“Oh, my!” Willow opened her eyes to behold a golden-striped kitten curled in a wispy ball between her hands, its sweet little face tilted up at her. One eye blinked, and a tiny pink tongue shot out for a taste of Willow’s fingertip. “Oh . . . oh, how delightful!”
She raised her gaze to Bryce’s eager expression. “Now that they are old enough to leave their mama, I took the liberty of selecting this one for you.” He smiled a little self-consciously. “You see, she reminded me of you, all golden and sweet and ladylike, but with a spark of spirit I doubt many people recognize.”
Willow’s throat tightened. “You are so very correct,” she whispered. “Most people don’t see it.”
“I do. I have from the first.” He leaned closer, bringing his masculine heat to scramble her senses. He reached out a scarred finger to stroke the kitten’s tiny head. “Do you like her?”
“Oh . . .” She brought the kitten to her lips and kissed the top of its silky head exactly where Bryce had touched it. Then she nudged its nose with her own. “I positively love her. Kittens are my favorite things. How did you know?”
“One has only to look at you, Willow, to see the obvious.”
“I cannot thank you enough.” Not for the kitten, and not for his ability to see what other people missed. How tired she had grown of always being the most proper sister, the patient sister. The sister who always smiled, rarely complained, and never, ever experienced adventures of her own. Nestling the kitten between her belly and the crook of her arm, she reached out the other hand to him. “Thank you, my lord. Thank you so very much.”
“Bryce. I insist.” He took her hand in his own, gently at first, and then with a tug drew her to him. With their bodies touching and their hearts practically pounding in unison, he held her chin in place and kissed her soundly, as she had never been kissed before, as she had dreamed of being kissed—by him and only him—these many weeks.
When he lifted his lips from hers, her elation was such that she couldn’t help grinning up at him, nor could he seem to stop himself from grinning back. Their sudden laughter startled the kitten, who dug her sharp little claws into Willow’s sleeve.
“Ouch!” Still laughing, she removed her free hand from Bryce’s steady shoulder and hugged his darling gift to her bosom. “Bryce, will you stay for tea and help me name her?”
“I did so hope you’d ask.”
And just like that, Willow’s own adventure began.
OTHER BOOKS BY ALLISON CHASE
Her Majesty’s Secret Servants Series
Most Eagerly Yours
Outrageously Yours
The Blackheath Moor Series
Dark Obsession
Dark Temptation
Recklessly Yours Page 38