisses to her lips. "I have no wish to quarrel. Unless it is about how many kisses are to be used. We never did come to a decision on that question."
Lorelei slowly disengaged herself from his embrace, while she had the will to do so. "That shall be a quarrel for another day then."
His grin was a delicious one. It invited her to stay longer, but she knew it was best to leave now, when they were both filled with anticipation.
"Farewell, Desmond."
"I cannot say farewell until I know when we shall meet again."
"When I am not yet certain of. But where is easy." She whispered in his ear. "Meet me at the mistletoe."
Before he could ask her anything more, she spun away and raced towards the exit.
Chapter Three
"Martin, she is extraordinary. I will admit I had my doubts about your matchmaking skills at first. But I cannot imagine anyone could suit me better."
Lorelei.
She had picked a most suitable name for an alias, because she was beyond tempting. His thoughts had remained on her nearly every moment since she had departed. It was merely hours ago but it felt like an eternity. Especially since he was uncertain when he would see her again.
Desmond continued the stroll with his friend through the local village. Martin had suggested the jaunt, as he needed something from the apothecary, and did not in good conscience want to send one of his servants as they were already so busy with the numerous planned holiday events.
Martin beamed. "I was certain you would be a good match." He halted so he could peer into one of the shop windows. "Shall I invite both of you to tea so you can meet without your masks?"
"Of course. Without delay. I am impatient to see her again."
"We could have both of you arrive wearing your masks, and then there could be a dramatic unveiling—"
Desmond snorted, ready to deliver a blistering retort, but a delicious laugh rang through the air—one he had thought about constantly since he had first heard it the previous evening.
He whipped his head around, his heart thundering in his chest.
It was indeed the beauty from the night before. Even without the mask covering her eyes, he recognized the intriguing smile she had bestowed on him numerous times. That distinctive laugh could belong to no one but her.
In the next instant, however, his heart fell to his toes.
She was chasing after two young children, a young boy and girl, both of whom resembled her.
"I did not anticipate you would match me with a married woman, especially one with young children."
Martin frowned. "But I did not."
It was Desmond's turn to frown. "She is the woman I met last night. She had the torn card in hand as well."
"I do not know how she came to be in possession of it. But," Martin added cheerfully, "I will be happy to make the introductions now."
Before Desmond could decline, the young woman and children were walking by. She laughed at something the little girl said, and it sent a ripple of excitement through him, despite knowing it was foolhardy to pursue this attraction. Even a scoundrel such as he had some standards when it came to affairs of the heart.
"Mrs. Collins," Martin called out. "How are you this fine day?"
She turned their direction, and Desmond saw the pink of her cheeks deepen when she set eyes on him. Would she pretend she did not recognize him?
"I am quite fine, Lord Hartstone. We all are. Though I am second-guessing our decision to walk about the village today. It is a great deal colder than I anticipated."
"I like when it is cold," the little girl piped up.
"I do, too," the little boy added.
"It is no wonder I was outvoted on this excursion. I am surrounded by contrarians."
Martin quickly made the introductions, making no mention of his secretive matchmaking attempts. When Desmond heard her name – Lorelei – he felt a rush of satisfaction. She had not hidden her name from him.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Desmond said.
He could see she was debating whether to acknowledge she was well aware who he was. Her lips tilted up into a mischievous smile. "It almost seems as though we have met previously."
His grin widened. "I am glad to hear I am not the only one. Sometimes a bond forms instantly."
She visibly caught her breath, but before she could answer, the little boy said impatiently, "Auntie, we need to visit the shops. Mama will be waiting for us."
Auntie? Never had one word brought such joyous relief.
Martin chose that moment to resume the role of matchmaker. "You must come to a musicale we are having two nights from now," he said to Lorelei. "And your sister Beatrice is invited, as well."
"I would be delighted. Though she has not completely recovered from a terrible cold, so I cannot guarantee she will be able to join us."
"We will hope for the best," Martin said. He tossed a wink towards Desmond, one that only he could see. "Children, did you see the wooden animals in the window over here?"
They scampered to where he'd pointed, and he had to trot to keep up with them. Desmond could hear Martin answering their excited questions, cautioning them to keep their noses from the window, in case they were to freeze there.
Lorelei laughed at their horrified expressions. "I shall hear about this all afternoon."
"I am sorry to hear your sister is ailing. She must be gratified you are able to assist her."
"I am happy to help, since Caroline and Henry are always a delight. I almost wonder if my sister is pretending she has a cold to increase my time with them."
He grinned. "Is deception a family trait then?"
"I hope not. I am unskilled in that area. I am often told I am much too forthright."
"A quality I always admire."
Her expression clouded over. "It is why I must tell you, about last evening—"
His heart sank. He had hoped they would have more time before she cried off, explaining she was not interested in pursuing anything further.
"I was not the original recipient of the card I carried," she continued.
His lips lifted in a satisfied smile. "I just recently discovered that. Martin had agreed to use his matchmaking skills to assist me, only it appears the Fates intervened. I am grateful they did."
She returned the smile. "I am as well. His choice for you was not at all suitable."
"Indeed?"
"Well, she hardly could have been, since she ran off with another, placing the card in my hand."
He shrugged. "Fortunately she chose wisely. If she were here, I would lavish her with praise for that decision."
She tilted her head, and Desmond wondered what she was thinking. Was she pondering when they might meet again? He nearly asked, but her attention was diverted by her nephew calling out to her, waving his arm for her to join them.
She gave Desmond a brief smile and then took a step in that direction. Her foot slipped on a patch of ice, and her arms began to flail as she sought to regain her balance.
Desmond rushed forward, grabbing her from behind and wrapping his arms tightly about her waist, preventing a disastrous fall. Her swinging reticule hit him in the side of the head, but how could he protest? His face was against Lorelei's cheek. Despite the cold, her soft skin was delectable against his.
Desmond knew he would have to release her from his arms soon, yet he relished the impromptu embrace.
"I must thank you for your quick-witted rescue," she breathed, little puffs of air accompanying her words.
"I owed you nothing less after your quick-witted rescue of me last night."
She chuckled, slowly extracting herself, though it seemed her expression was wistful when she turned to look at him. "It is not at all the same. I selfishly wanted to kiss you beneath the mistletoe."
