#cleo brooks

[readtilyoudie]

When they were finally pronounced man and wife and he lifted her veil, she was slightly disappointed that he didn’t kiss her, but rather lifted her hand to his lips for a chaste caress. But it was his husky murmur in her ear that made her heart thump wildly once again. “I can’t wait to peel this dress off you, layer by layer. Your luscious body is all the gift I need this Christmas.”

Cleo’s face heated terribly, but wasn’t a blushing bride to be expected?

- A Bluestocking for Christmas by Tabetha Waite

[readtilyoudie]

He must have heard her soft entreaty, for he spun around to face her, his eyes narrowed as he stumbled forward a few steps. “Who are you?” he slurred.

She lifted her chin slightly. “Miss Cleo Brooks. We met last night at the Kershaw ball.”

He wavered on his feet, his face a mask of confusion. “Am I dreaming?” he blinked.

She couldn’t help herself. Her lips twitched. “I don’t believe so, my lord. You’re merely soused.”

“Ah, yes,” he muttered, and then looked at the bottle in his hand as if having forgotten he’d been holding it. “I didn’t wish to be like my sire, but apparently unable to find a shilling makes me rather...drunk.”

- A Bluestocking for Christmas by Tabetha Waite

[readtilyoudie]

As they took a turn about the ballroom, she turned to him and said, “I’ve been meaning to ask you about your library. I trust it suffered no ill effects from your recent...upset?”

He smiled. “Not at all. In fact, I just recently added to my collection.”

“Have you?” Her eyebrows lifted in interest.

He gave a mock groan. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those dreadful bluestockings who can’t be dragged away from her book.”

“I am,” she admitted, her eyes twinkling merrily. “In fact, I attend a book club at Lady Everly’s salon every month.”

“Heaven help me from a well-read woman,” he muttered.

But it was the delightful laugh that followed that brought about his answering grin.

- A Bluestocking for Christmas by Tabetha Waite